When results are poor at the end of the year, teachers are to blame, and when things go well, they are not mentioned, but only pupils shine in the spotlight.

The Mvudi circuit set a precedent by honouring hardworking teachers during the Annual Mvudi Excellence Awards held at the Thohoyandou Technical High School Hall last week. More than 20 teachers, excelling pupils and high-flying schools were rewarded during the function. They were awarded in the categories of top three schools with exemption passes, top learners from Grade 6 to 11, top learner per subject, overall top pupil and teachers who obtained 100% pass rates in the 2007 Grade 12 examinations.

The Mvudi Excellence Awards have become an annual event on the circuit’s calendar, where excellence is recognized and encouraged through awards. Hardworking learners and educators are paraded before a packed audience for all to emulate and be motivated. The awards instill a sense of competitiveness amongst learners and educators, steering them to work very hard and leading to improved results at the end of the year.

Addressing the recipients and guests, Pastor Tshifhiwa Mawelewele said it was up to an individual learner to make it or fail in life. Mawelewele, who is also a well-known educator, said learners should know what they want to be later in life and should also take decisions that they will not regret later on in life.

He encouraged learners to make wise decisions in choosing their careers as this could come back to haunt them later in life. He urged learners to surround themselves with people who could help make a difference in their future lives as some bad relationships could divert them from their intended goals and lead them to things that they will regret.

The circuit manager at Mvudi, Mr Tshililo Takalani, said he was pleased with the commitment shown by learners and educators. He urged them to work extra hard in order to improve the circuit’s standing in this year’s results. "It is up to you to make us proud at the end of the year, only hard work will make you achieve the best in life," he said.