MIDVAAL – New Hope Secondary School’s excellence has gone beyond the classroom as a result of all the extracurricular activities that have been taking place at the school, bringing joy to passionate students.

Led by Thando Mokapela, who is also a National Teaching Awards national winner for excellence in secondary school teaching and ambassador for 2023, the teams have done exceptionally well and garnered recognition at multiple competitions.

“We have achieved so much through these activities and have been exposed to so many opportunities that have allowed us to rub shoulders with big shots. My kids have had the opportunity of sitting at big tables and winning amazing prizes such as laptops, tablets, and phones.

“One of our greatest highlights was when we were invited to the Midvaal Local Municipality State of the Municipality Address to sing with my a cappella group. “

The most recent achievement was last week when the school won third place at the National Heritage Council 2025 HESOP program. Among other accolades, the school has won the South African Youth Water Prize in 2024, garnering second place in Gauteng, the CoGTA Public speaking competition 2024, garnering first place, Spelling Bee Secondary Schools Competition Midvaal, getting second place, and first place for Book Review Competition by SA Libraries.

Talking about this achievement, Mokapela explains that she feels extremely blessed and overwhelmed.

“This is an indication that we have learners who are gifted when channelled right, no matter their background. They make me feel proud that I, too, did help a learner reach their fullest potential and realise that the sky is not the limit.”
Mokapela says her passion is driven by the love she has for children and their futures. This teacher’s Month, Mokapela has an important message for her colleagues.
“It is important for Teachers to go beyond the classroom because we teach learners who need tender love and care beyond the parameters of the classroom and the school. We teach learners who have gifts and talents that need nurturing outside of the academic space.”

According to Mokapela, not all learners are academics.

“You could be sitting with a learner who isn’t your A student, but the greatest poet, storyteller, public speaker etc. Our job, according to me, is to help learners realise their full potential and water it. One of the seven roles of a teacher is “Loco Parentis,” which means in the absence of the parent, we are parents to these kids. Being a parent means I step out of the comfort of the classroom to be relatable to my learners as well.”