Nageng Primary School achieve success

The award-winning ceremony took place at the school hall in Vosloorus on November 28.

For her efforts, Phooko received the Hero Certificate and a voucher for R4 000 to be redeemed at the retail chain. Her teacher, Bethuel Malebe, received R1 000 and a box of chocolate as a token of appreciation for his selflessness effort in grooming learners to be more responsible at school and in their communities.

Former learner, Reitumetse Moholola, now in Grade Eight at Bedford High School, was the first learner to win the National Hero Award in 2016. Like Phooko, she too received a certificate and R4000 cash voucher.

In 2017, Banele Famo, a Grade Six at the school, was the second to receive the award. She was awarded the Hero Certificate and R4000 cash voucher. Famo is a Grade Seven learner at the school.

Malebe expressed appreciation for the award. “I am humbled. It is all about the prayers and the support I get from my wife, Kutloano, and our daughter, Bohlale. I gladly received the R1 000 from Pick n Pay and gave it to one of my Grade Seven learners, Khanyisile Ledwaba, as a gift from my heart because she too deserved it.”

Ledwaba could not hold her tears of joy after receiving the gift from her teacher.

Phooko could not believe her ears when her name was announced the winner by Lulama Qwenqa of the marketing division at Pick n Pay, and Thando Lekgodi, of Pick n Pay Chris Hani Crossing Mall.

Phooko’s father, Hebert, and her mother, Lulama, were taken by surprise when their daughter was announced the winner.

Hebert said: “I was not expecting any of this because Malebe invited us without giving us details of the event, and we were all surprised. We are happy for our child because she works very hard every day and all thanks to their loving and caring teacher.”

Qwenga added: “The school has proven it produces quality learners yearly. I am happy for Malebe for being the only teacher to have three learners to win The Hero Awards in three consecutive years. It is an amazing achievement for the school and for him.”

School principal Ephraim Monobe said: “Our school is fortunate to have hardworking and dedicated teachers.”

The event was attended by the Department of Education (Ekurhuleni South District) officials, parents, teachers, learners and officials .

The retail chain donated R2 000 to Nageng Primary School to cater for the guests.

Managing director of Sakhudumo Electrical Dumisani Miya delivered a motivational talk.

Deputy chief senior education specialist (Ekurhuleni South District) Eric Musi said: “Malebe is an asset to the community and his school and to the district. We are proud of him that his learners achieve success through him.”