VIN is a non-profit organisation (NPO) established in 2012 by academics from Mulati, Mafarana, Ntsako, Bonn and Sedan villages. They provide mentoring and coaching support to matriculants from the five villages. They focus on learners at Professor Shiluvane High School, Cata High School, Sedan Senior Secondary School, and Scotch Maboko Secondary School.

The event on Friday, February 2 at Professor in Bonn village was attended by more than 2000 learners from eight schools within the Mafarana Circuit. The learners were enlightened on subject choices, university applications and professions, such as programming and pharmacy among others. The next day the Gr 12 class of 2023’s top-performing learners from the four schools were honoured for their hard work at a glamorous event.

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Xihluke Khumalo was named the best-performing learner among the four schools after obtaining six distinctions and an 89% average. He walked away with a R10 000 cheque, a trophy, and a laptop. Second was Ndzalama Shipalana who received a R7500 cheque, trophy, and a laptop. In third position was Mfanelo Shingange who walked away with a R5000 cheque and a trophy.

Sedan High School was named the best-performing school for two consecutive years with a 97% pass rate, an improvement of 7% from 2022’s 90%. The principal of Sedan, Winter Mavulwana, told the Herald that their goal for this year is to obtain a 100% pass. A lifetime achievement award was given to Gilbert Mhlongo who has contributed greatly to education in the villages as an educator and a principal.

Sydney Shikwambana, chairperson of VIN, said he is pleased with how the twoday event went, although they received more learners than expected. Greater Tzaneen Municipality Mayor Gerson Molapisane promised 10 bursaries to the best-performing learners. Mama Beka Ntsanwisi inspired the learners with a motivational talk.