The Mayor of Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality Dr Merriam Molala.
Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality Mayor Dr Merriam Molala has urged the community to invest in education. She said this during the much-anticipated Lepelle Nkumpi Mayor's Excellence Awards, an occasion that celebrates and encourages the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the unwavering dedication of educators, and the remarkable achievements of our learners.
The event was attended by various stakeholders; officials from the Education Department of education, educators, learners, parents, teachers; representatives from the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), Professional Educators Union (PEU) leadership and members of the School Governing Bodies (SGB) present.
The awards ceremony was boosted by the following sponsors; Emole Group represented by Palesa Abigail Seshibedi and Betline Investment by Humphrey Thansa.
“Education is the foundation upon which societies are built. It is the key to unlocking individual potential, fostering innovation, and driving progress. Today, we recognize those who have dedicated themselves to shaping young minds and inspiring future leaders. As we celebrate with you today, we are aware that the hard work did not start when you set behind the desks for your Examination and tests. Your presence here is the culmination of the hard work and the extra hours you have put in the past years, and you are very deserving to be here, and we are equally proud to celebrate your achievements thus far,” Mayor Dr Molala.
“In the heart of the Capricorn South District, we gather to honour not just individuals, but the collective spirit of excellence that permeates our educational landscape. We pay tribute to the countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and determination invested by our teachers, learners, schools, and circuits. To the learners gathered here today, I want you to know that you are the architects of your own destiny. Your thirst for knowledge, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your commitment to continuous improvement serve as beacons of inspiration to us all. Remember, education is not just about acquiring information; it is about transforming lives, realising dreams, and shaping futures.”
She applauded educators stating that they are the backbone of the society who shape young minds, inspire future leaders, and foster a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. “Your influence extends far beyond the classroom, impacting families, communities, and the world at large. It is a known fact that teaching is not an easy profession nowadays, since you encounter dealing with diverse characters from different backgrounds. You face countless challenges, from managing diverse classrooms to meeting the needs of our learners with varying abilities,” Mayor Dr Molala.
She said however despite these obstacles educators persevere, adapting, innovating, and striving for excellence.
“As you continue on your journey as educators, I offer these words of encouragement: never lose sight of why you started teaching in the first place. Remember the spark that ignites your passion for education, and let the flame continue to guide you. We also acknowledge the great strides that are being made by school principals despite all the challenges we are facing at some schools. We are aware of the extra parental roles you play to these learners. Some of you sacrifice so much of your time for the good of these learners. We say thank you,” the Mayor said.
Dr Molala further said that schools and circuits which were recognised during the awards represent the epitome of educational excellence. “Your commitment to providing a nurturing environment conducive to learning, your innovative approaches to pedagogy, and your unwavering support for holistic development have set a benchmark for others to emulate. May you continue to serve as beacons of hope, guiding our youth towards a future filled with promise and opportunity,” Mayor Dr Molala.
“As we celebrate the achievements of today, let us also reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. Inequities in access to quality education, resource constraints, and socio-economic disparities continue to pose significant obstacles to realising our vision of an inclusive and equitable education system. It is incumbent upon us, as stakeholders in education, to redouble our efforts, forge partnerships, and mobilise resources to address these challenges head-on.”
Mayor Dr Molala said the African National Congress-led government is implementing free higher education as envisaged in the Freedom Charter, which says that the “The doors of learning and culture shall be opened.”
She also encourages learners to use the libraries within the Municipality which have free access to the internet. “Our Youth Office is available to assist with applications for the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and career guidance,” said Mayor Dr Molala.
She confirmed that the municipality has planned to install Wi-Fi hotspot in all the offices of our Traditional Councils across the municipality, which shall enable the communities' easy access to internet connectivity.
“This programme will assist our learners from rural areas to do their research. During the back-to-school campaigns last year, I committed myself to adopt Kopano Senior Secondary School from Lebowakgomo Circuit, ward 16, Lebowakgomo Unit S which did not perform very well in the previous year. Today I can proudly announce that the School has immensely improved from 51, 2 percent in 2023 to 69,6 percent in 2024 with 27 bachelors’ degree, 21 diploma and 32 higher certificates. We will continue to give support and monitor progress on the school," said Mayor Dr Molala.
The Lepelle Nkumpi Mayor congratulated Mme Nkunzana the District Director on her well-deserved recognition. “It is my great pleasure to stand before you today to honour an exceptional leader, an outstanding woman, and a true champion of education. The woman has been an inspiration to our school’s communities, demonstrating unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and uncompromising commitment to excellence,” Mayor Dr Molala said.
“Under that special woman’s leadership, our schools have flourished, achieving remarkable academic success, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and respect, and providing a nurturing environment that allows our schools to grow and thrive. The woman is more than just a woman, she is a mentor, a role model, and a true advocate for every one of us. She has a unique ability to connect with each and every one of us, understanding our strengths, our weaknesses, and our aspirations.”
Lepelle Nkumpi Mayor's Excellence Awards.
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