The Gauteng government has committed to pay university fees for the top three learners in all of the province's township schools, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi announced on Wednesday.
"We are going to give them a bursary for three years at a university of their choice," Lesufi said.
"The province was committed to investing in learners who will invest in the province."
Addressing the top learners in Gauteng at an event in Johannesburg, Lesufi said the students should know that those who were calling for fees to fall should know they have a "partner in the Gauteng government".
One of the learners who stood to benefit from the provincial education department's funding was John Sibanda from the Maxeke Secondary School in the Sedibeng West district.
Sibanda received the Harry Gwala MEC Special Award after scoring 82% in Sesotho, 83% in English, 99% in Mathematics, 95% in Life Orientation, 95% in Business Studies and 98% in Physical Science.
Attending an event held in honour of Gauteng's top achieving pupils, Sibanda leapt out of his seat and had a bounce in his step as he approached the stage to receive his award.
The youngster had plans of studying medicine at the Wits Medical School this year.
"There are a lot of opportunities in medicine," he said.
Source News 24
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