Big boost for top Bay matrics
THERE was much to celebrate at John Ross College on Friday when international philanthropist, businessman and former Bay resident Johan Oldenburg made his annual contribution to top achievers.
He presented cash awards to top matrics who excelled in the first term, and treated the entire school of over 1 000 learners to a braai.
But there was more to celebrate as Oldenburg added a twist when he presented further cash awards to top matric pupils who excelled in languages and mathematics.
The atmosphere and energy at the handover ceremony was emotionally charged as recipients received their surprise cash awards and processed the announcement of an international allexpenses-paid trip at the end of June.
The R15 000 cash awards were scooped up by Landon Moonsamy for top Afrikaans FAL and mathematics, Talia Dukey for top English HL and Philasande Nxumalo who was the top mathematics literacy pupil.
In addition, the top IsiZulu FAL students, Sbonokuhle Zwane, Amahle
Ntshangase, Nokwazi Mazibuko, Uyanda Zubane and Olwethu Buthelezi each received R3 000.
For Oldenburg, spending time with the staff and learners at John Ross College is top of the agenda when he visits South Africa.
Youngsters also look forward to the engagement session as he briefly shares his story as a Zululander who emigrated abroad and ventured into business but never severed his ties to his home town.
He reminded learners to always have a vision, be specific in their life with goals and aspirations, and keep a smile to attract good things.
Hard work rewarded
"This year we focused on the best pupils in languages, mathematics and mathematics literacy. These top eight learners excelled, with five achieving 95% in isiZulu," said Oldenburg.
"We are excited to host the learners, as well as principal J King who is preparing for retirement soon, on a tour to Europe at the end of June," he said.
Welcoming the generous contributions, principal J King thanked Oldenburg, adding that not only will this money give the learners a start towards their tertiary education, but it also serves as a wonderful motivation to others.
She said the week-long trip to Europe will broaden their horizons and the value of such a trip cannot be overestimated.
"Our alumni journalist, Connie Harry, will also go on this trip. She was a past JRC pupil, and we are so proud of her and all she has achieved.
"There are not many wealthy people who give back to the community, and Mr Oldenburg not only supports education in Richards Bay, but has also assisted in getting women and children to safety from Ukraine, supporting them until they are settled.
"He has given food and medicine to orphanages in Ukraine because the population of these places of care has risen rapidly owing to the war.
"True compassion comes from the heart, and his heart is bigger than most," she said.
Oldenburg emigrated to the Netherlands over 25 years ago, but has always maintained strong bonds to the region through his humanitarian efforts and supporting learners through his company, Oldenburg, Bonsèl & Associates, bursary initiative.