The phrase "hard work pays off" is a powerful motivator, famously illustrated by Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000 Hours Rule” in Outliers: The Story of Success. This rule suggests that dedicating 10,000 hours to practising a skill will make you an expert, implying that success and progress stem from investing significant time and effort. While this notion is inspiring, it overlooks a crucial reality: not everyone starts from the same place. In South Africa, for instance, the pursuit of success through hard work is frequently constrained by deep-seated inequalities rooted in the country’s history. Despite the progressive ideals outlined in the South African Constitution, the enduring legacy of apartheid and colonialism continues to impose significant barriers. These systemic issues restrict opportunities and limit advancement for many individuals.