Academic excellence celebrated in Germiston

The City of Ekurhuleni held the annual GM Pitje Academic Excellence Awards at the OR Tambo Government Precinct banquet hall, Germiston last week Wednesday.

The day was filled with jubilation as the city recognised the achievements of the class of 2023. Parents, learners, and teachers were celebrated on the day for the hard work and dedication they have put into ensuring the success of these learners.

The executive mayor commended the stars of the day.

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“The awards are aimed at celebrating the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence exhibited by these young individuals, and as the city we are proud,” said executive mayor Sivuyile Ngondwana.

Sipho Mkwanazi, a 2021 bursary recipient graduate who is now a pilot said Ekurhuleni helped him to make his dreams come true.

Born and raised in Katlehong, he said he never thought he would achieve this dream but the bursary made it possible. He emphasised the importance of education and how it can change one’s life.

“Education is a cornerstone for individual growth and community development. You already started on the right foot to achieving your goals. Stay focused and having determination will ensure success,” said Mkwanazi.

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He said having a bursary made a difference in his life because it allowed him to focus on doing well and succeeding.

Among the recipients was Amkhonze Mgogodlana from Germiston High School, who received an award for history in the best-performing learners in the subject category. The day also celebrated the teachers and the schools.

Edenvale High School history teachers, Caitlyn McLellan and Peter Swanepoel, received awards for best-performing teachers in subjects.

The schools also received an award in the best-performing schools category for the 99.5% pass rate.

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In addition to awarding the class of 2023, other graduates who are beneficiaries of the bursary were also invited – from science, aviation, engineering and built environment, finance, commerce, economic and transport management, humanities and law, health sciences, and information communication technology.

Hloniphile Shongwe, who studied LLB at the University of Johannesburg and benefited from a bursary, said it was a blessing.

“The city helped me to achieve my dream. Coming from a disadvantaged background with a single parent, my mother did not have to worry about sending me money because the bursary paid for everything. I only had to focus on my academics and excel and now I have a job,” said Shongwe.

Another beneficiary was Sibohle Dladla, who is now an attorney and said the bursary made life easier.

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“The bursary ensured I was taken care of and allowed me to focus on my studies. I would like to encourage the class of 2023 if you don’t have the financial means to look for bursaries and apply because it takes the load off your parents and yourself because you just have to worry about academics,” said Dladla.

The GM Pitje Academic Excellence Awards started in 2014 and has been assisting learners in need in Ekurhuleni.