Vicky Abraham
A Biblical adage that a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men, proved to be true for some of the alumni from Kutlwanong Maths, Science and Technology Centre in Soweto who excelled in their 2017 matric exams.
They were honoured by the Minister of Education Angie Motshekga and Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
Siyanda Pikwa (17) from Raymond Mahlaba Secondary School in Tshepisong was among the top learners recognised by Motshekga for his outstanding results nationally in Quantile 2. In Physical Sciences he obtained 100%, Mathematics 99%, Accounting 98%, Life Sciences 97%, IsiXhosa 90%, Life Orientation 89% and English First Language 83%.
“I did not expect to be recognised nationally. I was lost for words when I received the call from the Department of Education on Sunday. But then when I dropped the phoned, it sunk in, that I made it to the top nationally. I was picked up from home with a shuttle to Holiday Inn in Sandton. We had a buffet and breakfast with the Minister. It was a great honour to be under the same room with the Minister and the Deputy Minister. The results were announced on national TV. Lots of people saw me on TV. I received WhatsApp messages and phone calls even from those that I do not remember in Eastern Cape. My family is very proud of me,” said Pikwa.
He will be studying towards a degree in mechanical engineering at Wits University.
“I like working with machines and mechanical engineering deals with building, designing and maintenance of machines and engines,” said Pikwa.
David Sithole (18) from P.J. Simelane Secondary School in Dobsonville was honoured by Lesufi. Sithole obtained 100% in Physics and Accounting, 98% in Maths, 89% in Economics 85% in English, 84% in Life Orientation and 67% in IsiZulu.
“I studied and attended extra classes at school and Kutlwanong. I was honoured by the MEC at provincial level. He was shocked that I obtained 100% in Physics and Accounting. I cannot believe that I made it. The feeling is new. I was expecting this for accounting but physics I wasn’t sure,” said Sithole from Bram Fischerville.
He will be studying towards a degree in computer engineering at the University of Pretoria.
Although Itumeleng Leballo (18) from Bram Fischerville is among top achievers on the provincial level, she could not get an opportunity to receive credit from Lesufi. Leballo obtained 100% in Physical Sciences, 95 % in Life Orientation, 87% in Mathematics and Life Sciences, 86% in English First Language, 84% in Geography and 78% in Setswana.
Leballo from Kgatelopele Secondary will be studying towards BSc (Computer Science) at Wits University.
“I am happy that I got accepted at Wits University. I received the acceptance notification this morning before I got my results. I love computers. The whole concept about computer science is really interesting because you get to do programming, coding, software engineer and you get to develop something. I want to invent something great that can change this country because the world is moving really fast and I feel that South Africa is really behind with technology. I am hoping that my computer skills will help with that.”
