The Gauteng East Annual District Awards were a flurry of excitement as parents, learners and teachers gathered for the prestigious event on Friday to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements for the district at Stable Inn.
Dignitaries graced the ceremony, including district director Somnikazi Chabalala.
She commended those in attendance and touched on why the event was for the matric class of 2024 only.
“The previous year had so many learners from matric and primary schools perform well that we had to split the ceremonies. We would not have the capacity to house the learners and stakeholders had we invited everyone.“
She praised the efforts of the teachers.
“Without the work of our teachers, we would not be where we are. These teachers support our learners. Some teachers work seven days away from home, and some even work through the holidays – sacrificing their free time.”
She also beamed with pride as she mentioned how the class of 2024 overcame more challenges than more, touching on the time the world was on lockdown.
Chabalala thanked the group and gave them parting words of wisdom.
“Remember now that you are going to tertiary institutions, your principal will not be there, and your teachers will not be there to remind you not to miss submissions. Your mother will not be there to wake you up and remind you that you are getting late for school.
“You are by yourself. Everything that you do, the choice is yours.”
Thabo Lebina delivered the keynote address before the awards were handed out. He described what it means to be an achiever.
He gave the likeness of successful people to those of eagles, saying achievers should fashion their mentalities to match the majestic birds.
Lebina ended his speech by encouraging unity amongst all people and wished the future leaders prosperity.
Springs schools and their learners did not disappoint as they bagged their share of the awards.
Some schools, their learners and teachers that took home awards are Dr WK Du Plessis School, Olympia School, Springs Girls High School, Springs Boys High School, Hoërskool Hugenote, Springs Muslim School and Springs Secondary School.
These awards include but are not limited to top educators per subject, top LSEN learners, top learners per subject, most improved school, school with the most bachelor passes, 100% pass rate schools, top LSEN school and others.
