Boitumelong’s top achiever honoured

By Malebo Debeila

Boitumelong Secondary School is proud of its 2014 matric pupil, Rufus Seopa, who received a prestigious award from Emperors Palace on Thursday last week.

Seopa received an award for being the best pupil in mathematics in Gauteng. He took fourth place, out of 10.

He was also honoured at the Gauteng’s 2014 top achievers by the Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, and again at the Ekurhuleni Excellence Awards of 2014.

He finished 11th out of 15 at the Ekurhuleni Excellence Awards of 2014.

He obtained 100 percent in mathematics, 95 percent for Physical Science, 91 percent for Accounting, 85 percent for Life Science and 85 percent for Life Orientation.

Seopa (18), who is a mining engineering student at the University of Witwatersrand, was awarded a bursary from Standard Bank, the Gauteng City Region Academy and Emperors Palace.

“I worked hard to achieved the results. I started preparing for my matric year while in grade 11,” said Rufus.

He said he was extremely excited to have obtained the marks.

“I am a focused student with goals. I always make sure I achieve my goals, no matter what the circumstances are. I enjoy studying with pupils who obtain high marks so that I can learn from them. Again, I shared my knowledge with pupils who had lower grades,” he said.

Seopa added that he decided to study mining engineering because he looked at the sectors which affect the South African economy.

“After all, I love it so much,” he said.

His message to pupils is to not waste time and to start working hard from January if they want to make it.

“Pupils should have perseverance with regards to their education and teachers,” he said.

Boitumelong Secondary School,’s English teacher, Mr Peter Gondwe, said Rufus was the best pupil ever in the school.

“I am surprised he did not get distinctions in all his subjects. He was an excellent pupil, who was hard working. He made us proud as a school,” he said.