Hundreds of Alex students writing this year’s matric examinations received spiritual advice in a bid to encourage them to believe in themselves, as only they control their destiny.
The advice from a group of stakeholders at Sankopano Community Centre was to encourage them so that they could achieve the 100 percent pass mark expected by the Joburg East District and the provincial government.
Pastor Banele Sanqosi said it was the pupils’ responsibility to improve the country by obtaining good marks. “Spiritual intervention will strengthen your hearts and minds to achieve this goal. Prove the doubters that you can make it and only through prayer and education will the country become a better place,” he said.
Twenty-year-old pilot, Boitumelo Moraka who, after matric joined the male-dominated aviation industry, urged the pupils to believe in themselves and to rely on parental and teachers’ advice as they were interested in the pupils’ success.
“Don’t let circumstances of poverty and other social challenges determine your future – except through education,” she said. She encouraged them to always be motivated, dedicated and passionate when in school or when writing examinations. “Good education and passes will enable you to exit any negative situation.”
Youth, Tefo Raphadu, quoted an old saying which says it was not their fault they were brought up in mud houses, but it was their responsibility to take themselves out of the mud houses. This by applying themselves at school.
Councillor William Choene said the results of the examinations would prove if the pupils had listened to their teachers and were dedicated to their studies.
MPL Godfrey Tsotetsi said the country relied on the pupils to make it a better place and knowledge was the only way to do so. He said education was in society’s interest, and that the pupils’ families, teachers and community would support them morally throughout the examinations.
The principal of Kwa Bhekilanga Secondary School, Jubere Selowa, urged them to trust in themselves as examinations were not new to them. “Have a study plan for each examination paper, don’t judge yourself as a failure and be punctual to avoid anxiety,” he advised.
The matriculants were also urged to attain a 100 percent pass mark by the ANC Youth League, Congress of South African Students, councillors and the Youth Advisory Centre, which urged them to approach them for study bursaries and work opportunities.
