The United Christian Democratic Party congratulates all those who made the grade in their examinations last year.
    
    It is a reward for hard work on the part of parents, teachers, education officials and the learners themselves. We thank all for the sterling work.
    
    To those who did not make it, they should know and accept that failure is not defeat it is learning how. They should put more effort in their work and never give up. There are many examples in life of people who made it in their second, third or umpteenth attempt and they are rated as men and women of substance who made it in life.
    
    While we do not wish to take anything from all candidates, our special congratulations go to the  class of the North West Province. They made the grade against all odds – lack of ideal facilities in some cases, shortage of water, disruption of learning and teaching at some schools and villages and educators who travel long distances to and from their centres of teaching.
    
    It is also commendable that the province held  and conducted the examinations with great integrity as no leakages in question papers was reported. This is great stewardship by the department and the teachers.
    
    Special congratulations go to the Bojanala District on their sterling performance. One could argue that they conducted themselves like the real wise men from the East. They are the cream of the crop in the province.
    
    Equally to thanked are the MEC Maphefo Matsemela, the District Manager, officials in the district and the unheralded members of the School Governing Bodies.
    
    We hope this is only the beginning of greater things to come.
    
    Sipho Mfundisi