Kagiso Baptist Church congregants together with the community of Kagiso recently joined hands to celebrate leaners who did well in their 2017 matric examinations.

Led by Pastor Zachariah Motaung and his wife Dr. Yvonne Motaung, the service was held under the theme “appreciating the Class of 2017”.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura together with Mogale City Executive Mayor Patrick Lipudi, former West Rand District Municipality Mayor Mpho Nawa, Gauteng West Acting Regional Director Oupa Koapeng and Dr. Peter Skosana were in attendance.

“We are happy to give our leaners a good send off to another level in their lives. This is the beginning of great things for each and every one of you. Go study, come back to your community and changes the lives of our people for the better,” Premier Makhura said.

According to the church’s Education Commission Chairperson Kagiso Mohulatse, the church holds the event annually to motivate other learners to do well in their studies.

“We want to encourage young people to take their education seriously. As a church, we do not only spread the word of God but we also make sure that the community that we live in is educated,” Mohulatse added.

The top three matric achievers received pastoral awards and laptops while others received certificates and book vouchers.

Councillor Lipudi added his voice and said: “It is encouraging to see a church acknowledging its leaners for a job well done. We are honoured as a municipality to be part of this event and we will continue to support the church.  Please keep up the good work.”