The graduation day was meant as a day of celebration for the pupils as well as to motivate them into making academically wise decisions. The hosts told the graduating pupils that the end of Grade 7 only symbolised the beginning of their journey into senior and tertiary education.
The pupils were also addressed by motivational speaker, Billy Bhembe, the founder of the movement Black Child, It’s Possible. He spoke about the power which lies in the present. Bhembe said the pupils must use the opportunities they were given, now.
“Do not procrastinate,” he said.
“When family and friends laugh at your big dreams, use their laughter to fuel your drive and propel you to achieve your dreams.”
Bhembe also spoke out against living a flashy lifestyle without education. “We must redefine the word skhokho (township slang for the ‘main man’), from being people that live a flashy lifestyle through theft and robbery, but to one of those who succeed through hard work and determination.”
Tokologo Motshoane, organiser of the event, said as a school they desired to see their pupils graduate and go on to become diligent pupils that did not get involved in substance abuse. “We hope that they will go on to become role models in our communities and we wish them success with their studies.”
Motshoane said she was exceedingly happy with the graduation day. “The kids were overjoyed. Amalgated Beverage Industry sponsored us with refreshments. Both motivational speakers, Sandile Ntshingila from MTV Base and Bhembe provided their services for free, and Lati’s Creations gave us a huge discount for the décor.”
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