For the matric class of 2016 at Mandisa Shiceka High School in Kagiso, exceeding their expectations was a common goal.
They also proved that no matter what circumstances you live in, you can still achieve your goals. Being from poverty-stricken backgrounds, not having parents, coming from child-headed households and having single or unemployed parents are just some of the social ills that these learners face and have to overcome.
With a 98,13 per cent pass rate, these learners and teachers should be proud of their hard work. The educators at this school are distinctly motivated and give their all. At the end of last year, 293 learners sat down for their final examinations and 148 of them passed with university exemption. This diligent group of youngsters achieved high marks in all their subjects, while the school’s gem, Richard Zitha of Tshepisong West, obtained distinctions for all seven of his subjects and received a full bursary and an additional R15 000 from Grace Bible Church, and trophies of excellence from the District Mayor, Councillor Mpho Nawa.
Richard achieved 99 per cent for geography, beating every school in the province, including the West Rand’s township schools, in the subject. The school’s runners-up were five learners with five distinctions each. All of them have distinctions in mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences and geography.
“Social challenges are the only obstacles that hold these dedicated learners back; however, they never let their circumstances define them and how they should live their lives,” said the School Governing Body chairperson, Vuyisile Dladla.
To keep fit, the school has soccer, netball and rugby teams, but not on a full scale, as time is not on their side due to many learners coming from as far afield as Munsieville, Tshepisong, Swaneville and other areas of the West Rand.
Read more here
Pupils put a smile on some elderly’s dial
