/ 25 January 2007

Mbeki bestows awards on top matriculants

President Thabo Mbeki awarded 18 of South Africa’s top matric students the Thabo Mbeki Matric Merit Award in Pretoria on Thursday.

”It is us who feel honoured to be in your company,” Mbeki told the matriculants, a sentiment shared by Education Minister Naledi Pandor.

She urged the students to continue their hard work and advised them to ”watch out for the parties and alcohol”.

”Don’t leave South Africa after your studies; you must ensure that you work towards the development and advancement of our country,” Pandor said.

The chairperson of the Mbeki Trust, Hasmukh Gajjar, said the combined value of a scholarship for the students’ time at university is about R5-million.

The grant will cover costs of tuition, books and accommodation.

All the matriculants said they were ”privileged” and ”honoured” to meet the president.

”It’s just so amazing. I feel blessed and honoured,” said Refiloe Mokgotloa from Gauteng.

When Jaco du Plessis’s turn came to introduce himself to the president, he said: ”I must say, Mr President, you’re shorter than I imagined.”

Du Plessis (19) will be studying actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.

Jaco Jordan (19), who received 10 distinctions, will pursue a career in accounting. ”I feel like royalty,” he said.

Other dignitaries who attended the award ceremony included Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

All 18 students received 3G data cards — which ensure fast internet access — from Vodacom and laptop computers from Lenovo. — Sapa