The Best Abet (adult basic education and training) learner in Limpopo received a special award during the Vhembe District Department of Education’s Excellence Awards on Friday. Tshilidzi Mugeri (28) from Mutangwa Manugu Abet Centre in Tsianda, near Thohoyandou, received four A’s, four B’s and two C’s in her final examinations last year. Tshilidzi is also rated among the best five top learners in South Africa.

As a result of her hard work, Tshilidzi has been awarded a bursary by the Department of Education to do a Labour Assistant course at the Technical College of Venda (Techniven). She will start with her studies next year. She is presently working as a Security Guard for Masithulela Protection Service at Levubu Clinic but she has great dreams for the future.

Apart from the certificate and the trophy she received on Friday, Tshilidzi also received a letter from the national Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, congratulating her on her achievement. She was handed the letter by Limpopo’s MEC for Education, Dr Aaron Motswaledi, on April 4 in Polokwane.

Tshilidzi was doing Level 4 of Abet Education, which is equivalent to Grade 9 and it is the exit point of Abet. She obtained A’s in English, Tshivenda, Mathematics and Life Orientation. She went on to receive B symbols in Natural Science, Human and Social Sciences, Auxiliary House Care and Arts and Culture. She got C symbols in Economic and Management Sciences and Applied Agriculture and Technology.

She explained how she got hooked on books: “I dropped out of school in Grade 8 in 1993 at Ndamuleleni High School. I later realized that I had to go on with my education, although I was already a mother of two kids. I attended my classes three times a week, from Monday to Wednesday, in the afternoons. It was not easy as I had to balance my studies with family life and looking after my kids. But because I was motivated and zealous, I worked hard until I earned what I deserve.”

Tshilidzi encouraged other community members who have dropped out of school to take Abet lessons to develop themselves. “Education is the only foundation from which prosperity starts. I will never stop reading books because they are the only source of knowledge. I am highly disappointed by the youths who do not take education seriously although time is still on their side. Everyone needs to wake up and contribute to the development of the community they serve.”