Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) and Star Schools, a non-profit organisation, honoured the best performing pupils from both Mashishing and Ngwaabe circuits on Monday January 29. The event was held at Lapeng Lodge.
The parents, DCM management, educators, principals and circuit managers attended.The circuits are in the Bohlabela District (Mpumalanga) and Sekhukhune East (Limpopo).
These outstanding pupils were part of DCM’s intensive revision programme, which was rendered by Star Schools. The programme aimed to improve the pass rates.
The incubator programme enabled organisations to sponsor selected learners at under-resourced schools.
More than 300 pupils from grades 10 to 12 in the Mashishing and Ngwaabe circuits participated in the programme.
Star Schools offered extra lessons in maths, physical sciences and English. The lessons were offered on Saturdays only.
The winners included the most-improved learners in each subject, top academic achievers and overall academic achievers in each grade.
Their prizes included certificates, miniature trophies, tablets, laptops, rechargeable LED lights, pens and many others.
The DCM’s socio-economic development manager, Remember Mmbengwa, said they have always had a good relationship with local schools. They have invested in an avalanche of projects, including the refurbishment of infrastructure at local schools, improving and investing in early childhood education programmes and offering top learners bursaries.
“As DCM, we are still open to proposals that will improve and develop our pupils. We know some of the pupils are struggling with academic work, but can excel in other aspects.
“Let’s discover other talents at schools, boost pupils’ confidence and allow them to direct and present their own programmes. They are our future leaders.
“The DCM is the fourth pillar, working closely with pupils, the departments of education in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and parents to improve education locally.”
He applauded the 2023 matriculants for achieving excellent results in their exams.
Mmbengwa urged the educators and members of community to continue furthering their studies.
The Ngwaabe Circuit manager, Madikgake Masha, applauded DCM for investing in education. “As a circuit we were struggling. We then decided to engage DCM and pleaded with them to invest in education. The results are visible now, because Ngwaabe Circuit has improved from 54 % to 76% with the 2023 matric results. Star Schools and DCM – we are proud of the investment you are making in our schools.”
He urged other local mines to join hands and to invest in education.
Mashishing Circuit’s TG Mokwena advised the learners to study maths and science at schools. “Choose these two subjects and at least pass them with more than 50%. There are so many opportunities after passing these subjects. Avoid associating yourself with bad people, because you will lose focus.”
Star School’s project manager, Avhatakali Nyadzani, thanked the educators who participated in the programme and DCM for investing in it.
He said they achieved a 95% pass rate for 2023. “We had an 87% pass rate in mathematics, 95% in science and 100% in English. Fifteen pupils achieved distinctions, 44 obtained level six passes and 48 managed level five passes.
“It was not easy spending eight hours on Saturdays doing schoolwork. We thank the learners for their dedication and focus. It takes courage to achieve the results they obtained.”
The ceremony was concluded with the DCM management and circuit managers handing the pupils their prizes.
One of the best pupils was Mashishing High School’s Praise Mkhatshwa, who obtained seven distinctions.
