The Noordwes Koöperasie (NWK) rewarded top-performing matriculants from 21 schools in Lichtenburg, Coligny and surrounding townships with a laptop and software each for their hard work.
It is the 11th year that NWK has supported prospective tertiary students’ studies. According to a statement by the agricultural cooperative – the oldest in the country – operating in the North West province, the value of this year’s donation is about R283 000.
NWK, which has its headquarters in Lichtenburg, is particularly proud of the matriculants from the Ditsobotla sub-region, who improved the district’s pass rate in 2024 by 11% to 88.6%. Ditsobotla is located in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality in North West and includes towns such as Lichtenburg, Coligny, Biesiesvlei and Itsoseng.
At a gathering on 23 January to honour the achievers, Benedict Modise, NWK’s Director of Economic Development, congratulated last year’s matriculants on their hard work and said their dedication had paid off.
“You have proven that those who believe in themselves achieve success. Continue to inspire others with your remarkable achievements. You have set a high standard for future matriculants.”
He encouraged them to consider the wide variety of career opportunities at NWK and to join South Africa’s oldest agricultural company once they qualified.
‘Hard work gets noticed’
Marilie Rossouw from Lichtenburg High School is the top matriculant in Ditsobotla and achieved eight distinctions. She said it took “hours and hours of hard work” to achieve this exceptional performance. She advised future matriculants never to give up and keep trying, even if they achieve lower marks in the preliminary and other exams.
Marilie will study B.Sc. Health Sciences with biochemistry and physiology at North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus. “This laptop from NWK makes me feel very special. My hard work was worth it and it got noticed.”
Galaletsang Tsetse from Bophirima Secondary School in Itsoseng was overwhelmed when she received the laptop. According to her, her family is in financial need. “My mother is unemployed. Only two of our family members currently work but don’t earn enough money to afford a laptop like this.” She will study social work at the University of Johannesburg this year.
Oarabile Realeboga from Gaetsho Secondary School in Lichtenburg also encouraged future matriculants not to let obstacles prevent them from reaching great heights. He plans to pursue a degree in nursing at the University of the Free State.
Another achiever, Aobakwe Thuto Sebokolodi from Tau Rapulana Secondary School in Bodibe, plans to study pharmacy at North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus. “This is fantastic!” he said upon receiving his laptop. “I am very grateful.”
