Índex per 2023-01-20 a Star

Boitlamo Matsunyane, one of Forte Secondary School’s top achievers, had a rewarding academic year thanks to his teachers and all the support he received, which pushed him to excel in his work. He said he knew from the onset that he needed to devise a strategy that would assist him in his academics, and with the help of Black Child Tutoring Services, he thrived. The 18-year-old, from Bramfischerville, attributed his mother Cynthia Nkuna’s contribution to his academic success. Boitlamo was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. He obtained a whopping seven distinctions in Setswana home language, maths, life orientation, accounting, business studies, economics and history. He obtained an average of 86.25% and scooped distinctions in accounting, economics, life orientation, maths, Setswana home language,…

Even with load shedding causing him difficulties, Edenvale High School matriculant Samir Sankar said that it was a fun year for him. Samir was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. He obtained five distinctions in maths, life orientation, business studies, history and physical science. The excited youngster said that his studies were not the only challenge he had to face during the course of the year, as load shedding was also one of the biggest problems while preparing for his final exam. “Along with load shedding and trying to study with LED lights continuously hurting my eyes, I had difficulties while preparing for my last papers,” said Samir. Samir found that his matric year was not an easy journey. With all the work he…

After a gruelling year filled with pressure and optimism, Jodache Govendasamy said his matriculation period was fun, but he does admit that at times it was an emotional roller-coaster since there were a lot of ups and downs academically as well as in his social life. Jodache said this was, however, the best year of his high school stay at Edenvale High School, east of Joburg. Jodache was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. He obtained five distinctions in maths, life orientation, accounting, information technology and physical sciences. The proud 18-year-old said he was excited to be furthering his studies at one of the best universities in South Africa, Wits University, where he planned to study actuarial science. “I chose this because I am…

While many South Africans saw the Covid-19 pandemic as a thing of the past, Safiyya Mayet had to battle the disease in the first term of her matric year, starting 2022 off with a challenge. Safiyya said a friend had contracted the virus before her. She said her body was weak, and the breathing problems started to worry her. But with the help of her family doctor and support from family and friends, she recovered. “I was receiving get-well messages from all over, from my friends and my school. The sad thing about it is that I missed my last market day at school, but I am grateful for the gift of life,” she said. Safiyya was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. She…

The world is in absolute chaos as planners of the Next World Order meet in Davos. Demonstrations are taking place across the entire world, as citizens of the planet display their anger and frustration at the current global status quo. The unaware are unaware that they are unaware. The architects of regime change meeting in Davos are stealthily implementing a master plan for the Next World Order. Orchestrating and directing chaos is their potent weapon to implement a strategy that seeks complete global control of the planet and its immense resources. Currencies are being debased. Democracy is being subverted, social justice has ceased to exist. The ongoing energy crisis is a well-orchestrated master plan to swindle trillions of dollars from many developing countries. President Kennedy warned the world about this…

Many years ago, when I was still in junior school, the class teacher said a memorable thing; “It takes three generations from shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves,” he said, meaning that the first generation rolls up their shirt sleeves and works hard to save and provide for the next generation. The next generation basks in the fruits of the previous generation (and generally doesn’t work as hard) resulting in the third generation having to work hard again. In many respects we live in the era of the second generation. We expect that we have a divine right to enjoy the fruits of what was provided by the efforts of the previous generation. Much of the contribution by the previous generation was provided by way of gratis voluntary and efficient…

Under the Constitution, the public’s right to access to electricity flows from the statutory obligations of Eskom. The deprivation of electricity through load shedding and other interruptions is, therefore, a violation of this constitutional right. This is the argument presented by a group of law firms, representing several political parties, NPOs and business leaders, in a letter of demand served on Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter and Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan this week. They are demanding – and indeed the entire South Africa is calling for – an immediate end to load shedding and the scrapping of the approved 18.65% increase in electricity tariffs. Eskom must also provide a timetable for when load shedding would end, and present a plan to halt load shedding. De Ruyter and Gordhan…

BANYANA Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana is raring to get back into action with new club Racing Louisville in the United States. The 26-year-old had to miss the bulk of Banyana’s victorious 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations campaign through injury, but is looking forward to her new challenge. She joined the American club last July after ending a stint with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, but has been unable to play as a result of injury. “I can’t wait to meet my new teammates at Kentucky, but I am still going through rehabilitation from an Achilles tendon injury. I am close to full healing and at the moment am running and trying to get to full fitness,” said Kgatlana. Kgatlana’s return to action will be music to the ears of Banyana…

