FORTY-FIVE pupils from Mandeni were awarded bursaries by the municipality so that they can further their studies.
The bursaries were handed over at an event in Sibusisiwe Hall on Friday to acknowledge the top 10 performing pupils and schools from the area.
Municipal manager, L.H. Mapholoba said most of the pupils that managed to obtain impressive results are from impoverished homes and had managed to form pockets of excellence even though overall the district performed poorly.
Speaking on behalf of KZN MEC for Education Peggy Nkonyeni, J. Khoza said pupils should always stick to the study habits that helped them become top achievers.
She urged pupils to take part in various activities that would help hone their leadership ability once they have reached tertiary level.
Khoza advised parents to provide their children with the necessary support needed when one is a pupil.
She said pupils must avoid entering into sexual relationships especially cross generational ones as consequences of these may impede their personal growth.
Secretary of the ANC Youth League Greater KwaDukuza Region, and iLembe Municipality councillor, Lucky Makhathini said parents should be more actively involved in the education of their children.
He said not only top achievers should be afforded the opportunity to further their studies through bursariesÂ, but also those who obtain average results should be given an opportunity to do the same, especially if they come from an disadvantaged home.
Makhathini said teachers who are members of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) should ensure that the schools they are based in excel academically and not focus on protests.
Mandeni mayor, Siphesihle Zulu said a number of people born and bred in the area had made the town proud through their successes.
Addressing the top achievers and bursary recipients, Zulu said education in one way poverty can be eradicated.
He said how the municipality benefits when awarding bursaries is that a pool of skilled or educated individuals from the area is created and the municipality then has an option of employing these individuals whose knowledge and expertise would benefit the community at large.
He reminded those who were awarded bursaries to give back to the community once they have graduated.
Zulu said teachers should be passionate and committed to their profession.
He said pupils, teachers and parents should have a three way relationship which would help the former obtain desirable results.
The mayor said the municipality would continue with its work, and working with the private sector, to ensure that schools are in areas where basic infrastructures are available and that schools have adequate teaching aides.