Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal
Glitz and glamour were the order of the evening at the Amajuba District Municipality where the top learners of the district were celebrated for their outstanding achievements in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Mayoral Excellence Awards.
The prestigious Mayoral Excellence ceremony, which was held at the Blue Ridge Crystal Palace on 18 February, recognized the district’s top-performing learners and reinforced the municipality’s commitment to education.
Acting Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu emphasised the importance of education, stating that it is the key to unlocking the potential of the youth.
“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth, and it is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that we provide them with the best possible opportunities to succeed,” said Mthembu.
The event was made possible through the generous contributions of several sponsors, including Nyatee Foundation, who was the main sponsor, covering the costs of the venue, sound, and artist. Other notable sponsors included Maxprof, Aros Protection Services, Aphelela Civils and Projects, Izinhloli Security Services, MTN Network Service Provider, Zero Defect Construction, Isivuno Auctioneers, NBM Auctioneers, and Boss Vehicle Stop.
The excited learners received impressive prizes which included phones, tablets, R10,000 cash prizes, R1,500 in grocery vouchers, journals, pens, USBs, and water bottles. Stucky Motors also provided VIP transportation for the learners and their parents.
Also in attendance was the The Department of Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi who joined the celebration via Zoom, while District Director Mr Nzama commended the hard work of the schools, noting that all of the schools in the Amajuba District performed above 70% in 2024.
Nyatee Foundation’s T.D Nyathi expressed his commitment to revisiting schools that didn’t perform well, leveraging the partnership with the municipality to help them improve. As part of their efforts, they plan to hire five learners from the Amajuba District Municipality.
Nyatee Foundation donated a further R600 000 as a gift to the District Mayor and the Department of Education to assist in continuing in their quest of supporting the most struggling schools in the district.
The municipality also used the program to recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in the district. This included community leaders, educators, and organizations that have contributed to the development of the community.
The celebration was also attended by Amakhosi aseNdlunkulu and Traditional Healers, the Mayor of Emadlangeni Mr Buthelezi, Thengamehlo Zulu, Speaker of the Newcastle Municipality, Speaker of eMadlangeni, Councillor Xoli Qwabe, and other councillors.