The academy offers extra lessons to high school learners on Sunday. It operates out of Mpontsheng Secondary School in Katlehong.
The celebration was held at the school on Sunday, January 21.
The main focus was matric results, but learners in other grades were also recognised for their good work.
Only learners who achieved four distinctions or more in critical subjects such as mathematics, science, accounting, economics and life sciences were recognised, as the intention of the academy is to encourage learners to take these important subjects.
However, there were other learners who achieved more than four distinctions in other subjects.
The academy was established in 2011 with only a few matric learners. Today it caters for learners from Grade Eight through to Grade 12.
The founder, Enett Mokoena, who is also the chairperson of the school board, said it was difficult to establish the academy.
“We went around the Kathorus townships looking for a venue but we failed. We started looking in Vosloorus, where I come from, but not a single school was willing to help us,” said Mokoena.
He said he can’t thank principal Vho Sihadi enough for providing ACTT with the venue at Mpontsheng Secondary School.
Mokoena said it is was the first time the academy was hosting an event like this.
“It is not that these learners did better than the previous ones, but that they gave it their all. So we want to encourage future learners to do better,” he said.
Previously, the academy offered mathematics, physical science, accounting and English to learners from the Kathorus townships schools. Today it has added economics and life sciences to the subjects it offers.
The following learners made the academy proud with their outstanding performances in the 2017 matric exams: Phuthi Mojala (six distinctions), Nhlakanipho Magubane (five distinctions), Munashe Nkhoma (five distinctions), Sifiso Khumalo (five distinctions), Asimbonge Phiri (five distinctions), Siphosethu Mkhashane (five distinctions) and Thsepiso Ralebofu (four distinctions).
All the learners received certificates, trophies and a book by Kirun Mowjee, who is the sponsor of the academy.
Learners from Grade Eight to Grade 11 were also awarded for good attendance in 2017, namely Phathizwe Mofokeng (Grade Eight), Musa Mbhele (Grade Nine), Unathi Lusabeni (Grade 10) and Simphiwe Novungo (Grade 11).
Sihadi said the first time Mokoena approached him for a venue, he thought he was a pastor who wanted to open a church.
“After learning that what he wanted had something to do with the education of township children, I couldn’t say no. I allowed him to use the premises to the benefit of learners from the township,” said Sihadi.
The academy has seen great success since 2011. Most of the learners who attended the academy in the past were accepted at universities around the country. A number of those who graduated from university found work and also returned to work as tutors at ACTT.
The registration for this year will begin on Saturday, January 27, and classes will commence on January 28.
For more information call 084 3319 567.
