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.