Top-performing matric pupils, best-performing schools, and educational circuits from Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) were honoured with certificates and laptops by Mayor Eddie Maila on Friday, January 23.

The mayor hosted the Mayoral Top Achievers Lunch, a celebratory luncheon, at the Thaba Moshate Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort.

The event recognised top performers from the Sekhukhune East District and celebrated the district’s improved matric results. It was attended by circuit managers, 2025 matriculants, parents, and representatives from the Sekhukhune East District.

In his keynote address, Maila congratulated the Class of 2025 for contributing to Limpopo’s overall matric pass rate of 86.15%, with Sekhukhune East achieving 86.7%, earning recognition as the most improved district in the province for the second consecutive year.

He described this achievement as a milestone reflecting sustained improvement and a decisive shift from the district’s historical challenges in matric performance.

Maila further emphasised that the FTLM will intensify engagement with education circuits to start academic support and preparations earlier in the year, proactively addressing challenges before matric examinations.

Maila also congratulated Bogwasha Circuit, recognised as the most improved circuit in Limpopo, commending the circuit managers, principals, educators, parents, and learners for their collective efforts in improving academic outcomes.

Special recognition was extended to schools that achieved a 100% pass rate, with Maila calling for sustained excellence and a stronger focus on the quality of passes, particularly in key gateway subjects such as mathematics, physical science, technical science, and accounting.

The district’s top 14 learners were also celebrated for their exceptional performance, which continues to inspire current and future matric candidates.

Particular recognition was given to Mathake Thabo of Leolo Secondary School, the national overall best performer in technical science, and Moime Jasean of Mogale wa Bagale Technical High School, the top learner in Limpopo in engineering and graphic design.

Maila reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to education, highlighting the importance of basic service delivery, including roads and electrification, as key enablers of teaching and learning.

Since 2021, the Office of the Mayor has donated school uniforms to more than 400 primary school learners, while the Mayoral Bursary Fund has supported over 80 deserving learners with full bursaries.

“We will also assist some of these top-performing pupils with bursaries. We cannot congratulate them for achieving these milestones and then neglect them,” Maila said.

ALSO READ: FTLM promotes women and disability-led businesses

The Mayoral Top Achievers Lunch forms part of FTLM’s broader commitment to promoting a culture of excellence and investing in the future of young people.