Local youth helps learners with enrolment fees
Isivivane Social Club was formed in 2016 by young residents concerned by the number of children who would sit at home after matric.
Lolo Madonsela
A number of youths from eMondlo have formed a social group, with an aim of assisting matriculants with registration fees.
Isivivane Social Club was formed in 2016 by young residents concerned by the number of children who would sit at home after matric, due to lack of assistance with registration fees for tertiary institutions.
One of the club’s members, Mandisa Mhlongo said, “Isivivane is basically from the saying ‘Phosa itshe esivivaneni’, which loosely translates to ‘a small stone can make a difference’. The club is made up of seven members and anyone can become a member, by making contributions from as little as R50 up to whatever amount a member can afford per month. They can even make a lump sum contribution.”
Isivivane has assisted seven learners since 2017, all of who came from Isolomuzi High School.
“Isolomuzi is our pilot project hence all our beneficiaries are from this school for now. Should more funds be obtained from contributors, we can then expand to other schools. The funds are given to the top achiever and second-best achiever in the school.”
Mhlongo mentioned other youths could also participate in such clubs.
“It is only the youth who can help uplift the youth. Seeing a need and trying to fulfil it is what we require, especially in eMondlo. It doesn’t have to be formal, for as long as there is trust among that group, they can club the money together and help those in need.”
One of the beneficiaries is 17-year-old Philile Sithole from Block B in eMondlo, who hoped to motivate those currently in Grade 12.
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“Study hard and never give up. They shouldn’t worry themselves about what tomorrow holds, because today can change tomorrow. They should aim at getting good marks because they can open a lot of doors, even the ones they thought they would never open.”
Sithole passed with three distinctions, earning herself a Bachelor’s pass and entry to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, to study towards becoming a pharmacist.
“I heard about Isivivane at school; they were giving the top three matric learners registration money. They approached me and offered to assist and even though I did have some money for registration, their contribution will be of great help. They gave me extra assistance.”
Another beneficiary, Thobani Mavuso (18), also from Block B in eMondlo, said he would be studying medicine because he loves helping other people. He also passed with three distinctions, allowing him entry into UKZN.
“Both my parents are unemployed and Isivivane came to me and offered assistance. It helped me a lot because the money helped me to buy things I will need, as well as for registration. I motivate those in Grade 12 to know they must work hard and that they too can get assistance through bursaries and NSFAS,” he concluded.
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