Johnathan Paoli and Lerato Mbhiza
THE Department of Basic Education hosted a congratulatory breakfast on Thursday morning at the MTN Auditorium, Randburg with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga praising the top learners from last year’s Matric exams and that the awards were a testament to the resilience and determination of the country’s young people.
Motshekga said despite the challenges, namely the Covid-19 pandemic, she was proud to meet the award winning learners and called it a collective triumph of a nation that believes in transformation.
“The top learner awards today, is a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people,” Motshekga said.
The minister said in celebrating these achievements it was important to acknowledge the ongoing contributions to building and rendering the education system more effective in assisting learners in reaching their dreams.
“We must strive for an education system that not only imparts knowledge but one that enables us to have a free society where every child can reach their potential, regardless of their background,” Motshekga said.
The General-Manager of the MTN SA Foundation, Arthur Makhuva said that it was a great opportunity to meet what he called “celebrity” learners.
The GM said that the foundation was busy democratising access to education and to make sure that learners regardless of the challenges have the right tools in order to achieve what they need to.
“It is a synergy built on shared values and common purpose between MTN and the government, in order to bridge the technological divide that underpins education in the future,” Makhuva said.
Motshekga thanked and praised all the top achievers, and described the top 34 matriculants as the country’s best assets.
“You have proven to be the best and now we are expecting the best from you.”
Motshekga also expressed gratitude to the guardians and parents.
“Parents are the first reference to a support structure. Although it’s a joint effort between teachers, pupils and parents. Parents play a pivotal role in boosting their children’s morale to perform at optimal level,” she said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
