GIYANI – Pupils from schools around the Lowveld Region of the Limpopo Province were honoured at a special event at Giyani Stadium last Friday.

The Stadium was full to capacity with dignitaries from all sectors, including the MEC for Education Ms Joyce Mashamba, parents, learners and educators. The purpose of the ceremony was to recognise young achievers, as part of the Education Department's is effort to motivate pupils to strive for excellence.

Region four of the Lowveld has a 71,9 % pass rate for its 75 schools. A Grade 12 pupil, Venita Wolmarans of Frans du Toit School in Phalaborwa got 96.41 last year for grade 11, and she topped all the pupils in region four. Venita obtained the first position in English and Biology and came second in Physical Science. Venita acknowledges the preponderance of her parents, principal and teacher's role on her successes. When asked her future plans she indicated that she was aiming at obtaining 7 distinctions for her matric this year and planning on studying computer engineering at Wits University next year.

Rivoningo Cecilia Maluleke of Ndengeza High scooped a best learner award followed by MM Mageza of Risinga High School in Giyani. Khanyisa College went away with 31 awards. This came as no surprise, because since its first matric results in 1993, Khanyisa has always obtained a 100% pass rate, except in 1998, when one pupil failed.

The schools that are in the top five are Masiza in Phalaborwa (100%), Khanyisa from Giyani (100%), Hanyani Thomo (100%) of Giyani, Matumo Malatjie in Phalaborwa (100%), and Frans du Toit with 96.41%