Nkosazana Ngwadla
Recently, the second edition of the annual educational recognition event, hosted by the Friends of the New Brighton Library in partnership with the Iphulo leeNkonde Foundation, celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of Grade 12 learners.
The ceremony, held at the New Brighton Library, was aimed at inspiring and recognising learners for their successes during their final Grade 11 exams last year.
The Chairperson of the Friends of the New Brighton Library, Stan Mosia, confirmed the significance of the event: “The purpose of this function is primarily to recognise and inspire this year’s Grade 12 learners for their achievements during their final Grade 11 exams for the previous year. It is an effort to reward their hard work and motivate them to continue striving for excellence in their final school year.”
Initially, the event focused on four high schools within New Brighton. This year, however, its reach expanded to include four additional schools from Kwazakhele, Zwide, Walmer, and Motherwell – increasing the number of deserving learners celebrated.
Mosia explained, “Last year, the initiative only included four high schools from New Brighton, and the top five overall performers were selected based on their Grade 11 final exams. This year, we welcomed more learners from additional schools to participate in this growing annual event.”
Learners were selected for recognition by submitting authentic reports, which were reviewed by a panel of retired teachers from the Iphulo leeNkonde Foundation. Each recognised learner received commemorative badges, symbolic of their outstanding performance.
“The badges stand as a reward and an honour to the learners, recognising their effort and excellence. This gesture is to motivate them to keep aiming for success,” said Mosia.
Last year’s event keynote speaker, Dr Sipho Sishi, shared an inspiring message. The PE Express reported that Sishi, whose educational journey began in New Brighton and led him to Fort Hare University and Medunsa, resonated deeply with the audience. His speech at the time emphasised the importance of staying focused on the path to success.
Messages of support came from several esteemed individuals, including Malizole “Banks” Gwaxula (Ubuntu Pathways, Zwide), Ward 14 Councillor, Mbulelo Qupe, Busi Mbiyo (representing libraries), Mbulelo Nzo (author and composer), and Elva Koetaan-Van Zyl (NMM Older Persons Forum).
Their words of encouragement highlighted the importance of education and community support in driving learners toward their goals.
The event owes much of its success to community-driven crowd-funding, as well as critical support from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Libraries section.
“While some donations went into providing basic lunch packs for the learners, the libraries section has been instrumental in providing educational materials,” Mosia explained. “We are also grateful for the contributions from various individuals, local businesses, and professionals within the community.”
Despite its success, the organisers face challenges, as the Iphulo leeNkonde Foundation, registered as an NPO, does not yet receive funding from the Department of Social Development.
Looking ahead, Mosia expressed hopes for the project’s continued growth: “As this initiative gains momentum, we plan to follow up on the post-matric results of these achievers. We want to ensure their further enrolment in tertiary institutions is fully supported and monitored throughout. These learners will also be encouraged to serve as ambassadors within their respective schools.”
The Friends of the New Brighton Library and Iphulo leeNkonde Foundation remain committed to hosting this annual function as part of the National Libraries Week programme, striving to bring the community together and invest in the young minds that will shape tomorrow. “This event reflects our dedication to creating paths to success for our learners while fostering a spirit of achievement and community collaboration,” Mosia concluded.
