“I have also learnt that not everybody has the country’s interests at heart. I continue to learn and I am ashamed that stealing has become the norm,” said the Minister for Information, Communication and Technology, Savannah Maziya.
The minister was speaking during the U-Tech High School Speech and Prize Giving Day 2025, held at the school premises at Big Bend. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ubombo Sugar Limited Managing Director Muzi Siyaya, RA Themba Msibi, REO Richard Dlamini and Ubombo Sugar Limited Corporate Affairs Manager, Leonard Ndzimandze.
In her address, Minister Maziya applauded U-Tech High School for its forward-thinking approach to education, noting that as early as 1994, the institution had already embraced technical and STEM-related subjects such as Design and Technology, Engineering and Agriculture.
“You were creating a future before we even knew that this was going to be the future we required,” she said. She further emphasised the need for young people to prepare for careers in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, renewable energy and virtual reality.
The minister also addressed the issue of bullying, calling on learners to stand up against it. “Bullies have no future. They are weak and insecure. Success is the best revenge, show them that they were wrong,” she said firmly.
Meanwhile, U-Tech High School Head Teacher Dr Boy Khumalo expressed profound gratitude to the minister for her presence and support. “It would be rude of me to begin my speech before sending accolades to Ubombo Sugar for winning two prestigious awards at the 2024/25 ABF Sugar Performance Awards in South Africa, the Edward Namboya Award and Business of the Year Award,” he said. Dr Khumalo reported that the school continues to excel academically, recently earning a certificate for being the most consistent school in academic excellence. He further recognised several teachers for outstanding performance in national examinations.
The head teacher also announced that the school would begin offering AS-levels next year under the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Khumalo also reaffirmed the school’s commitment to discipline and moral values. “We strongly discourage unethical habits such as hitchhiking, substance abuse, bullying and gangsterism,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, he encouraged learners not receiving prizes to remain motivated.
“I congratulate all prize winners and encourage those not receiving any prizes not to give up,” he said. On another note, the Corporate Affairs manager took a moment to appreciate the school’s Board, management, parents and learners for their dedication to academic excellence.
“The school certainly cannot be a school without parents and learners. We thank you for believing in us and for continuing to support the school financially by paying school fees on time,” he said.
He also commended the learners for their hard work and resilience, urging those who did not receive awards to continue striving for success. To the Form V candidates preparing for their final examinations, Ndzimandze offered words of encouragement. He concluded by encouraging parents to celebrate their children’s academic success.
Meanwhile, one of the award recipients, Phiwa Magagula, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “It feels great to be acknowledged for our efforts. The motivation we received today will push us to work even harder next year,” she said.
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