The Thohoyandou Town Hall was filled to capacity during the 9th Thulamela Municipality Achievers Awards Ceremony on Saturday night.

Mayor Khosi Thivhulawi Makumbane told guests that the municipality is proud to recognize the more than 50 individuals and institutions who executed their duties beyond expectations, for the development of Thulamela Municipality.

"These are men and women who deserve to be recognized in public because they have put our municipality on the world map. Thulamela Municipality has a brand that can compete and beat their counterparts both locally and internationally. We are presenting them with tokens of appreciation to encourage them to continue doing the good work."

Makumbane added that it is a clear fact that some of the achievers were faced with difficult situations, in the line of duty. "We know that it has never been easy for you to be where you are today. Your fighting spirit, dedication, hard work and perseverance has taught everyone that there is nothing impossible."

The guest speaker of the day, Prof Marcus Ramogale, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, spoke on the relationship between success and inner resources. He said what drives the country to success is something positive within a person himself (inner resources).

Ramogale added: "There is no use to acquire more computers, laboratories and other technological equipment if the people themselves do not have the inner resources. You do not necessarily need to have sophisticated resources to succeed. It starts with your inner positive attitude. You can have both human and natural resources but if you are not disciplined and committed, you will be outplayed by a person who only trusts on inner resources. The enemy of our success lies within ourselves and nowhere else. Life is a struggle and achievers are always in the inwardly oriented moral battle."

He said those who were awarded were the architects of their own inner resources and they were commanded by their own fighting spirits and courageous approach. He said there is always an inborn error in every person. "The purpose why you are here on earth is to perfect those inwardly errors in order to succeed in life. After perfecting those errors, you then become successful and have time to rest. There is no short cut to rest. You have to work very hard like these men and women who are recognized here today. We work in the sun to rest in the shade. Those who want to take a short cut to rest are products of laziness, poor upbringing and ignorance."

In conclusion Ramogale commended the Thulamela Municipality for encouraging the achievers. "I am certainly sure that this will also encourage other community members to work hard. Thulamela Municipality has taken a bold step which I hope will encourage other institutions to follow suite."

One of the recipients of the awards, World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior flyweight champion Muvhuso Nedzanani jubilantly said that there is nothing more interesting than being honoured by your own people when you are still alive. "This will obviously encourage me to work hard and I will never forget where I come from." The function was made possible through the generosity of Lufuno Mphaphuli & Associates, Herman Technical High School, Manana Factory Team, Bologo Civils, Capitec Bank and Osglo Louis Trichadt (Pty Ltd).

The complete list of the award recipients and different categories were as follows:

Community Builders: Annah Magwaba, Ramaano Sigidi, Avhapfani Mudau, Lazarua Rammbuda, Amie Chhaya, Cheapside Baloyi and Dr. Hlati.

Education: Learners who passed Grade 12 with 100% distinctions: Rabelani Nengovhela, Fulufhedzani Mulaudzi, Mkateko Masangu, Thina Ramatsea, Tshimangadzo Sivhadi, Gudani Ratshimbilani and Mulalo Denga.

Schools which obtained 100% pass rate during the 2006 Grade 12 final examinations: Mbilwi High School, Tshivhase High School, Tshikevha Christian High School and Liivha High School.

Post School Category: University of Venda.

Media: Wilson Dzebu (Limpopo Mirror), Jennifer Mushaathoni, Tshivheaho Mathivha (both from Phalaphala FM), Owen Muebi and Livhalani Mmbi (both from Univen FM).

Posthumous: Christopher Mukwevho.

Revenue contributors: Lwamondo-Mathule and Maniini villages.

Electricity partners: Malavuwe Matsika, Gondeni Sterkstroom, Malamangwa Tshamavhudzi, Tshifura and Tambaulate villages.

Boxing: Rejainah Chauke, Bongani Vukeya, Mukondeleli Ndou, Tryphinah Sivhaga, Muvhuso Nedzanani and Cassius Baloyi.

Soccer: Solly Luvhengo, Luvhengo Mungomeni and Owen da Gama.

Athletics: Bethuel Netshifhefhe and Rofhiwa Manwadu.

Basketball: Mutendeni Mathelemusa.

Artists and Crafters: Rofhiwa Sumbana, Patrice Mabasa, Rendani Mudau, Temba Chauke, Bethuel Ramadi and Maduvha Madima.