LIMPOPO – All Saints College held an award ceremony on Friday, March 28, to honour its top 2024 matric learner, Rirhandzu Nkuna.

Nkuna was awarded R10 000 for achieving the best results in the 2024 final examinations.

The school’s principal, Chatindo Rangarirayi, praised Nkuna’s remarkable improvement and dedication. “She deserved this award as she achieved the best quality results out of all the pupils,” he said.

He also stated that this award ceremony is an annual event introduced in 2022 to recognise outstanding academic excellence.

Rangarirayi highlighted Nkuna’s academic journey, noting that she initially ranked in the top 20 out of 145 learners in Gr 11 when she joined the school.

“As we are the best school, we ensure that our learners become the best. That is why she is now achieving great results. Our school is not just a place of learning, it is a home of excellence, dedication, and endless possibilities. We are the best because we believe in unlocking the full potential of every learner,” he added.

Nkuna expressed her gratitude and described the award as a great honour. “Receiving this prestigious award is an incredible validation of my hard work and determination. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all my future endeavours,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges she faced during her final year, including the pressure of maintaining good grades, preparing for university, and planning her future. “Overcoming these challenges involved better time management, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts, and seeking help from my teachers and principal, who were always available when needed,” Nkuna explained.

She is currently pursuing a BCom in accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg, which is a programme she believes aligns with her passion and long-term goals.

Her mother, Olivia Nkuna, expressed immense pride in her daughter’s achievement. “Words cannot express how proud we are. We give glory to God for this blessing, viewing it as a precious treasure granted to our family,” she said.

She also extended her gratitude to the school. “As the Nkuna family, we would like to thank the board of the school, the principal, the circuit manager, and the entire All Saints team for their hard work, dedication, and unity in nurturing our daughter’s growth,” said the mother.

“We anticipated these results because of the determination and commitment our daughter has consistently shown. From a young age, her dedication and resilience have been evident, and we have always believed she is destined for great things,” she concluded.