Top Ekurhuleni matric achievers rewarded with bursaries

Licia Roberts from Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (second overall) and third placed overall Liesl Theiss from Hoërskool Oosterlig were rewarded with bursaries and laptops at the annual Ekurhuleni Metro’s Academic Excellence Awards ceremony on Wednesday, January 21.

Roberts shone with seven distinctions while Theiss obtained eight distinctions in the matric exams.

A bursary was also offered to Mpumelelo Wiseman Nomzaza from Thuto-Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus, who was ranked eighth as the overall learner, while he was ranked second for being the best performing learner from a priority school.

Three learners also shone overall for their learning area: First place went to Lehlohonolo Matloy from Villa Liza for accounting, fourth place was scooped by Liesl Theiss for English while Nomzaza shone in eighth place for mathematics.

In the category for most improved high schools, third place went to Windmill Park Secondary School with a pass rate of 68.86 per cent.

“Congratulations are also in order to all our top achievers and, of course, the thousands of our young people who sat for the matric examination last year,” said the executive mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele.

“One of the greatest highlights for the 2014 results is the fact that the highest number of best performers in maths and physical sciences in Ekurhuleni come from previously disadvantaged communities.”

“The fact that our country continues to produce more and more university entrants from the previously disadvantaged areas is a clear indication that as this government we are on the right track in improving the quality of education in this country.

“Even more exciting about this year’s results is that, even with the high number of service delivery protests in some areas, which ultimately affected the culture of teaching and learning, the learners were able to pick up the pieces and make us proud.

“Another plus, obviously, is the fact that Ekurhuleni North Region continues to be the best performing district in the city. This time around they went a step further and became the second best performing district in the country.”

“Today affords us an opportunity to showcase to the rest of the world the fountains of talent within Ekurhuleni.

”The results that these youngsters have obtained are a vindication among their peers that hard work, determination and perseverance are virtues that could undoubtedly lead to success.”

“Perhaps these youngsters are still overwhelmed by messages of goodwill in recognition of the work they have delivered, but let me once again take this opportunity to congratulate them on a job well done.

“As we make this proclamation, we are mindful of the sacrifices of your peers, who, in 1976, paid the ultimate price to ensure equal education for every South African child.

”The form of struggle may have changed now, but the struggle to attain a better life for all remains paramount.” – @NalediBoksburg