The 17-year-old Maduvha Steven Munyai from Thohoyandou Secondary School has emerged as the top learner in Limpopo, Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya announced during a ceremony at the Ranch Motel outside Polokwane on 13 January.
Munyai obtained seven distinctions in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, Geography, Tshivenda, Life Orientation and English First Additional Language. The young achiever said time management, discipline and hard work were the key factors behind his success, adding that it was due to the grace of God.
He said that without the support of his teachers and parents, he would not have achieved his results. “It was not that easy. Success only comes after hard work,” he said. Munyai encouraged other learners who had not excelled to keep working and not give up. “Your knock-down is not your knockout,” he said, urging learners to prioritise studying over socialising. “They should reduce time spent at parties. Watching TV also does not help, especially programmes that are not educational,” said the soft-spoken Munyai.
Munyai plans to study Actuarial Sciences at the University of Cape Town or Wits this year. Asked if he had already secured a bursary, he said many companies had offered to finance his studies and he would soon choose one.
MEC Ramakhanya said the province’s pass rate had increased by just over 1% since last year, reaching 86.15% compared with 85.1% previously. However, she noted that some schools had underperformed. “Last year we worked very hard to improve our matric results,” Ramakhanya said. “We organised massive camp classes and partnered with SABC radio and community radio stations to support Grade 12 learners with revision.”
She expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for supporting and encouraging their children. “Teachers in this province committed themselves in ways that should be an example to the rest of the profession, and we truly appreciate their selfless contribution,” said the MEC.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba congratulated the matriculants and educators who performed well and wished them success in their new beginnings at universities and colleges. “Your success and achievement today signify our commitment to advancing the values of education that are central to our liberation as individuals and as a nation,” she said.