District Director Phillipine Modika, Top learner Khosa Nelly and Greater Tzaneen Mayor Gerson Molapisane.
By: Fortunate Bill
The Greater Tzaneen Municipality lead by Mayor Gerson Molapisane hosted excellence awards to honour the Class of 2023 under Mopani West in collaboration with the Limpopo Department of Education.
Mopani West District under the leadership of District Director Philippine Modika has obtained 83,8 % pass rate and is the Top Performing District in the province.
The event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements took place on Thursday at Tivumbeni Multi-Purpose Centre, in Nkowankowa Township.
Various shareholders such as The Mayor of Maruleng Municipality Mayor Tsheko Musolwa ,Ward councillors,Circuit Managers,Principals and Educators , South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) Professional educators Union (PEU) ,National Professional Teacher Orgarnasation of South Africa(NAPTOSA),School Governing Body (SGB),Parents and Learners.
The best three performing circuits: Marwa circuits 94,65 %;Tzaneen circuit 90.0 % and Nkowankowa 87,2% received Trophies and Certificates.
Top 3 circuits in terms of bachelor passes are Tzaneen 57,4% ,Nkowankowa 52,2% and Mawa 45,8 % received trophies and certificates
The Most improved circuit Mawa at 75.3 % and most improved circuit is Motupa were recognised.
The best performing schools in Quantile 4-5 and independent schools
ST George Colledge 100%; Meridian Colledge 100% and Merensky 99,5% received Trophies and certificates.
In Quantile 4-5 and independent schools best performing learners are Seerane Thabiso Trinity 93.57% from ST George ,Muthembi Khanyelenhle 89 .57% from ST George and Malatji Reneilwe in a tie with Mathete Mantsho in third place from ST George with 89 % received laptops
In Quantile 1-3: Mashooro Secondary school 100%;Phusela High school 98,0%
Burgersdorp secondary school 96,1% received Trophies and certificates.
In Quintile 1-3 best performing students are Mahafa Rendani 90,10% from Romoba high school; Mongwe Valentine Devine 89,60 % from Mashooro secondary school and Khumalo Xihluke Bright 89% from Cata secondary school,who received Laptops.
Schools which obtained a 100% pass rate are Tiakeni Senior Secondary School, St George College, Ngwanamakhutswe Secondary, Meridian Combined, B Mkhabele Secondary, Madie Repeat Part-time, Mashooro Secondary and Mapheto Secondary School and were recognised for their hard work.
Top 2 performing students in Gateway Subjects received phones and vouchers are Mashatola Rina with 100% in Bstd from Modipe high school
Seerane Thabiso Trinity 100% in Mathematics from ST George.
Top performing students in Gateway Subjects that received phones
Manda Mercy from ST George 94% in ACCN
Mahafa Rendani from Ramoba 97 % AGRS
Khosa Nelly From Hudson Ntsanwisi 94% ECON
Mathoto Tonic from Rainbow combined 93 % ENGFA
Seerane Thabiso Trinity from ST George 98 % GEOG and 97% PHSC
Lebepe Gavin from Mahlane High School 98 % HIST
Lemau Lethabo from Mafutsane Secondary School 91 % LFSC
Shirindzi Gavaza Derby from Phanhasasa Secondary School 91% LFSC
Maake Kamogelo From Serurubele Secondary School 93 % MLIT
The District Director Mrs Philippine Modika was awarded a R10 000 rand Cheque as a token of appreciation.
In his speech the Mayor Molapisane commended the collective efforts that made Mopani West District the best district in the Province.
He highlighted the need to address challenges that negatively impact learners such as water shortage, access roads, undocumented learners ,poverty ,ageing and dilapidated infrastructure, shortage of school furniture ,stationary and classrooms.
And the urgency of collective efforts in fighting against substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
“Education is a catalyst for change and when it reached the heart of rural communities the impact is immeasurable .It empowers individuals to uplift themselves, their families and the entire community. It is a force that transcends generations, breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors to new possibilities.
Let us recognise the broader significance of investing in Education in our communities especially the rural areas .It is an investment in the resilience, strength, and prosperity of our community .By supporting our youth in their pursuit of knowledge ,we are building a foundation for a thriving, educated and empowered rural society.” said Mayor Malapisane
Students were reminded of the financial institutions and options available to them, such as The Mayor Student Financial Aid Scheme, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NFSAS),and many bursaries available to them.
The Mayor assured the readiness of both primary and secondary schools for the 2024 Academic year and encouraged members of the community to take part in the School Shoe Donation Campaign, which has thus far collected 300 pairs of school shoes for the 2024 academic year.
Apostle VV Hlungwane, Seerane Thabiso, Trinity Father, Trinity( Overal top achiever in the district) and Mayor Gerson Molapisane.