KZN’S top matric pupils were recognised and awarded for their hard work at the Mayoral Matric Awards ceremony at the ICC on Friday, where the mayor announced that he would set aside R1-million of the eThekwini budget towards a registration fees fund for underprivileged pupils who get accepted to tertiary institutions.
Mayor James Nxumalo awarded top matriculants from the eThekwini district as well as the Top 10 from previously disadvantaged schools who excelled despite the lack of basic resources in their matric class of 2013 examinations.
The principals of KZN schools that obtained a 100% pass rate and those that made significant improvements of 30% or more from previously disadvantaged schools walked away with the honours.
“Indeed this year is a celebration of our democracy made more special by the our pupils exceeding our hopes of a 75% pass rate. Many children did this with little or no resources.”
Nxumalo went on the say that Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa’s democracy was a champion for education. “Few things make the life of a parent more proud than the success of their children. We need to keep his legacy alive by ensuring our children remain in school. This event is meant to encourage pupils to always strive to do more and for school to do well,” he said.
The sponsors ensured the Top 10 pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds were awarded a R10 000 cash prize and KZN’s Top 10 had a lucky draw. Lwasi Shezi was the lucky winner of the R10 000 prize.
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Chris Marcellin, principal of Eden College said the school had achieved a 100% pass rate for many years. “What is key is keeping teachers in the classroom doing what they need to, and enjoying doing. We are happy with our results and ensuring that everybody, especially the kids are happy is vital because happiness equals success.”
Durban Girls’ High School, principal Erica Hayes-Hill was glad to continue the school’s 100% pass rate in her first year as principal. “When I collected the results I checked to see that we had 100%, you can’t take it for granted because it doesn’t come easy. To be a champion you have to plan, have integrity, be committed and passionate. I’m really passionate about education.”
Orient Islamic School principal, Gerhad Dippenaar said, “It was dedication and commitment of pupils, teachers and parents. We tend to forget that parents have an influence, especially supportive parents.”
