The community of Silobela, Carolina came out in numbers to congratulate and celebrate with the top 10 Grade 12 pupils of 2013 at a function organised by the staff of Zinikeleni Secondary School recently.
The school achieved a record high pass rate of 97 per cent compared to the previous year’s 74 per cent.
The principal, Mr A.M. Mngomezulu, was full of praise for the class of 2013 for their commitment and dedication throughout the year.
He further praised the active and hands-on participation and involvement of the teachers and the good working relations with the School Governing Body (SGB) and parents.Among the guests of honour was a local dentist, Dr H.J. Mabasa, who is also one of the sponsors at the school, and Mr Eliot Mahlangu, representative from Pembani Coal, who reaffirmed their commitment to community upliftment by offering a bursary to the top-performing pupil, Ayanda Ndlovu.Local optometrist and businessman Dr Mudau and his wife, Rosa, who have been involved with the school for a number of years by hosting quarterly motivational talks with Grade 12 learners, offered cash prizes to the five top-performing pupils. The Mudaus have also in the past taken academically deserving pupils that lacked financial support to institutions of higher learning.
“The cash prize idea is not to buy or pay the pupils, but to give back to the very community that supports our business, because your support enables us to also give back to you as the community,” said Dr Mudau.
Executive Mayor of the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Ms B.P. Shiba, congratulated the achievers and encouraged them to do well wherever they go as they represent the community of Silobela. Meanwhile, teachers who achieved 100 per cent and distinctions in their learning areas were also recognised and awarded certificates of appreciation.
Zinikeleni Secondary School is in position one in the Carolina circuit for their 97 per cent pass rate. 108 candidates were registered, 101 wrote the final exams, 98 passed and three failed, but qualify for supplementary exams.
