March 2022.
Teachers, learners, parents, and representatives from the Provincial Department of Education, attended a Matric Excellence Awards ceremony, held last month in Brits Town, North-West. During the ceremony, dedicated to honouring the Matric Class of 2021, 20 Grade 12 learners from surrounding schools were recognised and awarded for their achievements.
This excellence programme is funded by De Wildt Solar in partnership with the Department of Education in the Madibeng Local Municipality. The programme forms part of the solar project’s Socio-Economic Development programme, with the purpose of stimulating and honouring academic achievements of Matriculants, in schools across the area.
“We acknowledge the efforts made by the Grade 12 learners in our community and through this programme, we hope to give them a head start by providing a tool that can be used in academics and in business. Furthermore, the programme also aims to recognise teachers and parents for their efforts and fosters healthy competition as a driver for change,” explained Celiwe Mabaso, Community Operations Manager for De Wildt Solar.
In addition to awarding certificates of excellence, De Wildt Solar also handed out 20 laptops to the top achievers. The solar plant also partnered with Bushveld Vametco Alloys who awarded R25 000 each to two learners, the funds will go towards the learner’s tertiary education.
Among those receiving awards was Irvin Kwarare, a pupil at Malatse Motsepe High School, who expressed his gratitude by saying, “I want to thank De Wildt Solar for the award and for recognising my achievements. To be one of the best students in my community is an honour and a privilege.”
“With your generous donation of the laptop I received, I will now be able to do my studies online. I hope we won’t be the first nor the last to receive awards from your organisation. Thank you once again,” he added.
This programme funding is an ongoing support service by De Wildt Wind Farm, which will continue to provide scholarship programmes and career expos in schools, benefiting a number of communities spread within a 50km radius of the project site, namely Brits, Mmakau, Mothotlung, Lethlabile, and Garankwa.
2nd Floor, Fernwood House, The Oval, 1 Oakdale Road,
Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
Claremont, 7735