Chipa-Tabane learner known as Gauteng’s best township matriculant

Raymond Mapmakeng Mamabolo, (17) also known as Gauteng’s top performing township learner, has been admitted at the University of Cape Town (UCP) where he is going to pursue his studies in actuarial science.

A celebration was held at the Chipa-Tabane Comprehensive High School near Cullinan on January 24 to congratulate him with his outstanding marks.

Raymond spoke to the school with gratitude, sharing a message that one should “Lift as you rise”.

Born in Limpopo in a township called Segopje at Ga-Mamabolo, Raymond came to Gauteng in 2010.

He began his foundation phase at Onverwacht Primary School in a small town of Onverwacht under the stewardship of principal Cedrick Mare.

According to his mother, Marischen Mamabolo, her son’s gift was identified at that level and was sensitised by his teachers to give special attention in nurturing him.

“Raymond is a very obedient child, self-motivated and always focused. He is always putting extra efforts in whatever he does,” said mom Marischen.

According to the Onverwacht educators, Raymond was always on top in his classes. He was described as humble, obedient and hand-on by his primary educators at Onverwacht Primary School.

At Onverwacht Primary School is where his foundation and educational career were built.

He proceeded to his secondary school education at Chipa-Tabane Comprehensive High School in Refilwe Township.

At Chipa-Tabane Comprehensive High School, Raymond registered seven subjects.

He obtained distinctions in all his subjects such as Sepedi HL: (85%), English FAL: (92%), mathematics: (100%), life science: (100%), physical science: (100%), geography: (86%) and life orientation: (100%).

He proudly said Chipa-Tabane’s teachers almost make intentional efforts to get to know each of their learners and therefore advised them to also do their part by developing the sense of belonging as that will build a foundation of their academic success.

He further advised the learners to know their prospective, attitudes and beliefs as these impact one’s opinions and actions.

“Be active in building a positive learning environment as that will help all of you to achieve success.”

Raymond said Chipa-Tabane Comprehensive High School is blessed with a team of the best educators.

He shortly described Chipa-Tabane’s educators and their principal, Mr Masenya as caring, accountable, responsible and intentional.

“Be careful of your actions, behaviours, character qualities and decisions that you are making. Start manifesting towards your desired educational outcomes, by building a strong teacher-learner relationship. This entails regular communications, doing research, the regular use of the useful websites, developing the appropriate study habits which accommodate both load-shedding and class rotations, consider using previous question papers, use the study cards, attend extra classes, do your homework and be committed.”

Cullinan Petra Mine offered Raymond a study bursary.

A general practitioner from Cullinan, Dr Molefe Doctor Kolodi, pledged to cater for Raymond’s flight cost which will include teachers and parents to accompany him to the University of Cape Town.

A local resident, Luccrecia Makondo, offered to annually provide Raymond with data.

Even his schools pledged a cheque of R10 000 and his principal pledged gave R2000 to send this gifted learner to university.