The executive mayor of Ekurhuleni Clr Mondli Gungubele has congratulated the class of 2014 for an \u201cexcellent performance\u201d.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the announcement of the results by the Department of Basic Education, Gungubele said it was exciting to see more young people from previously disadvantaged areas coming out tops in their studies.<\/p>
\u201cThe fact that our country continues to produce more and more university entrants from the previously disadvantaged areas is a clear indication that we are on the right track.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven more exciting about this year\u2019s results is that even with the high number of service delivery protests in some areas ,which ultimately affected the culture of teaching and learning, the children were able to pick up the pieces and make us proud,\u201d said an elated Gungubele.<\/p>
He warned the successful youngsters to continue taking education seriously \u201cfor it is the key to a better life for you and your loved ones\u201d.<\/p>\n
Gungubele encouraged them to triple their efforts when going forward, for the standard of education at institutions of higher learning was indeed higher and tougher.<\/p>\n
The first citizen also had a word of advice for those who did not pass.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a thin line between losing and winning.<\/p>\n
\u201cLosing breeds winners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main recipe to success is through failure and hardships.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat you need to do now is take the baton, aim high and do proper planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cChange your attitude and take off for the skies,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Gungubele reminded these students that patience was not an easy thing yet its fruit is sweet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey must just remember that age is still on their side and, therefore, all they need to do is understand that achievements take time and that there is no overnight success.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso important is the fact that there is no need to be embarrassed by failure, but rather you must learn from it and start again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The executive mayor further thanked teachers, parents, other stakeholders in the education fraternity and society in general for their contribution in ensuring success for the class of 2014.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe education of our children can only be a success if all of us realise that it is not about the children themselves but the community and the future of South Africa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that with all stakeholders working together with government to improve the level of education in this country, the ultimate objective of a high standard of education for the country remained an achievable target.<\/p>\n