Delmas – Victor Khanye Local Municipality, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education and local businesses, celebrated the academic achievements of the Class of 2025 at Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School hall on 11 February 2026.
The Mayoral Academic Awards recognised top-performing learners, teachers and schools from all six high schools in the municipality.
The awards were supported by Mbuyelo Coal, Exxaro, Standard Bank and Old Mutual.
Humphrey Mokwena, General Manager at Mbuyelo Manungu, said the company values supporting initiatives that uplift young people. “It is very important for us to be part and parcel of this ceremony because it is a heart-warming event. We are giving back to the community because we value education a lot,” he said.
Lawrence Ntimane, Head for Provincial Public Sector at Standard Bank, said the bank has a strategic focus on education nationwide. Ntimane said teachers would receive monetary rewards for excellence, with the municipality determining the amounts while the bank provides financial support.
Exxaro contributed laptops to the best-performing learners in each subject, equipping them for their tertiary studies.
Among the top achievers were Thundezwa Siyanda, Msibi Andile and Cekiso Kholeka. Their accomplishments were celebrated alongside other learners who excelled in various subjects.
Msibi received a bursary from Exxaro to study Mechanical Engineering at Wits University. His mother, Jabile Shabangu said, “I am very excited for my son and very proud of him.”
Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School was named Best Performing School, while Botleng Secondary School received the Most Improved School award. Hoër Skool Delmas and Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School produced the highest number of Bachelor passes.
The VKLM Executive Mayor Vusi Buda said, “The awards are to support the Department of Education and also to bring community cohesion. We are guided by the Constitution, which states that municipalities must promote the safety and social well-being of the people.”
