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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There is no doubt that the matrics of 2020 rose to an immense challenge to achieve their final exam results.

Of the these achievers, 45 from local high schools were invited to the Mayoral Merit Awards function in the town hall to receive a monetary award on Monday, 8 March.

Alderman Dirk Kotzé, acting executive mayor of Mossel Bay, lauded the youth present for their perseverance amid difficult circumstances and for the rewards they reaped.

Photo gallery: Municipality rewards matric achievers

"If ever there was a year when the education sector was turned upside down, it was 2020."

Kotzé said the criteria for receiving a merit award this year was extended to make provision for learners who, under the most difficult circumstances nevertheless achieved good matric results.

"I am aware of learners who suffered circumstances not conducive to learning and who achieved excellent results nevertheless. I want to encourage them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence and not to let their circumstances distract them from reaching their goals."

Kotzé said he wished all the recipients present the best of luck to better their futures, whether they were afforded the opportunity to study or not. He said that, after leaving school he too did not have the opportunity to study, but pursued entrepreneurship first. "And yet today, here I am standing in front of you as the acting mayor."

He too grappled with the study challenges of Covid-19. He obtained his Honours degree in Public Management from Mancosa last week.

"Education in South Africa is the foundation of the future, and needs expanded to help all our learners to accomplish their goals. Today is merely the beginning.

Take along your courage and positivity, steadfastly climb the ladder of success and reach for the stars. Make Mossel Bay proud."

Prinicipals from the various high schools were awarded certificates acknowledging their pass rates. 

This included Indwe Secondary School 49.8%, Sao Bras High (79.9%), Great Brak Secondary (88.8%), Hillcrest Secondary (93.1%), Point High (98.5%) and Curro Mossel Bay (100%).