Class of 2022 hailed for achieving the impossible MINISTER of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has congratulated the Class of 2022 for a job well done after they achieved top marks in spite of the many challenges faced by the country’s young people. Motshekga was speaking during a ministerial breakfast ceremony that honoured the 2022 national top achievers held at the MTN offices in Fairland hours before the National Senior Certificate results were made public yesterday afternoon. She said she was proud of this group of matriculants as they had to deal with several challenges in the lead-up to their final year of schooling, including the aftermath of Covid-19, which began when they were still in Grade 10. “You were in Grade 10 when we were hit by the Covid-19 storm,…

Fourways High School learner Lesego Mashego shares the details of her academic journey, and adds that she hopes to become a chemical engineer. Lesego, who explained that her matric year had challenges, said she was pleased to see her preliminary results because she sometimes doubted her capabilities. With her family’s support and encouragement, the 17-year-old was able to stay motivated until her final exams. Lesego was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. She obtained six distinctions in English home language, Afrikaans first additional, maths, accounting, information technology and physical sciences. In conversation with The Star, she said one of the biggest highlights for her in 2022 was her matric dance. “The whole year was filled with so many events and so many highlights, but…

Load shedding did not deter Khanyi Cynthia Mabunda from studying, and today she is one of the top 10 achievers for 2022 at the Nationwide School for Academic Excellence. Khanyi, who lives in Johannesburg, said her family were supportive. She said she worked really hard and was anxious to get her results. “I feel nervous because anything can happen, but I’m obviously hoping for the best. I am also excited because I will be opening a new chapter in my life,” said Khanyi. She said matric was a roller coaster of emotions. “My school was pushing us … I made friends who also pushed me and were my competitors. I enjoyed being at school but was also tired and felt like it was too much, but eventually I became okay…

His goal of one day becoming a renowned programmer provided the incentive for a Forte Secondary School matriculant to strive for academic excellence. The driven Kelebogile Pitso worked hard consistently throughout the year. And it paid off. He was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions, obtaining five distinctions in maths, life orientation, business studies, life sciences and physical sciences. He said that although his examinations were tough at times, he had kept his eyes on the ball. His academic merit landed him a spot in one of the best math and science programmes, Kutlwanong. “I was chosen to attend in Grade 11. That’s the second time they chose me (I had turned down the opportunity when I was in Grade 10 because I was…

Heinz Klingenberg cites dedication, discipline, and consistency as the drivers behind his academic success. Heinz was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. He obtained five distinctions in English home language, Afrikaans first additional, life orientation, geography and life sciences. The Fourways High School pupil said he had always known that yielding remarkable results would also demand extra effort, something he prided himself on. “My matric year was no different from any other year in the way that I approached it. My marks leading up to Grade 12 have always been consistent as a result of my dedication, discipline, and tested study methodology. What I can say is that the year, however, went faster than I expected. Once we reached the prelims, the momentum just…

The words of Epictetus, the Greek philosopher, are worth recalling: “What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think they are.” The ruling party has framed a list of three historical challenges for nearly 29 years. These challenges are poverty, inequality and unemployment (PIU). Our challenges go beyond PIU, and the ANC is fixated on PIU and other societal challenges facing the country are relegated to the background. The ANC is wary of venturing beyond PIU because of their lack of a sense of responsibility and our president’s ANC-centric approach is his Achilles heel. He is anything but national-centric. The Prophet Muhammad was once asked: “Who is the person in one’s life most deserving of good treatment.” He replied, “your mother.” When…

Every January the day arrives that South Africans know they can decide their fates: the “matric” exam results are announced. Last year, 753 964 full-time and 167 915 part-time candidates registered to write the secondary school exit exam – the largest cohort ever. They receive their results today. Many probably feel ambivalent about this massive moment in their educational journey. On the one hand, there is the feeling of completeness because the school years are done. On the other, there is a basket of emotions: stress, anxiety and excitement at the prospect of the unknown. Matrics (or Grade 12s) and their parents know that the National Senior Certificate, issued when matric is successfully completed, is a ticket to the future. The results dictate whether you qualify to…

THE Emirates Lions are yet to lose to the Dragons but that does not mean that when they face the Welsh outfit in Newport at Rodney Parade on Sunday (3pm kick-off) in their final EPCR Challenge Cup pool game, that they must expect an easy game. When this European tour started at the beginning of the month, the Lions, one would expect, would have looked at this fixture as their easiest assignment. But now, after four consecutive loses, and their ambitions in the Challenge Cup and United Rugby Championship threatened, the Joburgers must win this encounter. It is perhaps not a necessity regarding qualifying for the Round of 16 of the Challenge Cup. If results go their way elsewhere, especially the Cheetahs-Pau clash, they should still progress, but from a…

