It was glitz and glamour at the Vutivi I Ndzhaka (VIN) gala dinner hosted at Sedan village’s AFM Church on Saturday evening, March 26. VIN is a not-for-profit organisation (NFPO) which was established in 2012 by academics from Mulati, Mafarana, Ntsako, Bonn and Sedan villages. They provide mentoring and coaching support to matriculants from the five villages. This support relates to personal mastery, academic assistance, career guidance, life skills and preparedness for higher education and life beyond.
The main objective of the event was to celebrate and honour the best performing learners, schools and educators in 2021. The overall best learner was named as Vulthari Nkhwashu, followed by Judith Mathebula, Abednego Mathye, Gracious Khosa and Lizzy Mashele respectively. Scotch Maboko Secondary School from Mulati was named the best performing school and the most improved school in the Mafarana Circuit. The learners and educators walked away with prizes ranging from certificates, trophies, prize money and gadgets.
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Wayne Rikhotso from VIN received a youth award for community building through education. The big winner on the day was Dr Ignatius Hoveni for the lifetime achievement award for his contribution in the local education, sports and community. Hoveni told the guests that he is humbled by the award and to also be appreciated by his fellow villagers is overwhelming. The speaker of the evening was motivational speaker, author and deputy manager of the Nkowankowa circuit, Case Ngobeni.
Earlier on the day the organisation was hosting a career exhibition at Sedan High School, where learners from Cata, Professor, Scotch Maboko and Sedan were given information on courses and jobs from academics and entrepreneurs. VIN chairperson, Twarisani Rilkotso, passed words of gratitude to all stakeholders, sponsors, learners, teachers, Vaka Nkuna Royal House, the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and the community at large. “A few of the learners I spoke to indicated that they will work hard to achieve their desired results as that will enable them to reach their dreams.
“The impact of these events were well demonstrated by Gracious Khosa, a grade 12 learner of last year who backed up her promise to do well by bagging an award this year. “Once again congratulations to the matric class of 2021 and wishing all the best to the class of 2022. “We also reassure the class of 2022 that we will continue to support them, and we are just a phone call away,” he concluded.
