‘Make us proud, matrics’
Officials inspire Ndlambe pupils before exams
Speaker after speaker rendered testimonies of their own struggles and experiences at a matric prayer session at Titi Jonas Multipurpose Centre last Friday.
And hopefully matriculants who listened attentively enough to them have learnt something from others who have walked a similar path.
Ndlambe FM management together with Ndlambe Municipality organised the prayer session to motivate the students.
The speakers had all passed grade 12 and were therefore walking the talk.
Stenden South Africa was represented at the event by academic dean Rene Oosthuizen.
Station manager Dudo Shuping said Stenden was the biggest sponsor of the station.
Other dignitaries included the ANC chief whip in council, ward 5 councillor Andile Marasi, Ndlambe librarian Vuyolwakhe Kwanini, Pastor Venu Dilima and Bishop Caleb Mvandaba.
Although prayer appeared to be the most important thing during this challenging time for grade 12 pupils, the speakers made it clear that it should be accompanied by dedication, commitment and sacrifices in order to pull them through.
“This is the difficult time – you are attacked left and right but we are here to break that spirit.
“We are here to say press on, you must never give up,” Pastor Dilima said.
Kwanini encouraged pupils to make use of the resources provided to them by the municipality.
“Most of you know me and I am your friend. I am that sister you always meet at the library. This event shows how important you are. We never had exam prayers,” she said.
Talking about the municipality’s role, she said.
“We are trying our utmost best to expose you to the relevant information.
“The Saturday classes which are paid for by the municipality are meant to assist you. Be thirsty for success and make us proud for all the money we spent.”
Although she did not dwell much on spiritual aspects, she acknowledged the importance of prayer.
“The key to success is prayer,” she said.
She further said that they had great hope in the pupils’ future.
“We see the future in you and we will never give up on you.
“Pass with flying colours so that you will be able to choose the degrees of your own choice.”
Final exams are believed to be a vehicle that took matrics through to university but Nomzamo Secondary School teacher Nomvuzo Mbombela said this could materialise through self-discipline and sacrifices.
“You have been on this journey for 12 years and some of you might be here for more than that, but here you are today.
“You have not finished – this is the beginning. There are a lot of things you need to sacrifice just for a month and few weeks,” she said.
“Sacrifice for your future and after that you will reap something and you cannot do this with your own strength. Pray before your exams, during and after.”