The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola attended the 2023 Matric Excellence Award Ceremony on 27 February 2023 hosted by Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) and Lehukwe Circuit, at Mathibela Secondary School in Alexandria, Mpumalanga Province.
Lehukwe circuit invited Minister Lamola to witness and celebrate the improved matric pass rate accomplishment from 62% in 2021 to 78.8% in 2022 academic year, an achievement that the circuit council committee believes was inspired by the Minister’s visit to the learners in 2021.
The Principal of Mathibela Secondary School, Mr Samson Makaringe indicated that it is a colossal and joyous occasion to acknowledge and award the matric class of 2022 for their sterling results as compared to the previous years.
In his key note address, Minister Ronald Lamola expressed contentment at the level of achievement obtained by both the teachers and the learners. He encouraged them to perform even better in their post matric aspirations. “I want to thank everyone who put in effort towards the attainment of this performance and I wish the 2022 matriculants well in their future endeavours. May God bless their new journey, “said Mr Lamola.
He further mentioned that he brought Area Commissioner of Barberton Management Area, Midjohn Mhlongo and other DCS officials so that everyone can realise the role of Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in advancing communities. “The support provided by the DCS in various schools across the country through the utilisation of offender labour; and involvement of parolees in cleaning and maintaining school’s infrastructure, there is no excuse for learners to perform poorly or drop out of schools to commit crimes. Our correctional facilities are overcrowded due to youth abandoning education thinking that correctional centres are hotels. Incarceration is hard and we do not want you to end up there,” emphasised Minister Lamola.
He acknowledged the presence of parents attending the ceremony and reminded them that their involvement plays a crucial role in the progression of their kids’ academic life.
Speaking on behalf of Lehukwe Council Committee, Circuit Manager, Ms Busisiwe Nyakane said that they are proud as Lehukwe circuit and hope to achieve higher pass rate in 2023 academic year with the support received from key stakeholders such as DCS. “Minister Lamola’s support has been a propelling factor to all of us. Majority of learners in these areas are from disadvantaged families with no source of income, and the Minister always responds positively when we seek assistance. All the 180 trophies and medals have been donated by the Minister,” said Nyakane.
Various dignitaries presented awards in the following categories:
• Best Mathematical, Science and Technology Academy – Shanke Secondary School;
• Most improved school – Mogoroshi Secondary School;
• School with quality results – James Khosa High School;
• Top 5 Learners:
• Penelope Nyathikazi from Shanke Secondary School, scooped first position overall top learner with 80.1% achievement;
• Bingiwe Mokoena from Shanke Secondary School, scooped second position with 78.8% achievement;
• Caiphus Njabulo Nonyane form James Khosa High School, scooped third position with 78.6% achievement.