The grade 12s from Gozinqcondo, Siphumelele, Behekiswayo and Mshadza high schools, accompanied by 15 teachers, started their day off with river rafting at Idle & Wild.
This was the first time any of them had participated in the activity and some agreed that it was the best part of the whole event.
(Photos supplied by The Poet’s Media, courtesy of Idle & Wild.)
After the exhilarating and, at times, terrifying experience, pupils were taken to KFC, Steers and Debonairs for a meal before heading to Umbhaba Lodge to start the arduous task of dressing for the formal dinner and after party that evening.
Dressed in an amazing array of styles and colours, the matrics dazzled friends and teachers as they entered the hall.
(Photos supplied by The Poet’s Media.)
Besides enjoying the delicious cuisine, representatives of each school had their five minutes to speech.
Mr Bernard Shobs Ndimane of the Industrial Development Corporation was the guest speaker and encouraged learners to start their own businesses when they completed school. He also offered them guidance on which channels to follow and how to get funding.
Past Bonginkosi Shabalala also delivered a powerful message on being at the right place at the right time with the right people.
After all the formalities, the group was transported to Bush Paradise for the after party, which lasted until six the next morning.
Thirteen local and well-known artists and DJs, which included Tsepe Moahloli, Wayber Smith and Teezo of Eyakho, kept pupils on the dance floor until sunrise.
Organiser Mr Collen Masilela of The Poet’s Media, who has been arranging these functions for the past four years, says organising an after party for the matrics and keeping them there until the next morning kept them safe and out of trouble.
They are transported back to their schools via taxis to make sure they arrive home safe. This decreases the chances of them being attacked, robbed or getting involved in accidents.
He says including an unconventional activity such as river rafting helps expand the pupils’ experiences and knowledge and makes the occasion more fun and memorable. “I try to promote local talent and businesses, educate learners about the area’s offerings and give them an amazing time all in one.”
Masilela would like to thank everyone who had a hand in making the occasion a great success and looks forward to hosting a few more next year.
