Top Achievers Celebrated and Honoured: Class of 2026 Welcomed!
The Moretele Local Municipality’s Office of the Mayor and Community Development Services, in collaboration with the Moretele Local Education Office (LEO), successfully hosted the Matric Awards Ceremony to honour the achievers of the Class of 2025. This event, now in its second year, also served to welcome the Class of 2026.
The ceremony took place today, Friday, 30 January 2026, at the Municipal Hall in Mathibestad, attended by top achievers from the Class of 2025 as well as some learners from the Class of 2026.
Dignitaries present included Moretele Mayor, Hon. Cllr Masango George Manyike; Hon. Speaker, Cllr Freda Mapela; Special Programmes Unit (SPU) Portfolio Chairperson, Hon. Cllr Mashudu Mphaphudi; IDP and PMS Chairperson, Hon. Cllr Francinah Tsoku; Finance Chairperson, Hon. Cllr Charles Pete; and Sports, Arts, Culture and Education Chairperson, Cllr Morake Molefe. Other attendees included Ward 26 Cllr, Hon. Mokone, educators, subject advisors, area managers, and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) from Moretele LEO, as well as Kgosi Sekhupi Nawa, Queen Hope of Baphuthing baga Nawa, and Prince Maloka.
During his keynote address, Mayor Manyike congratulated the Class of 2025 for their outstanding achievements and welcomed the new matriculants. He urged educators and regional managers to provide greater support to schools, noting that an intergovernmental meeting (IGR) is essential.
“This is the Year 2020 Fix—a declaration from President Ramaphosa to ‘fix local government.’ Our school transportation is overloaded, with students crammed in like sardines. We face challenges in accessing essential resources, and distressingly, some learners have been assaulted on school premises, with incidents of rape occurring both at school and while commuting,” the Mayor reported.
He emphasized the urgent need for attention to municipal and provincial roads and stressed that improving the physical infrastructure of schools—including well-maintained classrooms, adequate sanitation, proper lighting, and suitable furniture—is critical for minimizing distractions and enhancing learners’ focus. The Mayor called for an intergovernmental meeting on 18 March with all key stakeholders.
The municipality is committed to supporting learners through valuable learnership programs for post-matriculants. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Local Economic Development (LED) office or the Mayor’s office for more information.
The Mayor’s office annually provides study grants to deserving learners who wish to further their studies. “Last year, we funded 20 learners; this year, we anticipate increasing that number to 25 beneficiaries of the Mayor’s Study Grant. Additionally, the Top 5 achievers each received a grant of R20,000 to assist with their university or college registration and study materials. This year, the Top 6 achievers will receive an additional R5,000,” he stated.
From the enthusiastic applause and smiling faces of the attendees, it was clear that the event was a celebration of excellence.
Issued by: Communications Unit: Office of the Municipal Manager
Communications Manager: Mr. Mothupi Malebye 083 737 3493
Communications Officer: Mr. Buti Molopyane 072 883 1153
