Going extra mile is his event
Menzi said he wrote in the front of his diary that "this is the year to shine" and decided to take any opportunity that comes his way.
MBOMBELA – Menzi Mkonza, a grade 12 learner of Lowveld High School (LHS) once again proved that, although you might think you do not have much to offer, taking initiative could lead to something remarkable. Approximately a week ago
Ms Francina du Plessis, LHS's marketing manager, received a text message from Menzi, asking if he could join the school's team to participate in an athletics meeting at Rob Ferreira.
Not being one of the top athletes, Menzi's request raised a few eyebrows, and when he requested to see Rob Ferreira's principal, speculation increased.
“It's nothing serious,” he reassured, adding that he wanted to thank the principal in person for inviting his school. According to Menzi, LHS has not been invited to this particular athletics meeting the previous year, and he was not exactly sure why.
He felt his school had been downgraded over the past few years. “I know there are many people that say that we can't behave, but that is not always the case. Today, I am a proud learner of LHS. I want to set an example and show everyone exactly who we are.”
Menzi said it meant a lot to the school to be invited and therefore he decided to thank the hosting school's principal in person.
Unfortunately he didn't get hold him, but asked a teacher to please convey his message.
“I'm not sure if he did get it, but I really hope that he did. I know I cannot change all the people's perceptions, but even if I change the view of only one person, I know it was a successful day.”
In 2013 Menzi took part in athletics for the first time and although he came last he said he still enjoyed it. “I can still cheer on those who can and contribute one point for finishing.”
According to Du Plessis, this young man made sure Lowveld High participated in as many items as possible and he even ran to the pavilion to get an athlete if he saw a lane was open.
Menzi said he wrote in the front of his diary that “this is the year to shine” and decided to take any opportunity that comes his way.
“You don't have to excel in a specific terrain to set an example, but sometimes something small like picking up papers can make a big difference. In 20 years' time I want to come back to this school to witness its growth. I want to look back and know it started with me,” he concluded.
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