The former ANC councillor, Thapelo Skosana continues to have an impact on the lives of Sarafina learners.
To ensure that deserving matric learners from impoverished communities are rewarded and supported for their hard work, he spearheaded an initiative called the Sarafina Excellence Awards.
This initiative launched five years ago, recently bestowed prizes and trophies upon the class of 2017 residing in Sarafina at the ceremony in Chris Hani hall.
The event was also attended by the former executive mayor of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Boitumelo Pinky Moloi who painted a disturbing image of the experiences of some of the female students in institutions of higher learning. ‘There are some girls without accommodation who sleep in toilets and, the following day, attend lectures with their luggage. If we had a sustainable programme to look after them, they won’t have these problems, including being preyed upon by “blessers”,’ she said.
Mandla Tawana, the ANC Youth regional leader said ‘the government is not the only means of changing society – we are the government’. He called on students at tertiary institutions to come and assist with the project initiated by Mr Skosana.
Photo: Selogile Leshage
The awards were also made possible by an array of sponsors within the community. The main sponsor, Billy Liebenberg of Big B Chick contributed R25 000 to the Sarafina Excellence Awards.
According to him, his company supports the community because of the support that he receives from them.
He says he is proud of the achievers. ‘The academic results are getting better. This is a good initiative from Mr Skosana. Although he is no longer a ward councillor, he is still involved in the community,’ he said.
The philanthropic businessman’s message to the learners is: ‘We wish them well and all the best for the future. We will continue to support this initiative in the future’.
The learners walked away with trophies and cash prizes.
Olebogeng Thulo, an NWU nursing student received R10 000 for the best learner in Sarafina, followed by an NWU Occupational Hygiene student Keamogetswe Tshikare with R6 000, Tebogo Motlhongtlhong also a Nursing student received R4 000 and Nobantu Qotso received a consolation prize of R3 000.
Thandiwe Noliphondwana, an NWU chemical engineering student who was the top matric performer in the whole of Ikageng was awarded R5 000 as the chairperson’s choice award, even though he does not reside in the area. Other sponsors included Zoi consulting, Amogelang Funeral Services, Midway, MEG Security, Pinky Boitumelo Foundation and Dr K.K. Municipality
