Mpe's Message of Excellence: Polokwane's Brightest Stars Shine at Matric Awards

Mpho Dube
Jan 17
2 min read

Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe with top student Maphuti Maleka from Capricorn High School and other dignitaries...

By Mpho Dube — Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian_

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

Polokwane, South Africa - In a resounding celebration of academic excellence, discipline, and determination, the Polokwane Municipality hosted the Executive Mayor's Excellence Awards for the Matric Class of 2025 at Jack Botes Hall.

The event, graced by the presence of Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe, was a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and communities.

In his keynote address, Mayor Mpe emphasized the critical role education plays in driving economic freedom and municipal development. "Education is the sharpest weapon in the struggle for economic freedom," he declared. "Without education, development is delayed. Without education, poverty reproduces itself."

The Mayor's words resonated with the audience, comprising top-performing learners, educators, parents, and community leaders. The province's impressive 86.15% matric pass rate was a clear indication of the collective effort and commitment to excellence.

Mayor Mpe reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to supporting education, announcing that over 300 students have benefited from the Executive Mayor's Bursary Fund since its inception. "A municipality that funds education is funding its own future," he said.

The Top 20 learners were feted with certificates, trophies, and prizes, including tablets, laptops, and power banks. Mayor Mpe urged them to continue striving for excellence, using their education to uplift their families and communities.

The event was a powerful reminder that education is a collective responsibility.

As Mayor Mpe put it, "The struggle for freedom did not end with political liberation; it continues in the classroom, the lecture hall, and the laboratory."

The Azanian salutes the Matric Class of 2025 and all stakeholders who contributed to this remarkable achievement. Polokwane is indeed rising, and its future is bright.