MINISTER of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba yesterday delivered on his promise to give money to matric pupils who did well in their final examinations.

Gigaba had promised to give pupils R1000 for every distinction they obtained.

Yesterday, Gigaba gave R10000 of his own money to pupils from different schools in the Mandeni local municipal area. He said he had made a promise to pupils last year as a way of encouraging them to study harder.

"It was meant to encourage them and giving them the money is a reward for their hard work. The money is to help them with their registration fees but if they do anything else with it, then it's entirely up to them," Gigaba said.

Gigaba said he looked forward to doing it more often in the future. Even if more than 100 students got distinctions, Gigaba said he would be happy to honour his promise.

"I am looking forward to the day when a lot of children achieve that feat.

" It is good to see them so excited," he said.

One of the recipients, Bhekumuzi Mthembu, 18, who got six distinctions, said he appreciated Gigaba's kind gesture.

Bhekumuzi obtained distinctions in geography, Zulu, life orientation, life sciences, mathematics and physical science.

"I'm very happy as the money will help me register for chemical engineering at university.

"When the minister made the promise ... I was determined to work hard," Bhekumuzi said.