Inmates graduate in theology studies

KANYAMAZANE – Three learners of Sitintile Secondary School got the opportunity of a lifetime to further their careers in any water-related field after completing their matric exams.

This is a dream come true for the three grade 10 girls, Nqobile Maphosa (15), Loyolah Nonyane (16) and Bongiwe Nkosi (17).

They each received a bursary and a laptop from the department of water

affairs.

This comes after they represented the province in the South African Water Prize Enterprise Competition, which was recently held in Centurion.

The three were handed their prizes at Sitintile on November 28 during a ceremony

attended by their teachers, parents, representatives from the department of

education and those from water affairs.

“Although they did not obtain the top-three positions, as a department we are proud of their contributions,” said Mr Thami Mndawe of the Department of Water Affairs.

Mndawe explained that the competition was part of the department’s 2020 vision of a water-education programme aimed at assisting learners with knowledge on how to protect this scarce resource.

“Through the programme, we plan to entice learners to fill the gap in the water sector,” he said.

The 2012/13 project targeted learners from grade nine to grade 11 who were taking maths, science and technological subjects. They were supposed to find water-related challenges in their schools or community and then develop projects that would serve as solutions.

Mndawe further explained they would be expected to work in the water sector after

completing their studies.

“We will enrol them in water-academy schools where they will be monitored and mentored, there are so many careers in the field that learners can follow,” he said.

The trio also represented the province in this year’s National Science Expo held in Boksburg, where they were awarded with a bronze medal and a certificate.

The school’s principal, Mr Harold Gondwe, expressed his appreciation to the department and thanked the trainer of the programme, Mr Sindy Mkhonza for his hard work and commitment.

“As a school our vision is to unleash learner potential for global competitiveness. My heart is at peace when I see these learners with the assistance of a teacher exposing

their talent to accomplish their future dreams,” said Gondwe.

Dr Abbey Mdhluli, who was representing the department of education appreciated the leadership displayed by the school and its teachers. “We thank them for the

culture of winning and success which they instilled and sustained in the school.

“They had proved that everyone can make a difference,” he said.

“Your background must not define you, it must refine you! Success is in our own

hands,” added Mdhluli.

When receiving the awards, Maphosa’s grandmother, Gogo Margaret Makhuhleni attributed it all to the greatness and awesomeness of God.

“God is so great. I am relieved now at least I know that my granddaughter will be able to pursue her career after matric,” she said.

She had been looking after her since her parents died years ago.

“I am so happy, I couldn’t believe it at first and I can’t wait. I’m going to work hard,” said Maphosa.

“I am very relieved. My parents won’t have to worry about varsity fees anymore. I always wanted to be a water surveyor and with the bursary I will be able to do just that,” said Nonyane.

“I’m so excited. I am happy that the project we worked tirelessly on finally paid off and I can’t wait for the opportunity to further my studies,” said Nkosi.