The executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni councilor Mzwandile Masina, invited top achievers to the Godfrey Potjie Academic Excellence Awards, which were held at the Germiston civic centre (Banquet Hall).
The awards were given to students who did exceptionally well in the 2020 academic year. The awards were a way of celebrating the pupils’ remarkable matric results and hardwork.
Sifiso Christopher Ntikana obtained seven (7) distinctions and the city of Ekurhuleni recognised his hard work. “It was a difficult year for any learner but we all managed to keep our eyes on the ball. If it wasn’t for the teachers who risked their lives, so we can have a better future, I wouldn’t be receiving any award and I’m grateful to them for believing in me when no one else did and to my parents, I love you.” said Sifiso.
He gave a beautiful, encouraging and stimulating speech to all learners who academically performed well and advised those who struggled during the year to keep on pushing and to renounce defeat.
Sifiso is the only black child that managed to get a laptop and a bursary. He walked away with two trophies, an award and a statue that gave recognition to his hard work.
“Subjects that I master or I am proficient in are Accounting and Business Studies, which is why I got the two trophies and I thank the City of Ekurhuleni for giving me a bursary to go and study at any academic institution.” The City of Ekurhuleni also acknowledged students who were part of their bursary scheme who also came back with their double applied sciences and engineering qualifications.
Sindi Dlamini is one of the bursary recipients who came back from Netherlands with a double applied sciences. “No one imagined 2020 would be a year where we start to admire life and stop taking it for granted. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity given to me,” said Sindi Dlamini.
The Godfrey Potjie Awards were not ordinary but were remarkable, astonishing awards that gave hope to the hopeless and those who had a desire to improve their academic path.
By: Zoleka Batsha
