Madala gets diploma at 71 years
At the age of 71, Jim George Mlangeni from Sasekani village outside Tzaneen is living proof that it is never too late to learn.
LIMPOPO –Â Mlangeni has become an inspiration in the local community after a Cape-Town based institution recently held a public ceremony to officially give him certificates after he completed four courses in Bible studies through distance learning.
The inspirational madala received certificates in the following courses from the Bible Correspondence School: Daniel and Revelation Bible, discover Bible, Tsonga Bible and New Millenium Bible.
He is currently studying towards a diploma in Bible studies and urges both young and old people to stay informed by reading books or newspaper every day.
“I was forced to quit school to help my mother to provide for my three younger siblings, but my quest for knowledge never died. I read a book or newspaper every day because I want to stay informed about events happening in our country and abroad,” he said.
After quitting school in Gr 10, Mlangeni worked as a waiter, chef, long distance truck driver, car salesman, sales advisor and depot controller until he retired in 2007. He passed Gr 12 through Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) classes.
After retirement, he became active in the community and became the advisor to the local induna and a regional Chairperson of the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO).
“Last year, I decided to enrol for Bible studies because I wanted to improve my knowledge of the Bible. I am a lifelong learner. I am addicted to reading,” he said.
Mlangeni advised young people to concentrate on their studies, saying education will help them to achieve their goals and to build a better future for the country.
“The future of this country belongs to young people, and if they are not educated, who is going to manage our government and economy? Education is power and once you have it, no one can take it away from you,” he said.
Mlangeni said through his Bible study, he has learnt that what we often divide into physical, mental and spiritual parts of a person are really interrelated and inseparable.
“Human beings are an integrated whole. What affects the mind, affects the body. Our spiritual impact has an impact on our physical condition, and vice versa. We are a whole person,” he said.
