TOP matric pupil Thalentha Ngobeni (16) from Kumani village outside Thulamahashi was honoured by the Mpumalanga Department of Education on Wednesday.
At a ceremony held at Oaks Secondary School to honour Thalentha, who passed all eight subjects with distinction, he received special gifts, including a car and cash.
The gifts were handed over by the MEC for Education Reginah Mhaule and ANC regional secretary Folus Sibuyi.
Thalentha also received money from the IDC, Standard Bank, Sasol, a laptop, a travelling bag and a small fridge from Vodacom, Old Mutual and Bongani Rain.
Chief Magwagwaza Mnisi slaughtered a cow in his honour.
MEC Mhaule said Thalentha passed all his subjects with distinction and got 100% for maths, physical science and accounting.
“He has received a full bursary from the department, including pocket money,” said Mhaule.
Business executive Dr Reuel Khoza handed Thalentha a special gift and said they welcomed him to the galaxy of stars in the area which included people like himself, Professor Dr Eddie Mhlanga, anthropologist Dr PX Shilubane, the late education professor Donald Mahlangu and Dr Hamilton Mnisi.
Overwhelmed Thalentha said he was humbled and grateful at the same time.
He said: “This car means a lot to me. I might not yet have a licence to drive it but I thank God for what He has done in my life.
“I couldn’t believe it when I received a call to say I had performed well.”
Thalentha advised the class of 2018 that they must stay away from drugs and study hard.
“They must improve on the pass rate of the class of 2017,” he said.
Thalentha is going to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.
