​Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe has hailed Social Development beneficiaries for being amongst the cohort of learners that achieved the highest pass rate of 82.9% since the dawn of democracy.
Hlophe echoed during a ceremony at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni on Thursday, 01 February 2024, where 250 beneficiaries were handed gadgets in a form of digital tablets and headphones as a token of appreciation for passing their 2023 matric.

The gadgets will assist the learners to easily facilitate post-matric education and studies as many of them are heading to university and other institutions of higher learning.

Addressing learners and parents, MEC Hlophe said a winning mentality is a start of many greater things to come.

“It does not matter what you want to venture into, whether music or spots, being a doctor or a nurse, but everything that you want, you can only achieve it if your mentality is correct and you are focused,” she said.

“We are here to celebrate you and really indicate that at the heart of everything that you want, is that winning mentality. Many of you come from different backgrounds that are not privileged, some of you have no parents. But you must consider yourselves as lucky because you have the backing of government.”

“You have proven that you can pass the first phase and there are many other phases coming. So, you must be able to withstand the pressure that comes with it,” said Hlophe.

A former foster care beneficiary who now works as a qualified Social Worker for the Gauteng Department of Social Development in Duduza Office, Mpho Thubakgale was a beacon of inspiration and motivated the top achievers.

She said, “In the next five years, I want you to stand here and tell us your story so that you inspire the next generation of beneficiaries. Against all odds you will make it. Twelve (12) years ago, I was wearing the very same shoes that you are wearing.”

“I lost my parents when I was very young, and being an orphan taught me many traits such as patience and resilience. These two traits took me far in life,” echoed Thubakgale.

One of the top achievers for the class of 2023 was Phumlani Ntusi, a former learner at Simunye Secondary School in Bekkersdal. The 18-year-old said he overcame difficulties by remaining focused to his schooling.

Ntusi will be studying Electrical Engineering at Wits University.