uThungulu’s top achievers honoured
District Grade 12 top achievers were honoured in a ceremony.
UTHUNGULU District Municipality, in a joint gesture with the Department of Education, honoured the district’s top matric pupils in a special awards ceremony at uMfolozi FET College on Friday.
Pupils were recognised for their hard work, dedication and excellent results during the 2014 academic year.
‘Today we are celebrating the success of these learners. Most passed with flying colours, even though they were faced with difficult conditions athome, and terrible learning circumstances,’ said uThungulu Deputy Municipal Manager Thanda Mnguni.
Owing to the decline from the 72.7% pass rate in 2013 to 64% pass rate last year, uThungulu Mayor, Thembeka Mchunu, said it was an opportunity to work even harder and improve results.
‘Our president in his State of the Nation Address in June 2014 said that education was an ‘apex priority for this government’.
‘I am certain that the Department of Education is working on a plan of action to turn the situation around and improve the results of the 2015 year.
‘I must express my pride in you and congratulate your outstanding results.
‘You have walked a long road and faced many struggles, but you knew what you wanted and what was needed to get it.
‘Literacy is key to our success. We do not want learners who just do the bare minimum to pass.
‘We want fully literate individuals who can hold their own in the world of economics, law, medicine and engineering.
‘It is only through education that this country can grow. It is also through education that we can curb the crime rate and increase productivity in our economy,’ said Mchunu
DoE District Director, David Chonco also encouraged pupils to work hard in their chosen tertiary studies.
‘Passing matric is only a beginning. The same dedication you showed in your high school must also be done as you move further with your studies,’ he said.
