LIMPOPO – Kingpin Financial Services has donated R160 000 to the top 12 learners from the Elim circuit in recognition of their outstanding performance in the 2025 Senior Certificate Examination.

The award ceremony was held on February 4 at the Waterval Community Hall, where each learner received R10 000 to assist with university registration costs. Learners were also presented with laptops, trophies and certificates in acknowledgement of their hard work and academic excellence.

Speaking at the event, Kingpin Financial Services director Jones Mulaudzi said the initiative meant to strengthen cooperation between the business sector and the education system. He said the awards were designed to motivate learners to work hard and improve academic performance.

“We have seen positive results since we introduced this award ceremony some years ago. It creates a culture of hard work and contributes to improved results in our schools,” said Mulaudzi.

He encouraged residents to support and motivate learners to prioritise education, describing it as an investment in both personal growth and community development. “It is all about hard work, dreaming big and working towards achieving your goals. Education today is also driven by technology, especially as we move deeper into the fourth industrial revolution,” he said.

Mulaudzi called on businesspeople and teachers to build strong partnerships to promote moral regeneration and nation-building. “Teachers need our cooperation as business to build a strong nation. I urge other companies to support education development in their respective villages,” he added.

Elim circuit manager Ntshavheni Rantsu encouraged learners to take their studies seriously and to prepare for future challenges. He also urged parents to work closely with the Department of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen the education system. “Setting realistic and achievable goals within a given time frame is key to success.”

Top-performing learner Precious Nemudzivhadi from Muthuhadini Combined School, who obtained six distinctions, advised learners not to choose careers based on peer pressure. “Career choices must be personal decisions. Learners should consider their interests and remember that it is a lifelong choice,” she said.

Nemudzivhadi plans to study towards a B.Comm accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg.