Alfred Duma Local Municipality recently hosted its annual Matric Excellence Awards, where Mayor Vincent Madlala and councillors acknowledged outstanding performances in last year’s final matric examinations.
Present at the awards ceremony were learners from schools within the municipal jurisdiction, along with parents, teachers and principals.
Among the guest speakers at the event was Ms Mazibuko from the uThukela District Department of Education, who relayed the results of the different schools, including those that performed poorly.
In her speech, she also spoke of the declining performance in Business Studies and how the department is in need of subject advisers in this field.
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Other guest speakers who addressed the learners were Mr Ngidi from NYDA and Mr Xaba, who is a young pilot hailing from Rockcliffe (Nazareth).
The keynote address was delivered by Mayor Madlala. In his speech, the mayor told a short story of how he had no shoes to wear to school and of how, even through all those hardships, he was able to make it to where he is now.
Mayor Madlala also paid special tribute to Mandlenkosi PraiseGod Mbatha, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age. Mandlenkosi matriculated from Mzimela Secondary School in Rockcliffe (Ward 32) and was one of the 33 learners who were invited by Minister of Education Angie Motshekga to the awards ceremony held in Midrand at the beginning of the year. He is also one of the top achievers in KZN.
“I would be failing in my duties as a mayor if I didn’t convey my utmost gratitude and congratulations to this young man. Despite the odds, he persevered and made national status,” said the mayor.
Siyabonga Kubheka from Sakhelwe High School was the top-performing matriculant, followed by Siddhi Singh from Ladysmith High School (LHS) and fellow Sakhelwe learner Luthando Tshabalala.
Alfred Duma Local Municipality would like to congratulate all the matriculants and wish them everything of the best in the future.
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