The handover of 21 laptops to Ditsobotla’s top performing matriculants of 2023 was once again the highlight at a function where they were honoured for their excellent results in the recent National Senior Certificate exams.
The Ditsobotla Leo Stars of 2023 Grade 12 Well Done Function was held on 24 January at Hoërskool Lichtenburg. It was hosted by North West’s Department of Education and NWK sponsored the laptops, furnished with the latest software, to the value of R327 000.
“The matric class of 2023 has demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience in their academic journey, despite challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, load-shedding and service delivery protests. It is very worrisome that some of our schools are still without water and electricity.
“We applaud the role played by parents, teachers and administrative staff, school governing bodies as well as the business community to ensure that we foster a climate that is conducive for learning,” Benedict Modise, director of Economic Development at NWK, said at the function.
“The handover of the laptops signals the fulfilment of some of NWK’s objectives, including sustainable growth, effective communication with all stakeholders, a customer-focussed approach, as well as applying dynamic, innovative leadership and employing excellent staff,” he added.
Benedict also encouraged the class of 2023 to apply for a position at NWK, once their tertiary studies are completed. “NWK is the oldest agricultural company in the country, having been established in 1909. We can offer you endless career opportunities relevant to your qualification. We need competent retail managers, agricultural consultants, financial consultants, auditors, IT specialists and different types of engineers.”
Top students
The top matriculant of 2023 in the Ditsobotla sub-district, Mea Colyn of Hoërskool Lichtenburg, expressed her gratitude towards NWK for receiving a laptop. “It wouldn’t have been able to afford a laptop and it will assist me greatly in furthering my studies.”
She is still deciding between studying medicine at the University of Pretoria or Industrial Engineering at the North-West University. Her advice to the matrics of 2024 is as follows: “Be disciplined throughout the year and study hard. However, maintain a balance and pursue other hobbies too.”
Realeboga Moroane of Tswelopele High School achieved an average of 89% and has applied at the University of the Witwatersrand to study astronomy. “Wow! I’m speechless and so grateful,” he said on learning that he would be receiving a laptop. “It is difficult to offer advice to the matriculants of 2024, as people are different. What might have worked for me, won’t necessarily work for another student, but I would tell them to stay dedicated, consistent and work hard.”
Kegomoditswe Keromecwe of Gaetsho Secondary School will be studying B.Com Chartered Accounting at the North West University’s Mahikeng campus. She was a student of the Ikateleng Project – an educational initiative by the North-West University which is sponsored by NWK – whereby high school students receive additional classes in subjects like Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Sciences.