The mayor of Thulamela, Cllr Grace Mahosi, has urged pupils from schools in the area to study hard.

She promised them all the necessary support and said that their passing with flying colours would make the municipality proud. Mahosi embarked on a campaign last week to motivate learners at underperforming schools just before they started writing their examinations.

She kicked off her tour of the schools on Thursday when she visited Tshadama High School at Ngwenani. She and her entourage also paid a visit to Marude Secondary in Thohoyandou.

She proceeded to visit PP Hlungwani and Nkatini Secondary School in the Malamulele area, where she addressed pupils and teachers before wrapping up her visit at Shayandima Secondary School.

At Tshadama High School, which was known for its bad results, pupils and teachers told her that her interest in them would have a catalytic effect and they would do well in this year’s examinations.

Mahosi, who had been a teacher for 30 years, also gave the 58 Grade 12 pupils cards with the message: May you make us proud. You enjoy the support of the municipality, the staff and your parents.

Both principal Meshack Muthala and governing body chairman Andrew Pharamela hailed the mayor’s visit and said it would do a lot to motivate the pupils. “The school is 25 years old and we have never received a visit of this nature,” said Pharamela.

Tanganedzeni Mutswana, who represented all the pupils, received thunderous applause from her fellow pupils when she said: ”We know that results were not forthcoming at the school in the past, but the class of 2011 has vowed to make sure that this changes and we will bring the bacon home.”