Maebane Community Development Forum situated at Maebani Village outside Louis Trichardt, is one of the active organizations which is prepared to support its community in various spheres for individual’s success. Amongst other objectives, the forum is responsible for the educational development role targeting local schools under Soutpansberg West Circuit for the benefit of learners to acquire information which would change their lives.
Members of Maebani Community Development Forum together with Maebani Royal Council and Luvhivhini Secondary School in partnership with the University of Venda conducted a career guidance and motivational talk, which was held at Luvhivhini Secondary School under Soutpansberg West Circuit on Saturday, 06 April 2019. Approximately 300 learners from grade 10 to 12 attended the event to gather careers and bursaries information and to learn about the guidelines which one must comply with in order to get admission to tertiary institutions.
The Principal of Luvhivhini Secondary School, Ms Livhuwani Raliphada welcomed the invited guests. “I am welcoming learners who are thirsty, learners who want to learn more because they want to make a difference in their lives. I encourage all learners to be disciplined because this is one of the sessions that can determine your future. We are here for a career guidance and to be motivated. We are a school which is always prepared to produce better results regardless of our condition and environment. Since 2014 our grade 12 performance was not less than 80%”, said the Principal of Luvhivhini Secondary.
During her purpose and welcome address, the Principal took the opportunity to award certificates to the best learners. A Grade 9 learner, Thabang Ramashia took position one (01) in grade 9 but was absent, attending a Saturday class.
Photo above: Grade 8 learner, Khosa Tshililo Innocent (middle) shaking hands with the Soutpansberg West Circuit Manager, Ms Christinah Ramovha (right).
Tshililo is one of the learners awarded for performing more than all grade 8 learners by obtaining more than 70 percent average during the first quarter of 2019.
Grade 10 learner, Unarine Muleya was awarded for taking position one (1) next to him is the Chairperson of Education at Maebani Community Development Forum, Mr Masindi Nedzamba (right) and Ms Livhuwani Raliphada (left).
The Deputy Chairperson of Education in the forum, Mr Lutendo Ratshibaya introduced members of Maebani Community Development Forum and encouraged unity, dedication and commitment amongst each other for the benefit of learners and the community at large.
The University of Venda Assistant Schools Liaison Officer, Justice Lebopa briefly presented all Univen programmes. “The University of Venda consists of eight schools which you can choose your career of interest from. Make sure that you choose careers that you have passion and interest in. Applications to study at Univen are online. Prospective students were encouraged peruse the prospectus for more information about programmes offered at Univen. They were also urged to adhere to all application guidelines. Failure to apply on time or poor performance in grade 12 hinders you from getting admission, said Mr Lebopa. Do not make mistake of not applying for bursaries, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Funza Lushaka, Thuthuka bursary etc.”.
The Marketing Lecturer at Vhembe Technical Vocational Education and Training College, Mr Mphalaleni Louis Netshandama presented National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and Report 191 NATED programmes which are offered by TVET Colleges. “Not everyone must study at the Universities. Therefore, some will follow the TVET Colleges route depending on your career plan, so do not undermine TVET Colleges. They offer skills which are required for our economic growth and job creation”, said Mr Netshandama.
“I am a living testimony”, this was the topic of the Guest speaker, Ms Welheminah Mabogo from the University of Venda, who briefly shared her thorny journey she travelled from a very poor family background until she succeeded in life. The aim was to encourage and motivate learners that irrespective of their family backgrounds they could still make it in life. Ms Mabogo said your family background should not determine your future. She started working at Univen as a gardener. “In whatever I choose I want top of the range, so your bachelor pass must be a top of the range for you to be successful and get admission. I thank God that in whatever challenges I came across, he gave me strength and wisdom so that I could stand up strongly and be where I am today”.
Ms Mabogo concluded her talk by encouraging the Maebani Community Development Forum to continue to do good for betterment and development of their community.
Above: Soutpansberg West Circuit Manager, Ms Christinah Ramovha:
“This forum is in line with what the Department of Basic Education has already started which is collaboration between various stakeholders and communities so that we can encourage learners to study and to pursue different careers” said Ms Ramovha. The Circuit Manager further said people who are successful must plough back to their communities which is much appreciated and that is what members of Maebani Community Development Forum are doing”. Luvhivhini Secondary School has been given a target of achieving 90% in 2019 academic year. “It will be a waste of time and resources if we motivated you (grade 12 learners) in this manner but come year end, you disappoint us, it will be unacceptable”, added the Circuit Manager, Ms Ramovha. “We are preparing you to be our future leaders but you can’t be if you don’t study. If you didn’t perform well in the first quarter of 2019, use this opportunity to learn more and change so that you improve your performance in the successive quarters. She thanked the University of Venda for the support and promised that she is prepared as the Circuit Manager to encourage all learners in her circuit to apply before the closing date at Univen.
Group photo: Members of Maebani Community Development Forum, Luvhivhini secondary School educators, members of School Governing Body, best performing learners and Univen Assistant Schools Liaison Officer, Justice Lebopa pose for a photo after the event.
Learners getting into different classes to attend career guidance sessions after a formal programme.
Mr Lebopa in conversation with one of the teachers just after the official programme.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 09 April 2019
