By Motshabi Hoaeane
On Jan. 17, tutors from Accountancy Community Through Tirisano (ACCT) and KM Academics, along with students and parents, gathered at Masithwalisane Secondary School in Vosloorus to recognise top academic achievers from 2025. The awards honoured learners who excelled at demonstrating strong academic performance and commitment to education.
Learners from Grade 7 to up to matric received medals and trophies for academic excellence, discipline and good conduct in subjects they supplemented through ACCT and KM Academics’ tutorial programmes.
Founded in 2019, KM Academics is a subsidiary partner of ACCT, which was started in 2011.The two organisations work closely, using modern and strategic approaches to improve learners’ academic outcomes and skills.
The prize-giving ceremony was a joint initiative aimed at rewarding and motivating students for their hard work while encouraging them to continue excelling as they progress to higher grades and institutions of higher learning.
KM Academics founder Mr. Mokoena said the ceremony reflects the organisation’s 7R principles, including among them restoring culture, rewarding excellence and retaining relationships. “We are glad that parents and students share our vision. Through this, we are able to make a meaningful impact,” he said.
The programme included motivational talks and student testimonials from learners who attended both academies. One by one, students walked to the podium—some in tears—to receive awards that included cash vouchers ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 rand for first- and second-place achievers.
Several students who joined KM Academics at different stages, from as early as Grade 8 to and those that came on-board only in their senior years, shared their experiences. Many said they initially viewed weekend tutoring as a punishment but now regard the academy as a second home where they have a safe space to build on what they have learnt at school.
Students said the extra lessons boosted their academic confidence and provided a safe environment outside school where they felt that their performance was monitored without judgment.
Mrs Ann Puleng Maxiniva, former Principal of Kwadukathole Comprehensive School, and now KM Academics Principal, said the academy’s purpose is to provide education that liberates minds and moulds individuals with exemplary academic performance, conduct and behaviour.
“At KM we improve areas of the subject content where learners struggle with in their individual main schools.They get personal and individual attention.They learn in a conducive environment assisting them to master the subjects, ”she said.
Maxiniva said it is important to create an education system that produces learners whom educators can proudly identify as their own. “We want our children to receive education from dedicated teachers who are passionate about what they do,” she said.
Okuhle Mavimbela, a KM Academics student who achieved five distinctions and will study at the University of Cape Town, credited the academy with helping her excel. “Coming to KM Academics made it easier for me to perform well. The tutors are approachable and also very responsive on the WhatsApp group they use to communicate with us” she said.
Okuhle’s mother, Mathipe Mavimbela, said that while her daughter may have passed without additional support, KM Academics significantly enhanced her performance, particularly because her school did not offer extra lessons.
“Although she would have passed, KM Academics filled in the gaps in her knowledge and helped integrate what she learned at school,” she said.
