Well done, 2012 matric class

LET me be the first one to congratulate all Grade 12 pupils who passed matric and we salute you as you have done us proud in this country.

I am so elated and excited as my daughter, Sibahle Piyose, was so cool and collected, and she also made it. I am dedicating all her good results to my beautiful wife, Monica Piyose, who was part of her achievements.

I did not sleep on Wednesday night, as I was waiting and waiting and waiting for The Herald at the Engen Garage in Bluewater Bay. The Herald only arrived at 5am and I was the first one to buy it.

I applaud all the teachers, parents and school governing bodies, together with our education officials from the government, who made tireless efforts to make sure we achieved such good results. As Bismarck said, "A country without education is like a tree without roots”.

I do not want to single out any school, but Collegiate is setting the pace. I am proud that my daughter was a pupil there and she is setting the pace for her younger sister, Vuvu.

Walmer High is also appearing on the map, thanks to all teachers and the headmaster as matric is always a challenge. You have done us proud, Lunga Dyani at Walmer High.

South Africans, this is the time when we should invest our money and resources into education. We must be part and parcel of our schools and provide our kids with unequivocal support for all their education needs and at the end, we will achieve success.

We must also not forget our townships schools, as they do not have any additional resources as former Model C schools do. That is where we should put all our efforts as there is untapped potential in our disadvantaged schools.

I am reminded of Julius Nyerere, who once said, "If education is expensive, try ignorance”.

Well done to all Grade 12 pupils and celebrate your success.

Proud parent Richie Piyose, Port Elizabeth