The Head of the Mthatha Central Circuit Management Centre in the OR Tambo Inland region from the Department of Education, Nomtha Songca, has advised learners of Qokolweni Senior Secondary School in Mthatha to avoid distractions that may jeopardise their future and to concentrate on their studies.
She delivered this message at an imbizo held at the school last week, aimed at motivating learners to work towards a brighter future.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including officials from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB), the Department of Education and the Department of Health.
“We are here because of your future and the future of our country. You are the leaders of tomorrow. That is why we have put aside everything to be here today. As you see, we are very old now, and we do not want this country to lack leaders when we are gone,” said Songca.
She acknowledged that the community had produced professionals in different fields but stressed the need for more, which rests on the learners’ shoulders.
Songca expressed her concern about the challenges facing today’s youth, stating that societal changes have made it easier for them to be led astray. According to her, “the devil is ready to swallow the youth,” and for this reason, efforts must be made to rescue them.
“We are here from various institutions because we care about your well-being and want to ensure the survival and prosperity of our country. This is a crucial time as we approach the end of the year, with final exams just around the corner,” she stated.
She encouraged learners, particularly those in Grade 12, who had recently completed their trial examinations, to focus on improving their performance in their final exams.
“You can achieve better results and move beyond the current pass rate of 83%. For this to happen, you need to come to school every day, arrive on time, and stop relying on second-hand information about what was taught.
“When you are in class, pay attention to your teachers and follow the instructions carefully. Often, learners fail simply because they do not understand the instructions.”
Songca reminded learners that this is a critical period, especially for Grade 12 students, and although only a few hours remain for preparation, positive changes can still be made.
She offered study tips and advised learners to avoid unnecessary distractions, emphasising that financial independence and personal responsibility come only after one completes their education.
“Close your ears to negativity. We are telling you now – you are beautiful. You do not need external validation that could lead to victimisation.”
She also addressed teachers, urging them to act as parental figures for the learners.
“Do not victimise the learners, even if they show inappropriate behaviour towards you as teachers. Your time for personal pursuits will come, but right now, focus on shaping these learners’ futures through education.”
Addressing challenges at Qokolweni Senior Secondary School
The principal of Qokolweni Senior Secondary School, Lungiswa Mani, explained that the school had invited various stakeholders to address the challenges faced by their learners.
“A major issue we are facing is fighting among learners. These fights often start over minor issues, but upon investigation, we find deeper causes, such as tensions between those who have been to initiation schools and those who have not.
“There is also a significant problem of absenteeism, often due to socio-economic challenges, as some learners live with grandparents or come from child-headed households.
“Teenage pregnancy is another pressing issue, particularly affecting learners in lower grades. That’s why we invited the Department of Health to educate them on making informed choices,” Mani explained.
Speaking about the upcoming final exams, Mani revealed that the school is targeting a 90% pass rate this year. They have put several programmes and initiatives in place to reach this goal.
Songca confirmed the implementation of Saturday classes focusing on content-heavy subjects like Accounting. She also highlighted the JENN Programme, which has been instrumental in assisting students.
