Humble beginnings no deterrent for Edu spokesman
Dr Rasila Bernard Naledzani, a former journalist for Caxton Newspapers, is the Spokesperson for Education and with several degrees to his name, he knows what he is talking about.
POLOKWANE – Dr Rasila obtained a BA degree in 1999 at the University of South Africa, BA (Hons) degree in 2003 at the University of Stellenbosch and his MA degree in 2007, to mention a few.
Since completing his education he has held several positions that include being a teacher, the owner of his own newspaper and a journalist for Caxton Newspapers, as well as the senior director for several companies.
He says that people describe him as soft-spoken but one thing they do not know about him is that he often does get angry but keeps it well hidden. He is a very approachable person, both in business and personal spheres. When he is not working, he is involved with his community, taking part several projects and activities.
“I have friends, both educated and not educated and I count myself lucky to be among the few from my home village of Musunda in Mutale who have an education. I will always cherish and remember my fellow classmates,” Rasila says.
He adds his biggest challenge is people who ask him questions but have already decided what his answer will be and subsequently manipulate what he said to fit their idea of what he wanted to say. He sees success as being able to provide for peoples’ needs.
“In the villages where I grew up, we never dreamed of having electricity, but now we have. Poor people get help from government everyday and it is encouraging to see people rejoice.” He believes in helping others better themselves. His biggest piece of advice is directed at learners who he says should not let their poor backgrounds or challenges determine their future. “You can change your future through education are his words of encouragement.
The one thing he would like to change in education is to strengthen communication between the department and the stakeholders so the education sector can work in a joint manner to help improve the lives of the less fortunate through education.
He hopes to go back to teaching at university level so he can increase the wealth of academy through research.
“As for our department, I see continuous delivery and believe there will be a time we forget about major challenges and address the smaller challenges first. One of the most important things is to treasure our facilities which offer education to our children and to avoid vandalising facilities that will benefit future generations.”
