Spark learner takes her karate to the next level
Monki Mohlakoana, assistant principal at Spark Randburg, said that Katlego will receive resources and support to assist her in keeping up with her schoolwork while in Austria.
At the tender age of 18, Katlego Dlamini is about to embark on her greatest adventure – jetting off to take part in the seventh World Goju-Ryu Karate Championships in Austria.
This Grade 12 learner from Spark Randburg High has been selected to represent South Africa at the karate championship which takes place from September 2 to 8. This will be her first time travelling outside South Africa.
More than 1 000 athletes, judges, and officials from 30 nations will take part in the competition which is held in Fürstenfeld and Bad Loipersdorf in the picturesque landscapes of Steyr, Austria.
Katlego started her karate training at age 15, but later quit, only to return to the sport a year later. Two years later sees her at the top of her sport and chosen to represent her country.
She trains at the Okinawa Goju-ryu Karatedo Kyokai (OGKK) club in Randburg where Sensei Nigel and Sensei Wisdom oversee her preparations. Her karate endeavours are also backed by her school.
She said the school has helped her find her confidence as well as boost her competitiveness and open-mindedness.
As she is doing her matric year, Katlego is fully aware that she needs to keep up to date with her studies, even when she is in Austria.
“I follow a strict timetable to manage my time. It’s not an easy task to do, but if you are dedicated you can do it.”
Monki Mohlakoana, assistant principal, explained that the school is receiving such exciting news with great pride and joy. “Katlego’s achievement is a remarkable honour for both the scholar and the school. We are very excited for her and eagerly anticipating Katleg’’s participation in the championships.”
She added that exercise and physical education are highly valued at Spark.
“We firmly believe that a strong body contributes to a strong mind, and we encourage our scholars to engage in physical education activities.”
Proud mom Thokozile Ndlovu said that the school has given her daughter the necessary support which allows her to juggle both school and karate. “I am very proud of her, she worked very hard to be where she is today.”
The school’s learning model allows for Katlego to log into lessons or recap lessons wherever she is in the world and at her convenience.
“We will arrange for online lessons for her to participate in and provide access to subject materials and resources to ensure she stays on track with her studies,” said Mohlakoana.
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