Prof Moutlana addresses top matric performers

The Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality, the honourable Mahole Simon Mofokeng, hosted the top 20 best performing matric learners from the Class of 2011 at a function held at the Emerald Casino River Resort on 17^th January 2012.

The esteemed guest list included our Vice Chancellor Prof Motlana, Executive Mayor Emfuleni: Greta Hlongwane, Executive Mayor Sedibeng : Mahole Simon Mofekeng, Busisiwe Modisakeng: Sedibeng Council Speaker, Sedibeng Chief Whip Christinah Sale as well as  Fetty Mnguni: MMC Social Health. Other VIP’s were educators, the top matric performers, members of the media and representatives from the Department of Education.

Our Vice Chancellor Prof Motlana was invited to present a motivation talk to the future leaders of our country. She spoke from the heart and touched on issues that learners will remember for the rest of their lives. Her experience with dealing with the youth shorn through as the Executive Mayor said it was difficult to speak after such a renowned, experienced expert in the field  said it all, but all he had to do was just reiterate her motherly advise. During an interview with one of the learners Ms. Kelebogile Chabalala , a 19-year-old matriculant who obtained six distinctions from Sun Crest High said after listening to Prof Motlana’s talk, the reality of a tertiary education and the benefits thereof can prepare her for a great life and fulfill her ambition of becoming a Mechanical Engineer.  Kelebogile was raised by her mother who is a single parent and was given all the support from her siblings and family members who are so proud of her achievement.

“An adult is someone who accepts responsibility, makes independent decisions and become financially independent.” Prof Motlana

Thabiso Mvulani , a scholar from Beverly Hills High, accompanied by his accounting teacher Mr. Sithole; both remarked that Prof’s speech touched on issues that can make or break the future of these young leaders. “We are now ready, motivated and equipped with ambition and a burning desire to see what the world can offer, but we have to study really hard to get to where we want to be when we graduate from university one day.  Prof has given us renewed hope for the future and now it’s up to us to reach for greater heights to make our families proud” said Thabiso. It is with great pride that we note the dedication and passion that Prof Motlana shared with both educators and learners alike. The audience was so receptive and cheered as she spoke.

Certificates were awarded to the proud achievers in recognition of their excellent performance in making the district proud. It was said that the Sedibeng average pass rate was higher than the national average, this was due to the commitment and dedication of educators in ensuring that learners achieve top results.

The following is an extract from Prof Motlana’s speech. The entire speech is available on our website.

“Without dampening the celebratory spirit of this luncheon, I would like to remind you that this is the time when the roads taken, and the roads not taken, diverge and begin to have an impact on the way you are going to live for the rest of your life. Your graduation from Matric is preceding your life into choices such as university education, careers, marriage, and parenthood. In so many ways, today is the start of the rest of your lives. Just consider the choices you have to make”.