Top achievers honoured by Gauteng MEC

Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, honoured 120 children from the foster care programme, government-run, and funded Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) for their outstanding performance in the 2024 matric exams.

These young achievers demonstrated remarkable resilience despite facing challenging circumstances, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having been in Grade Eight at the height of the pandemic, many experienced significant learning disruptions, relying on virtual and online education with limited resources.

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Speaking at the event held at Emperors Palace, Mazibuko commended the learners for their determination and encouraged them to stay focused as they transition to higher education.

“When you get to institutions of higher learning, don’t change your attitude. Continue to be obedient to your foster parents and keep in touch because they are still your parents,” she said.

She further urged the students to seek support when adjusting to new environments.

“Don’t be despondent when you find yourself alone in a new space. Our department has skills development programmes that can assist you further,” she added.

The MEC also expressed her gratitude to foster parents for their unwavering commitment to guiding and supporting the children under their care despite the challenges they face.

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As part of the recognition, the department presented the learners with essential gadgets, including smartwatches, to support their post-matric education.

One of the honoured learners, 18-year-old Mpanga Mumba, originally from the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), shared his inspiring journey.

“We came to South Africa with my parents, who later separated. My sister and I were left alone until our pastor took me to Kids Haven (CYCC), while my sister was placed with foster parents,” he said.

Despite these hardships, Mumba excelled in his studies, earning two distinctions.

“Today, I am grateful because I believe these results will help me build a better future. I am also thankful to Kids Haven and the Department of Social Development for taking care of me and my sister,” he said.

Mumba is in the process of obtaining his passport from the DRC to pursue further studies.