Tembisa – Grade 12 pupils in Tembisa were touched by the words and visit of Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe.
“I am happy that the minister is here because I feel like he cares for us,” Mpho Nakana said on Saturday.
Nakana, who has had a rough upbringing as her mother is an alcoholic and her father is not in her life, said she felt hopeful about her future.
The 17-year-old pupil was amongst the many Grade 12 pupils who listened to Minister Radebe as he delivered a motivational speech for matric students who are heading towards this year’s final exams.
The event which was held at the Ivory Park community hall in Tembisa was also attended by radio host Thami Ngubeni and local pastors.
The event was aimed at encouraging pupils to prioritize education, motivating them to be self-disciplined and inspire them to stay focused on their dreams.
Allanridge Secondary School pupil Matome Masingi said he was ready for his exams as he attended a camp for matriculants where pupils had the opportunity to prepare for the exams using last year’s Grade 12 exam paper.
“I am feeling positive that I will pass,” Masingi said.
He said the event which was aimed at motivating pupils to study reminded him of the importance of education.
The 18-year-old student was inspired to not give up on in life regardless of the challenges that he may face.
Koketso Nkomo, who wants to study for a law degree at Wits University said she was happy about the minister’s visit and felt motivated to work hard as she prepares for her exams.
Minister Radebe told pupils that government had removed many barriers to education by introducing no fee schools, offering bursaries and study loans to students who want to study at institutions of higher learning.
“In the past years we have also created supporting environment in the post school arena. These opportunities include the expansion of the opportunities for training in technical vocational and training colleges as well at universities,” he said.
Minister Radebe said the government’s budget also shows its commitment to increasing access to post school education.
“In the budget for 2015, which will be used for the next three years…we are projecting the increases at an annual average of 5.9percent.
“Last year in 2014/2015 financial year, we spent about R39billon and this amount will increase in 2017/2018 to R46.3billion.
“The other amount in this current budget 2015/2016 will increase by 7.3 percent from R41.8billion to about R60billion indicating the focus that the government has in order to give you the opportunities to study,” Minister Radebe said.
He encouraged pupils to take advantage of opportunities that were available so they could develop themselves to be better citizens.
“These opportunities require of you to take that plunge…the future is in your hands,” he said.
Minister Radebe encouraged pupils to train to be artisans as the skill is needed in the country.
“The need for skills in South Africa is very big, make sure that you train in areas where there is demand you will be employed for sure,” he said.
Minister Radebe wished the pupils well for their exams.
“It is important to know that your government is behind you and wishes you all the success,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
