The initiative, which was started by a group of taxi drivers in 2014 and spearheaded by Thapelo Skosana, has grown substantially with the Big B Chickens sponsorship of R25 000 and other stakeholders on board.

The community members packed the hall to witness their learners being honoured and were entertained by local and internationally acclaimed musicians. Members of the NW legislature, household names and prominent individuals in society also attended the event.

Bonakele Witbooi received a trophy and R10 000 as first prize. The second prize went to Jabulile Maseko who received a trophy and R6 000. The third position went to Tsholofelo Ditefo and Thabo Nyokong who each received trophies and R3 250. All the learners are from BA Seobi, which also earned the award for the best-performing school in the community. The school, with a matric pass rate of 97.7%, received a trophy and R2 500.

Promosa Secondary, led by Dr Pelesa Mafisa, scooped the trophy for the best-improved school. The school, which had a 43% matric pass in 2015, took a giant leap to 84.74% in 2016.

Skosana told the learners that, in order for them to be successful, they must continue working hard.

Billy Liebenberg from Big B Chickens said the Sarafina community is close to his heart as his business is situated in this community, which supports it consistently. He says it was a privilege to sponsor the top achievers in Ikageng. ‘Well done on your achievements. You got them through hard work. Life is a journey. If you want to achieve your goal, do not focus solely on that goal, but take small steps to achieve it,’ he said.

One of SA’s renowned actors, Kenneth Nkosi urged the learners to look for role models in the community. ‘The biggest role models are your parents,’ he said. He advised them to resist the temptation of bad elements in their tertiary education.

Skosana also thanked the other sponsors -Midway Bus Service for the trophies, Sabata Lechema for the catering, the N12 Treasure Route for the bottled water and MEG for the security.