Picture: embattled GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The top ten learners who were promised R10 000 and laptops by the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe alleged that, they have not received anything from the municipality thus far.
One of the beneficiaries, Rethabile Modise said, she has not received anything and that is frustrating. According to Modise, who is now studying at the North West University (NWU) said, she is in need of a laptop and her parents cannot afford one.
“I am furthering my studies at the NWU and I am in need of a laptop. We have not received any money nor laptops from the municipality.
“No update or whatsoever from the municipality and we do not know what is happening. I will be grateful if the municipality delivers on its promises,” she said.
Gaoraelwe and the municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant dismally failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages and telephone calls regarding this matter before going to print.
Meanwhile, during the prestigious Mayoral Excellent Awards ceremony held at PH Mooketsi Agricultural College in February 2023, Gaoraelwe said, it was important to assimilate well-deserving learners and the most improved schools across Taung.
“This is the concept from the municipality’s office of the mayor. So, we saw it necessary to reward excellence and recognise the Top 10 learners across Taung. We are even recognising the most improved schools in terms of merits.
“We are doing this necessarily because we want to encourage other schools. Over and above, we believe in education and that’s the whole purpose. This is an annual event and ever since the inception of the new administration, this is for the second time hosting this initiative,” he said.
Gaoraelwe further said the Top 10 learners will receive bursaries, laptops, and printers. He added, apart from that, there were some service providers who partnered with them and allocated R2000 to each learner.
“There are top schools that have performed well and we are awarding them certificates and trophies. I cannot really quantify how much the municipality has spent on this initiative, but what I know is that, the Top 10 learners will receive laptops, while the Top 3 learners will receive laptops and printers including R10 000 cash,” said Gaoraelwe.
The Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Petrus Meyer said, it is important to celebrate the hard work of these learners. Meyer said, as the district, they are now targeting a 100% pass rate.
“We believe that a 100% pass rate is possible through monitoring, support, and efficient management. Remember, in the past, we targeted 85%. However, from 2023 onwards, we are now targeting 100%.
“Mostly, all circuits performed well and there is an improvement. As the district, when the school received 60%, we rendered that as underperforming. Our standard is, schools should get 70% above,” he said.
Tlotlo Kgolobe from PH Mooketsi Agricultural School was recognised as the best performer. Kgolobe received the awards for overall top best performer in Taung, and top best performer for Life Science, Mathematics, and Agriculture Science subjects.
He was followed by a learner from Jerry Mahura High School in Dryharts village, Renaleone Olifant.
The Guardian 