On February 6, the Mashishing Circuit, in partnership with Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine, Two Rivers Platinum, Northam Booysendal and Anglo-American Platinum Mine, hosted the Mashishing Circuit Achievers Awards 2025 at Hoërskool Lydenburg. The aim of the event was to celebrate schools, educators and learners for their continued commitment towards quality education.

This prestigious event also celebrated the remarkable academic achievement of the Mashishing Circuit’s Class of 2024. They achieved a 94.8% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate Exams, making them the top-performing circuit in the Bohlabela District.

This joint partnership by Eastern Limb Mines in supporting education within the communities they operate, emanates from the understanding that quality education is not a societal obligation, but a partnership strategy that yields substantial growth for learners, communities and the nation at large.

Among many key speakers on the day was the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Friddah Nkadimeng, who commended the teachers for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment towards the learners’ education, and also recognised the role parents and guardians played in supporting learners during the 2024 academic year.

“As the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, we commend the circuit’s decision to continue hosting such a prestigious event, recognising and rewarding teachers and learners for their outstanding work. Recognition is a powerful motivator that inspires individuals to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on others’ lives,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the mines was Northam Booysendal’s Human Resources Manager, Ziningi Shezi, who resonated with Nkadimeng’s message. She said: “As one of the sponsors of this event, we did not only invest in the learners but also in the educators who mould and inspire young minds everyday. You do more than teaching – you nurture potential, instil discipline and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, and that is greatly appreciated.”

She emphasised the company’s motto ‘I have your back’, and declared its continuous commitment to supporting education and all the teachers who make it possible.

A summary of the awards:

• With achieving a 100% matric pass rate in 2024, Hoërskool Lydenburg received an award for the school with the most number of distinctions and bachelor’s passes in the circuit.

• Thaba Chweu Boarding School and Mashishing Secondary School were recognised for their improved results.

• Mahlatse Mkhabela-Nkosi of Skhila Secondary School received an award for best educator in the circuit, having achieved a 100% pass rate in Sepedi language.

• The top learners in the circuit were awarded educational vouchers sponsored by Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine and laptops sponsored by Anglo American Platinum, while Two Rivers Platinum contributed funds to ensure the success of the excellence awards.

The Mashishing Circuit manager, Gerald Mokoena, closed the event by extending his gratitude to all the sponsors of the event, thanking them for making it a remarkable day of celebration educational excellence.