Johannesburg, 06 Feb 2006
South Africa`s top 18 matric 2005 pupils have been awarded new notebooks by the government and Lenovo, in recognition of their achievements.
The top two students from each province were flown to Pretoria last week to be guests of honour at a private luncheon with president Thabo Mbeki at the Presidential Guest House. Each was given a new Lenovo ThinkPad T43 notebook computer.
Education minister Naledi Pandor and deputy CEO of the Thabo Mbeki Education Trust, Hasmukh Gajjar, also attended the ceremony.
The top students are Akwaowo Ubon Akpabio, Noelani Bennett, Nosipho Zamanguni Makhanya, Reshni Hurbuns, Maria Jose, Azele Kruger, Asanda Kitsi, Jaanri Kochi, Effuah Kwaw, Line Morrison, Kitso Lesedi Mrubata, Liesel Barbara Muller, Mark Charles Mushabe, Willem Wiehan Jordaan, Lana de Lange, Mpho Mashishi, Nzudzanyo Ranwaha and Rethe Maree.
Rashid Wally, Lenovo country GM for South and Central Africa, commended the students. "It takes commitment, dedication and especially hard work to reach the top - and I say it`s now your time. It was our own Nelson Mandela who said education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.
"So, armed with your Lenovo notebook and the qualities that made you succeed and brought you here today, go out into the world and make your mark in the global village of today`s information age," said Wally.
Although the 2005 matriculants were the first group to benefit from the liaison between the Thabo Mbeki Education Trust and Lenovo South Africa, the ceremony and recognition of the country`s top students is set to be an annual event in the years to come, he said.
"Our objective is to encourage the future leaders of our country, regardless of the careers they may choose. The trust is in the process of creating a portal which will enable us to communicate with the winners so that we can see the progress they are making. Lenovo is committed to providing them with career guidance wherever necessary. We believe this group will be role models for the next generation."
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