According to Gungubele, it is exciting to see more young people from previously disadvantaged areas coming out tops in their studies.
“The fact that our country continues to produce more and more university entrants from the previously disadvantaged areas is a clear indication that we are on the right track,” he said, speaking after the announcement of the results by the Department of Basic Education.
“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 children were able to pick up the pieces and make us proud,” an elated Gungubele said singling out Daveyton, in Benoni.
He warned the successful youngsters to continue taking education serious ‘for it is the key to a better life for you and your loved ones’.
Gungubele encouraged them to triple their efforts going forward for the standard of education at institutions of higher learning was indeed ‘higher and tougher’.
Gungubele also had a word of advice for those who did not pass their matric.
“There is a thin line between losing and winning,” he said.
“Losing breeds winners.
“The main recipe to success is through failures and hardships
“What you need to do now is take the baton, aim high and do proper planning.
“Change your attitude and take off for the skies.”
Gungubele reminded these learners that patience was not an easy thing yet its fruit is sweet.
“They must just remember that age is still on their side and therefore all they need to do is understand that achievements take time and that there is no overnight success,” he said.
“Also important is the fact that there is no need to be embarrassed by failure, but rather you must learn from it and start again.
The mayor further thanked teachers, parents and other stakeholders in the education fraternity and society in general for their contribution in ensuring success for the class of 2014.
“The education of our children can only be a success if all of us realize that it is not about the children themselves but the community and the future of South Africa,” he said.
Gungubele added that with all stakeholders working together with government to improve the level of education in this country, the ultimate objective of a high standard of education for the country remained an achievable target.
