Mayor's speech to Grade 12's

WELL-WISHING MESSAGE BY MAYOR LULAMA MVIMBI ON THE OCCASION OF THE HANDOVER OF STATIONERY PACKS TO THE GRADE 12’S OF THE BITOU HIGH SCHOOLS ON 15 OCTOBER 2010

Good morning Principal, staff and management of the School, members of the Governing Committee, parents and students of this School, ladies and gentlemen.

Nelson Mandela once remarked that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world. I believe that the realization that you have within you the gift of learning and intellect can only be surpassed by the ability to apply that gift to the improvement of the human condition. As learners and children of Bitou, you have the responsibility to learn and apply your knowledge in the work environment so each of you can meaningfully contribute to the betterment of the society you live in.

The year 2010 has been a much anticipated year in the history of South Africa. This is the year that South Africa staged the most successful and largest sporting event ever, the Soccer World Cup. We proved to the world that we could stage a world class event only because we have world class people. And you must be confident in the knowledge that you are part of that proud legacy.

This is also the twentieth year since the release of Mr Mandela, our icon and father. As a nation, we have much to be proud of. Just yesterday a South African firm, Murray and Roberts helped save 33 Chilean miners from sure death through the use of uniquely South African technology. We are a nation of survivors and victors.

Whilst this has been a year of celebration, we have also experienced events that have had a negative impact on our people such as the public sector strike which saw teachers leaving the classroom for a protracted period. The teachers strike led to you losing valuable learning time, especially as schools had been closed for the month of the World Cup.

We know that this loss in learning time is a source of great worry for you and your parents as well as for your teachers. You worry about the time lost, the huge task of catching up with a workload that seems insurmountable, and the very real prospect that you may not do as well as you could had it not been for these setbacks.

I am here to tell you that the worry you have is not unfounded. However, if you let that worry cripple you into a state of paralysis, you will be failing not only yourself but all South Africans who embody the spirit to survive and triumph in the face of adversity like the youth of ’76 and the 1980s. You come from a lineage of student struggle that produced business leaders, academics, political leaders and community and religious leaders. The students of 1976 and the 1980s could easily have used the excuse of fighting for the rights and privileges we enjoy today and therefore being away off the school benches to make nothing of their lives. Instead, they rose above their circumstances and today are leaders in their own right. Some of these include Murphy Morobe, CEO of Kagiso Media and former head of communications in the Presidency and Dr Diliza Mji, a medical doctor and owner of Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. These are just two of the millions of South Africans who have triumphed over adversity through winning the struggle for education.

As learners in 2010, you have the benefit of technology and physical resources in the form of books, making it easier to access information. In fact, you are able to access information at the click of a button on a computer in your own home, at a community centre and libraries or even on your cell phone. You also have the benefit of the Thutong Educational Portal that has been provided by the Department of Education as part of the “Lets Support the Class of 2010 Campaign”. The Thutong Educational Portal is available online with textbooks and study material available to download and use at your leisure. Furthermore, lessons are being given on both SABC radio and television, allowing learners to interact with educators in preparation for the exam.

Not having money does not mean an end to your dream to study. The municipality of Bitou offers bursaries to students who perform well and to those who are needy as does the government and private sector companies. It is significant that the IDT is hosting its third Development Week in Plettenberg Bay. The main objective of the Development Week is to find solutions to address the challenges of intergenerational poverty, inequality and under-development in South Africa.

The Development Week serves as a participatory platform for a strategic dialogue between development practitioners and experts, academics, political and traditional leaders, business, and community members. The event offers a rare and invaluable opportunity to deliberate, exchange ideas, and share lessons. This is your community; achieving a good education will give you the tools to be an active and involved member of this community.

Today is exactly 10 days to the start of the National Senior Certificate Examinations which are scheduled to commence on 25 October 2010. You must use this time to finalise your preparations and work for your future.

Having been in matric and then university not too long ago, I know the excitement and anxiety you are feeling now. I also know the relief, joy and elation you will feel as you finish the exam. There is a saying people like to use that says “what you put in, is what you get out!” This applies to most things in life, especially to how you prepare for your exams. Remember all the tips your teachers, friends and family have given you on how to study for exams such as managing your time, making notes, revising your work and using visual imagery. Applying these tips will guarantee you success.

To assist you, we would like to present you all with a stationery set that we hope will make the preparation for the actual exam day a little easier. When you use these writing tools, remember that you have a bright future ahead of you and your parents, teachers, the municipality and the broader community of Bitou behind you.

This is your time, make the most of it!

All the best with your final preparation and the exam. We know you will make us proud. Thank you.

Click on an image to view the gallery of the event: