At an auspicious and glittering event held at the Council Chamber Wing in Braamfontein, Tau, accompanied by Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services’ member, Mally Mokoena, who was recognised as the brains behind the event, handed over R20 000 to each of the top students.
The money will go towards books and registration vouchers. The students also received tablets, laptops and cellphones. Speaking at the event, Tau acknowledged the hard work of the recipients and thanked the private sponsors who partnered with the City to ensure that the youth has access to quality education.
“These non-fee matriculants made us proud on their final year of study last year. We [including the sponsors] are here today to promote the culture of lifelong learning. When you have passed your degrees, come back to the City as we want your knowledge and we want you to be the owners of your greatness. Come work for the City and other local municipalities. We want to groom the young blood,” Tau said.
Meanwhile, Mokoena said they saw fit to reward pupils for putting the City on the map. “We hope this will further ensure that you all continue to work hard as you begin your tertiary journey and embark on carving a better life for yourselves through education,” she said.
Mokoeana added that the initiative was in line with the City’s 2040 Growth and Development Strategy, which seeks to create a smart city which will develop and empower the youth and create employment opportunities for them.
One of the recipients, Maletsatsi Hlomuka, who lives in an informal settlement in Soweto, was grateful for the City’s gesture and felt that the money and devices would go a long way in opening opportunities for the students.
“I am very grateful. I have never owned any of the gadgets. This and the money we received will ensure a smooth entrance to university for us without us having to stress about money and tertiary work resources,” Hlomuka said.
