The district manager, Philipine Modika, hosted the top circuit managers and schools at the Letaba Junction restaurant in Letsitele recently.

The top five circuits are Tzaneen, Nkowankowa, Xihoko, Khujwana and Shiluvane respectively.

Modika applauded their determination and commitment despite the challenges which came with the pandemic.

“The year 2020 was a tough one for all of us.

Academically we lost school days and we were forced to adjust to the new normal,” he said.

Also read: Mopani awards excellent learners and schools

The sixteen schools that were celebrated were Merensky High School, St George’s College, Meridian Combined School, Phangasasa Senior Secondary School, Mapheto Secondary School, Matseutseu Secondary School, Ramatau Secondary, Madie Repeat-Part time, Rainbow Combined School, Hoedspruit Highschool, Gwambeni High School, Lowveld Academy Tzaneen (Helmeg), Ben Vorster High School, Matlhari High School, Dipone Senior Secondary and Sekaba Secondary School, respectively.

Also read: Circuit honours excellence Out of the 13 circuits in the district, eight under performed.

Modika challenged schools to strive for a 100% pass rate.

Onica Dederen, deputy director-general in the provincial department, encouraged principals to start working with their deputies.

She also urged them to start motivating matrics early and not to wait until they start to write exams.