From survival to solution

When Matome Lethwane arrived at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2019, he carried with him a dream shared by many young people in the developing world: to build a better future through education.

What he did not anticipate was just how fragile that dream would become, or how those very struggles would one day inspire him to build something that could change the student experience for thousands.

This week, as he graduates with a degree in computer science and business computing, Matome’s story is not only one of perseverance – it is also one of innovation born from adversity: the creation of VarsityLink, a student-driven platform designed to connect, support and empower university students across South Africa and beyond.

Born in Ga-Modjadji in Limpopo and raised largely in Soweto, Matome grew up in a household led by his mother, surrounded by strong women: his aunts, grandmother and great-grandmother. As the only child and the only boy in the home, he learned resilience early on.

His interest in technology was sparked by his uncle, Thabiso Lethwane, who worked as a software developer. “He would come back and show me what he built,” Matome recalled. “I was like, this is cool, I want to learn how to do that.”

“I started realising the support within the institution is actually there. You just have to find it.”

That curiosity led him to UCT, a place he describes as “the best university in Africa”. But the transition proved overwhelming.

“The pace was very fast,” he said. “At university, you must apply yourself. It doesn’t end in the classroom.”

Academically, he struggled in his first year. At the same time, his mother lost her job, placing additional financial strain on the family. Although he initially had funding, his academic difficulties led him to repeat his first year, the first of many setbacks.

When everything falls apart

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 deepened his challenges. Back home, the environment was not conducive to studying.

“There were no resources; no libraries nearby. It was just an up-and-down kind of environment,” he said.

That year, he lost his funding altogether.

What followed was a period marked by instability and hardship. Each academic year began with uncertainty, as financial blocks delayed his registration. By the time these were resolved, he was often weeks behind.

“You’re already in the sixth week of the semester,” he explained. “There’s no way you can catch up just like that.”

The pressure took a toll on his mental health. Matome experienced anxiety and panic attacks, eventually requiring hospitalisation. At the same time, he was navigating deeply personal challenges at home, including his mother’s mental health struggles.

“I experienced things I never thought I would experience,” he said.

“I started realising the support within the institution is actually there. You just have to find it.”

Seeking help marked a turning point. Through medication and support from UCT’s Student Wellness Service, he began to stabilise. More importantly, he discovered that support systems existed, if one knew where to look.

“I started realising the support within the institution is actually there,” he said. “You just have to find it.”

For Matome, survival often came down to something as basic as food. Campus food programmes became a lifeline, providing meals during periods when he had no income or support from home.

“You know how difficult it is to study when there’s no food,” he said. “It’s very hard.”

While the assistance was sometimes limited, it made a critical difference. “At least you don’t sleep hungry,” he said.

These experiences – of hunger, isolation and systemic barriers – would later shape the thinking behind VarsityLink.

Turning pain into purpose

During these challenges, Matome made a decision that would redefine his journey.

Instead of succumbing to frustration, he and fellow computer science student Ntandoyabalele Mngomezulu began working on an idea: a platform built by students for students.

“We decided to start something instead of just being angry,” he said.

The result was VarsityLink, a digital platform designed to bring together students from across South Africa in one central, verified space.

Unlike mainstream social platforms, VarsityLink is exclusively for students, with users verified through their university email addresses. The aim is simple but powerful: to integrate academic, social and everyday student needs into a single ecosystem.

Among its key features is a peer-to-peer tutoring system, which allows students to connect directly with tutors.

“There’s no middleman,” Matome explained. “The tutor earns 100% of what they charge, and it makes it more affordable for students.”

The platform also enables users to share resources – form study groups, and build networks, addressing the very gaps Matome experienced during his own struggles.

“Anything of a student nature, you can find it there,” he said.

Growing impact

Despite being developed under difficult circumstances, including periods when both founders faced financial exclusion from university, VarsityLink has gained traction.

The platform reached the finals of a UCT student innovation competition and has since established partnerships within the university, including collaborations aimed at improving student access to affordable resources such as academic merchandise.

With thousands of users already on the platform, Matome has ambitious plans for growth.

“We’re expecting to reach at least 100 000 users by the end of 2026,” he said.

But beyond numbers, the platform represents something deeper: a reimagining of student support systems, driven by lived experience.

“People see the results. But what happened behind them is far beyond what they think.”

Now, after years of setbacks, Matome is preparing to graduate, a milestone that once seemed out of reach.

His journey was made possible in part by an unexpected act of generosity when a donor stepped in to settle his outstanding fees, allowing him to complete his studies and attend his graduation ceremony.

For Matome, the moment is both personal and symbolic.

“Without finishing the degree, things would have gotten worse,” he said. “I had to put myself together.”

Reflecting on his journey, Matome speaks less about success and more about endurance.

“No matter how much life throws at you, you must find a way to manoeuvre,” he said. “People see the results. But what happened behind them is far beyond what they think.”