The ceremony, which was sponsored by the private company PK Print Zone, took place on April 4 on the school premises in Vosloorus Extension Two.
Phakamani Mtshali, the owner of the sponsoring company, said: “After I heard that Thuto Lesedi did not do well in last year’s matric exams, I decided as a local businessman to do something to boost the learners’ morale.
“The best way to do that was to show them that they are not alone. We as the community are with them and we still believe that they can do it.”
He said his company will host a similar ceremony at the school every term.
“I want to make sure that learners are always motivated to work hard. If they are motivated at the beginning of the year, it means there are chances of getting good results at the end of the year,” Mtshali explained.
He invited all companies to join him in his initiative to improve education in the township.
Certificates were awarded to learners from Grade Eight to Grade 12 who achieved positions one to three.
They are as follows:
• Grade Eight top three: Njabulo Ximba (73 per cent), Mbali Makhuru (70 per cent) and Nkosana Dube (68 per cent)
• Grade Nine top three: Jabulane Bila (73 per cent), Samukelisiwe Ntombela (71 per cent) and Kelebogile Segale, Ntokozo Chauke and Rose Khumalo (all with 70 per cent).
• Grade 10 top three: Nomthandazo Masango (71 per cent), Asanda Kubheka (68 per cent) and Ndabezinhle Madondo (67 per cent).
• Grade 11 top three: Keketso Mahlangu (78 per cent), Nqobile Nhlapho (78 per cent) and Cynthia Mangwe (77 per cent).
• Grade 12 top three: Lebohang Thuse (78 per cent), Kagiso Manda (84 per cent) and Nosipho Kolo (77 per cent).
Ayanda Ngcobo was rewarded for being the best speaker at a public speaking contest. The learners from Thuto Lesedi Secondary School competed against other schools and discussed the topic “HIV and Aids”.
Nomonde Mndaweni, the deputy principal, said the ceremony was well organised.
“It was beyond what we expected. Well planned, especially the motivational speaker was on point. I am sure that learners will be highly motivated this year,” said Mndaweni.
She said they aimed for 80 per cent in last year’s matric results.
“Unfortunately, we got 62 per cent. But this year I strongly believe we are going to do well with the help of PK Print Zone,” said Mndaweni.
She thanked all the teachers for their hard work.
“I would like to mention Christina Magane, who is responsible for public speaking and debates. She has done well in preparing learners for the competitions. She even remained behind and trained them,” said Mndaweni.
