Mayor Safers honours top matriculants

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The first ever Mayoral Top Achievers Awards ceremony took place last Wednesday at the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet.

The top achiever in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (DBNLM), Joy Merifield of Union High, thanked Mayor Willem Safers on behalf of the top achievers from all the schools for the new-found ceremony, saying it makes them feel extra special.

The three top students in the municipal area, as well as the top achiever from each school in the area, were accompanied by their principals and parents.

The top three matriculants are Joy Merifield of Union High with an average of 88,3%, followed by Adriaan Blignaut of Hoër Volkskool with 84,8% and Na'eem Mohamed, also of Union High, who achieved an average of 80%.

Safers said he understands the pivotal role education plays in the formation of personalities and the achievement of success.

He extended his gratitude to the schools for their huge effort to develop the potential of students.

"All of us know South Africa requires an expanding pool of skilled young professionals who contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic advancement of society. Despite difficult circumstances, poor backgrounds and humble beginnings, through sheer hard work, commitment and determination, nothing should prevent our students from achieving top results," said Safers.

Jerome Elie of the Department of Education in Graaff-Reinet also celebrated the diligence and excellent results of the class of 2024.

From the left are Henriette Malan (head of Hoër Volkskool), William Pringle (head of Union High) and proud parents, Liezl and Paul Merifield and Ralie Blignaut.