LIMPOPO – The initiative was part of the provincial government’s Back to School campaign aimed at encouraging learners to improve their performance in 2016.
Motivating the learners at the school where he received his secondary education, Mathabatha said the destination of their future lay in no one’s hands but the learners’ and encouraged them to remain focused.
“Remember, a journey of a thousand miles starts now. Start now to determine and craft your future. The crucial key to have is discipline. Have discipline in your tasks, in doing homework, and simply listen. When it is said to be here at 10:00, that is what you should do. One other key thing is hard work. You can never replace hard work with anything, be determined and never quit,” Mathabatha said.
Robert Matlala, Motetema Circuit Manager, described the hand-over of the school shoes as a gesture of support to the learners.
“This is to help encourage learners to hit the ground running and to work hard, doing even better than they did last year. The gesture is to show them if they play their part, we will play ours,” added Matlala.
Zanele Mohlala (14), a Gr 8 leaner, expressed her delight over the new shoes.
Advocate Sandile Nkosi, SAB corporate affairs, said when they heard about the chance to help the school children, they were eager to do their part. Nkosi also urged the learners to work hard in school and to avoid underage drinking.
Also in attendance at the event were Kgoshi Rammupudu, from District Education Management, and representatives of the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality.
