Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mbali Hlophe has hailed Social Development beneficiaries for being among the cohort of learners that achieved the highest pass rate of 82.9% since the dawn of democracy.
Hlophe echoed this during a ceremony at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg on Thursday, where 250 beneficiaries were handed digital tablets and headphones as a token of appreciation for passing their 2023 matric exams.
The gadgets will help the learners to easily facilitate post-matric education and studies because many of them are heading to universities and other institutions of higher learning.
Addressing the learners and parents, Hlophe said a winning mentality is the start of many great things to come.
“It does not matter what you want to venture into, whether music or spots, being a doctor or a nurse, but everything that you want, you can only achieve it if your mentality is correct and you are focused,” she said.
“We are here to celebrate you and indicate that at the heart of everything you want is that winning mentality. Many of you come from backgrounds that are not privileged, and some of you have no parents. But you must consider yourselves lucky because you have government’s backing.
“You have proved you can pass the first phase, and many other phases are coming. So, you must be able to withstand the pressure that comes with it,” said Hlophe.
A former foster care beneficiary who now works as a qualified social worker for the Gauteng Department of Social Development in the Duduza office, Mpho Thubakgale, was a beacon of inspiration and motivated the top achievers.
She said, “In the next five years, I want you to stand here and tell us your story so you inspire the next generation of beneficiaries. Against all odds, you will make it. Twelve years ago, I wore the very same shoes you are wearing.
“I lost my parents when I was very young, and being an orphan taught me many traits, such as patience and resilience. These two traits took me far in life,” echoed Thubakgale.
One of the top achievers in the class of 2023 was Phumlani Ntusi, a former learner at Simunye Secondary School in Bekkersdal. The 18-year-old said he overcame difficulties by remaining focused on his schooling.
Ntusi will study electrical engineering at Wits University.
