A celebratory event took place last week to honour the academic excellence of the Matric Class of 2020, in
the Naledi Local Municipal area. Sub-District Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Richard
Makhado addressed a cohort of successful graduates, in addition to school principals, subject advisors and curriculum specialists.
One of the matriculates awarded on the day, Katlego Danster, from Pule Leeuw Secondary School, spoke of
the challenges that the learners and teachers faced, due to the additional stress that C-19 placed on the
Class of 2020.
“Despite the hardships, we all worked hard, so I’m relieved and proud to receive this award,” said Danster,
who still awaits funding to help him attend a tertiary institution.
In addition to award certificates, over 20 laptops were handed out, as part of the Grade 12 excellence awards programme, funded by Waterloo Solar. This programme forms part of the solar project’s
Socio-Economic Development programme, with the purpose of stimulating and honouring academic achievements of Matriculates, in schools across the area.
Speaking on behalf of the solar project, Community Liaison Officer Claire Phutieagae, explained that this
the ceremony also acknowledges the efforts that the school principals and their team of teachers have
provided in being catalysts to the learner’s success. Additionally, the event aimed to build a sense of pride,
especially in the less advantaged schools, where learners are often bypassed when it comes to receiving
academic accolades.
Top learners from eight schools in the area are part of this programme, these include Bopaganang Public
School; Tiger Kloof Combined School; Kismet Secondary School; John Frylinck Secondary School;
Rekgaratlhile Secondary School; Stella High School; Vryburg High School and Colinda Secondary School.
“I am very proud of our learners as they deserve the accolades they have received as they really worked
hard, and I hope that this will serve as an inspiration for the class of 2021,” concluded Ms. Gopane,
Principal of Bopaganang Public School.