REFEREES will explain Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions to stadium crowds and television audiences in a 12-month trial starting at next month’s Fifa Club World Cup in Morocco, football’s law-making body said on Wednesday. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) failed to agree, however, on trialling rugby-style temporary concussion substitutes. The players’ union Fifpro had lobbied for such a trial in the English Premier League, France’s Ligue 1 and Major League Soccer in the US. IFAB said in a statement after a meeting at London’s Wembley Stadium that it also discussed clarifications relating to the laws of the game, including the guidelines on ‘deliberate play’ in offside situations. Fifa has invested heavily in VAR technology since it was introduced at the 2018 World Cup in Russia but controversy remains. Japan’s…

With less than 200 days to go until the Netball World Cup, the Spar Proteas are hard at work to make sure they are at their best come July. South Africa will start their preparations with a quad series which gets under way tomorrow in Cape Town. The world’s top netball nations New Zealand, Australia and England will compete in the event which should be just the test the host nation need as they prepare for the World Cup. The Quad Series will give the team some insight into where they are in their preparations for the Netball World Cup. SA coach Norma Plummer says the team is continuing to make strides in all areas of their game. “The improvement is coming daily, so it’s more about the intensity and…

Lebogang Mathebula has made it to the Top 10 Achievers at the Nationwide School for Academic Excellence for the 2022 academic year. Lebogang is originally from Mpumalanga but currently lives in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg. She told The Star that she is ready to receive her results because, honestly, she worked extremely hard and is looking forward to reaping the rewards. She said matric was challenging and very emotional because she kept thinking of the worst-case scenarios, but she was able to get through all that because of the support from her family and the school. Lebogang said load shedding made her matric challenging because it disturbed most of her study routines. “Another challenge that I think we all faced as the matric Class of 2022 is that our syllabus…

Time management is important for any matric pupil who would like to achieve great things in sports, culture and academics, said Parktown High School for Girls pupil Tashriq Elmedany. Tashriq was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. She obtained six distinctions in English home language, Afrikaans first additional, life orientation, consumer studies, history and physical sciences. Tashriq was captain of the school soccer and hockey teams, and was also on the school’s pupil leadership team. The challenge that all of this brought was that she had to ensure that she balanced her time so she could excel in all of these activities. “I love sports, especially hockey and soccer. I love reading and baking. I had a lot of things to manage, especially because…

Drawing inspiration from the solid support of her mother and sister, Tshwanelo Zanele Mokooe has been recognised as one of the most outstanding pupils at Forte Secondary School in Soweto during her matric year. Tshwanelo was named in Gauteng’s top achievers list for obtaining more than five distinctions. She obtained eight distinctions in Setswana home language, English first additional, maths, life orientation, accounting, business studies, life sciences and physical sciences. The enthusiastic 17-year-old said her academic year was colourful, remarking that she fed all the curiosity she had about learning. While others mentioned a few challenges, she said that tackling most of her schoolwork was smooth sailing, and every task motivated her to reach her full potential. “I truly enjoyed my matric year. It effortlessly persuaded me to reach my…

The moment of truth is finally here. Sinenzuzo Dlamini is among the top 10 achievers at his school. Sinenzuzo is originally from KwaZulu-Natal and lives in Kensington, south of Johannesburg. He said he was very nervous and anxious, but excited to receive his results. He completed his Grade 12 year at the Nationwide School for Academic Excellence last year. Sinenzuzo said his matric Class of 2022 was amazing. “It was filled with joy and support; we as a class supported one another, but mostly it was filled with a roller coaster of emotions,” Sinenzuzo said. He said the challenges he faced during the year were mostly not being able to pay school fees on time and his guardian not working. Sinenzuzo said load shedding also played a part in the…

It’s a bit difficult to ask the government to get their house in order (mission impossible) before sanctioning Eskom’s 18.5% tariff increase, but as an outsider looking in, the current situation needs to be analysed in depth. All the large metros in SA collect the monthly domestic electricity bills on behalf of Eskom and we are to believe there is an ongoing payment problem in this respect. Add to this, we have just witnessed, for the second time, Gauteng Metro writing off about R5 million in unpaid electricity accounts in Soweto. Add to this, the coal being supplied to Eskom for their power stations is being hijacked en-route and swopped for substandard rubbish. Add to this, the inability of Eskom being able to maintain ongoing maintenance programmes at their power…

LIKE they do every season, Orlando Pirates continued their search for answers in their goalscoring department with the signing of Cameroon international striker Souaibou Marou from Coton Sport FC this week. The club made the announcement yesterday, putting an end to the rumours about the players they have been after to beef up their attack. The signing of the 22-year-old forward, who was part of the Cameroon World Cup squad, comes as no surprise as the Sea Robbers struggle to keep up with the leading scorers in the division. They recently offloaded Nigerian Kwame Peprah on loan to Maritzburg United which may have paved the way for Marou. Zakhele Lepasa, Bienvenu Evanga and Terrence Dvukamanja have all scored one of Pirates' 13 goals this season with Kermit Erasmus yet to…