SADTU encourages hard work among learners.

SADTU together with Wits and University of Johannesburg students gave learners of Motswatemeng Secondary school a motivational talk on 18 October 2013 in Makapanstad, North West. The motivation comes as learners are left with few days to write their final exams. The school have three days study camps from Friday to Sunday, they started before mid year exams. Both learners and parents sleep in the school premises and they are catered with food by the school. SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke encouraged them to take their studies seriously and to respect time to achieve good matric results “Manage your time very well you would not regret. I am proud that you are in grade 12, because you will make us proud and yourselves” Maluleke said in a packed hall. In addition Maluleke shared his childhood story, he told them that he travelled 18 km bare footed single each day and persevered “ I wish you all the best in your exams and with hard wok nothing is impossible” he added. The learners signed a pledge document before Maluleke as a sign of assurance that they will pass at the end of the year. University of Witwatersrand student Manoshe Phasha who studies Masters in Build Environment and Housing, told the learners that their circumstances should not discourage them to reach their goals “In life you don’t have to feel discouraged by your background. With hard work, passion and determination you will reach your success” Phasha said. He also asked learners to continue with their studies after they have passed matric. A touched Tshegofatso Moila said since he planned to study radiography with University of Pretoria next year, he will take the advice he received everywhere he goes “I was motivated little bit before but after meeting university students my morale was high. What they said to us was good and it will help me to reach my dreams” He said. While his words were positive it was Seroke Mokwatedi whose words were touching “I’m the last hope at home because there is no one with tertiary education in my family. I want to be the first person to graduate in medicine and be a good example In the community” Amid the words of encouragement, the school principal Vivian Kgobe said she was happy with the efforts the Union and tertiary Students made in her school “ what happened today shows that the Union works, it should continue with its good work” she said. Her words to university students “ These students should not stop their good work with us. It will be great if they continue with their work to enlighten other pupils out there that they can make it if they work hard” Kgobe said. Kgobe said their vision is to ensure that all learners pass and they are targeting 80% pass rate this year. They will continue with their study camps 22-24 November and later they will give achievement certificates to honour the best achievers in matric results. Other Grades from grade 11 downwards will not be exempted as best three learners per class will also be honoured. The principal said they will live according to their school motto “Education is a ladder to success” she said.

Why I like soccer.

Since my childhood, I have been asked many questions but the most prominent one was why I loved soccer. This game of football which is also called soccer is in my language called Kgwele which literally means – the ball.

I had and still have the answers; I watch football because I love the game. It is my lifeblood. The entertaining part of it ignites more passion for the sport. It is a, sought of, palliative activity from boring duties and distress. It sharpens my intellect to think strategically because it’s a game of minds. It sways my emotions to the extremes – from extreme laughter to angst and tears - depending on the performance of my team. I don’t have to make an appointment to engage or immerse in the sport. I can simply switch on the television, go watch the game even in my backyard; soccer is everywhere. I am a perfect player – not in the field but from my armchair. Football, while it offers amusement, it also offers me good therapy. It also gives me a chance to bond with friends one cannot watch it alone. Through football one can create many friendships in far places, because it is a powerful which can unite people. During my adolescents years I managed to have friends from far places. My love for soccer resulted in a bond with my brothers and friends on mine. It’s because we share emotional basis because of the love for the game. Football is a skillful warfare, where players in the field don’t kill each other but their intention is to outclass one another. It is a disciplined sport because coaches and managers want the best out of the teams. It is no different from a military field where there are commanders who expect the best out of their soldiers. I like discipline. Most successful people in many fields achieved their successes not only through intelligence but discipline. Although a game is not war, sometimes blood spills. Players do collide while some try dirty tricks to make sure that they keep others out of the game; that’s where a good decision making from a referee should arise. If my team is dominating and scoring lot of goals, to me it is a great achievement. However, I know very well that opponents of the losing side are angry. A win is what we strive for. What I have learned in soccer is that no matter how massive the win or loss for a team, there is tomorrow and the tables will turn. After all these years of watching soccer my loyalty has been tested and I feel I can survive tough times. The lessons I have learned through soccer are helpful in my daily life. The sport has built my mental capacity and resilience in difficult times. I will always enjoy the game.