Jeppe High School for Girls welcomed the 14 new Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Scholarship recipients for 2020 on October 23.
This year the theme was Constructive Youth Activism.
Each girl gave a short speech on activists for women’s rights and constructive youth activism.
They each spoke with self-assurance and courage.
This was the 10th event of this nature and among the 14 new recipients was the 100th learner to benefit from the scholarship.
This year’s guest speaker was Ruth First’s eldest daughter Shawn Slovo. She brought Ruth First alive for the girls.
Speaking of the trauma of losing her mother in the prime of her life, Shawn held the audience captivated with her recollections and reflections of Ruth the person.
“What would she have said today about the scourge of gender-based violence? She would be very vocal, of that we can be sure. I think she would have said that what is important is that gender-based violence is now recognised as unacceptable and abhorrent, and that steps are being taken to address this problem,” said Shawn.
“You are a fortunate group of young women who can walk through that door with your head held high, knowing that whatever choices you make todayare made by you and not somebody else. You have the Constitution and laws to enable you to achieve your ambitions,” said Shawn.
The new Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Scholarship recipients are Favor Onyekwere, Candice Thabethe, Takinha Simao, Sokhna Diop, Mbali Blaai, Hope Koho, Ketsia Kalombo, Ukumaka Uzoma, Musabbiah Areff, Keabetswe Mokgatla, Oratile Moholo, Zinathi Mbandana, Tinyiko Silinga and Alzira Lubisi.
