Mines honour pupils and educators for hard work
Best performing pupils, hard-working teachers and committed principals were honoured during Ngwaabe Circuit’s matric awards ceremony at Tubatse Chrome Club in Steelpoort on Monday night.

The event was organised by Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) in partnership with Glencore. Attendees included circuit managers from the Sekhukhune East District, management from DCM and Glencore, educators, school management teams, officials from the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, representatives from teachers unions, 2022 matric pupils and their parents.

The big winner was Tshepang Malekane of Gobetse Secondary School, who took home the award of top learner in the Ngwaabe Circuit. Among his prizes was a laptop, stationery, and a R25 000 voucher.

The top three best schools from the circuit, namely Gobetse (first), Kgahlanong (second) and, Sengange (third) were also rewarded with vouchers worth R60 000. Gobetse achieved a 84.7% matric pass rate. The school was also handed a projector and a smartboard.

The best teachers in all matric subjects were also gifted by the two mines. Speaking on behalf of the DCM, Tlotlego Mokgoko congratulated the learners who had excelled in the 2022 matric results.

“We will like to applaud the hard work by the Ngwaabe Circuit. The pupils we are honouring took a collective effort and decision to study hard, regardless of the challenges they had faced in 2022.”

He said DCM has programmes lined up to improve education in the circuit. “We will continue partnering with the circuit and try to improve the matric results and the standard of education for the better. Our aim is to see Ngwaabe being among the top circuits in Limpopo.”

Glencore’s Forster Maloka shared Mokgoko sentiments. “We urge circuit managers to come forth with ideas with which local mines can invest in education. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Maloka urged the matriculants to continue studying hard at universities and tertiary institutions in order to improve the local economy and to acquire top jobs.

Gobetse achieved a 84.7% matric pass rate. The school was also handed a projector and a smartboard.
The best teachers in all matric subjects were also gifted by the two mines. Speaking on behalf of the DCM, Tlotlego Mokgoko congratulated the learners who had excelled in the 2022 matric results.

“We will like to applaud the hard work by the Ngwaabe Circuit. The pupils we are honouring took a collective effort and decision to study hard, regardless of the challenges they had faced in 2022.”
He said DCM has programmes lined up to improve education in the circuit. “We will continue partnering with the circuit and try to improve the matric results and the standard of education for the better. Our aim is to see Ngwaabe being among the top circuits in Limpopo.”

Glencore’s Forster Maloka shared Mokgoko sentiments. “We urge circuit managers to come forth with ideas with which local mines can invest in education. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Maloka urged the matriculants to continue studying hard at universities and tertiary institutions in order to improve the local economy and to acquire top jobs.

Circuit manager Madikgake Masha encouraged the principals and educators to improve. “Those who underachieved can learn from schools such as Gobetse and Kgahlanong. Seek advice and work hard to improve your results. The target is to see local schools on top.”
Masha thanked the mines investing in education. “We are thankful for what these mines are contributing to local communities. We plead with them to continue supporting this circuit.”

Motivational speakers and former learners who had previously received bursaries from the local mines took turns advising the pupils about life at tertiary institutions. The learners were urged to avoid peer pressure, and to study in groups in order to complete their courses.