Mayor of Moretele local municipality, Mr Andries Monageng, yesterday awarded twenty bursaries to top achievers from the class of 2017 matric for their academic brilliance.
The students received bursaries worth R20 000 in cash to be used for tuition, books and registration.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Mathibestad hall, the Mayor applauded the class of 2017 matriculants for achieving distinctions under difficult conditions because most of them come from disadvantaged families.
“We saw it fitting to motivate our kids to work hard and focus on positive thinking instead of things that will waste their time,” said the Mayor.
Kabelo Molefe of Thulare High School, was an outstanding student in the Moretele municipality with seven distinctions, unfortunately he was not available to receive his award and cheque.
Dimakatso Ngobeni, who came second from the Moretele municipality with five distinctions, said it was not an easy journey but he made it because he used to assist other students with problematic subjects.
“I am going to be studying mechanical engineering at the University of Johannesburg and this money will ease my burden as I am from a poor family,” said a teary Dimakatso.
Other learners who received awards for their academic excellence are, Belinda Shiburi, Tshepang Mahlangu and Bongani Ntsweng.
The Mayor also awarded top best five performing schools from the municipality, Ikageng High that achieved a 100% pass rate without any progressed leaner, Bafedile high with 93.3%, Mamodibi with 92.9%, Nolwane with 91.7% and Bodumedi with 89%.
Mayor Monageng encouraged parents to be involved in helping teachers to help their children to produce good results by getting involved in their academic life and by supporting them.
He further wished the class of 2018 all the best in the new academic year, and highlighted a need to fight teenage pregnancy and drug abuse in schools with a programme that he has started called ‘Re bona ka leitlho’.
