By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A heartfelt sense of pride, gratitude and quiet triumph filled the council chamber foyer on Monday, 26 January 2026, as parents stood alongside their children during a mayoral breakfast celebration honouring top matric achievers in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District.
Behind every academic success celebrated at the event were years of parental sacrifice, discipline and unwavering support, a reality strongly reflected in the voices of proud mothers whose children’s hard work earned provincial and national recognition.
Salamina Maboea, the mother of Lerato Maboea from Tlhorong Secondary School, said the invitation came as a complete surprise.
“I feel very proud of my daughter. I never thought she would be invited to such an event because of her matric results,” Maboea said.
“I am very happy and grateful to the Office of the Mayor for honouring my child in this way.”
Equally emotional was Felleng Mokubung, the mother of Bokang Mokubung from Bluegumbosch Secondary School, who spoke about the commitment required to ensure her son’s success.
“I made sure my son attended school and extra classes without disruption. I did everything so that he could just focus on school and studying,” she said.
“I collected all his reports, so his teachers used to tell me about his good performance. I knew he would do well. I am very proud of him and grateful that he has made us proud.”
The learners’ achievements were recognized not only for their academic excellence but also for the strong foundation built at home. Bokang distinguished himself further by representing the province at national level, placing the district firmly on the academic map.
Principals from both schools, Principal Nkhabu of Tlhorong Secondary School and Principal Bells Mbhele of Bluegumbosch Secondary School, attended the celebration alongside educators, sharing similar sentiments that parental involvement played a critical role in the learners’ success.
Addressing the gathering, TMDM Municipal Manager (MM) Takatso Lebenya said the mayor found it fitting to honour the learners because their achievements reflect the strength of families, schools and the district as a whole.
“You listened to your parents and teachers when they told you to study hard. You are good examples to younger learners who still need to pass matric and pursue further education,” Lebenya said, adding that government bursaries present opportunities for further studies.
In her keynote address, TMDM Executive Mayor Conny Msibi said the celebration was about acknowledging excellence and ensuring that top achievers do not go unnoticed.
“We want to say to you that we are watching you, we are proud of you and we appreciate the way you have represented us,” Msibi said. “If we do not prioritize education as a district, our communities will not develop.”
The event closed on a high note, with parents, educators and officials united in celebrating not only academic success, but the powerful role families continue to play in shaping the district’s future.
