By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Former Riverside Finishing School learner, Palesa Khumalo, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt message to the matric class of 2024 during a pledge signing ceremony held at the Phuthaditjhaba school on October 18.
Khumalo shared her own struggles and triumphs, motivating the students to persevere through their challenges and never give up.
Recounting her journey, Khumalo said, “There was a time in my life when I felt hopeless. I was doing Maths and Physics, and I wasn’t coping. But when I came to Riverside Finishing School to improve my results, I was able to turn things around and achieve excellent results, earning my Bachelor’s pass. Today, I am furthering my education with a Bachelor of Education degree.”
Her story resonated with the learners, giving them hope and encouragement to push through.In her keynote address the chairperson of the school’s board of governance, Disebo Potsane, shared a personal anecdote.
“My son completed his matric a few years ago but struggled with his results. However, when he came to Riverside to improve them, he excelled. Now, he is pursuing further studies at university and has developed the will to succeed. I believe the Riverside Finishing school class of 2024 can also achieve great things.”Principal Mantoa Machesa provided insight into the school’s history and achievements.
“Riverside is one of the top five finishing schools in the Free State Province, and we’ve consistently ranked at the top. In the Thabo Mofutsanyana district, we are the only finishing school, and we’ve been number one since last year. Our success shows that we are now competing with mainstream schools. The pledge you are signing today symbolizes your commitment to remain faithful and avoid anything that could jeopardize your results,” Machesa said.
The signing of the pledge serves as a reminder to learners that their hard work and integrity are key to their success. The Dux learner of the class of 2024, Deliwe Mofokeng, was recognized for her outstanding performance and was awarded a brand-new laptop.
Riverside Finishing school principal Mantoa Machesa, circuit ten circuit manager Bongani Mokoena during matric pledge signing ceremony.
“This event today has left me feeling very inspired and motivated as I prepare for my final exams and the next chapter of my academic journey. I am very grateful for the laptop that I received today and pledge to do my best,” Mofokeng said.
Among the honoured guests were the circuit manager of circuit ten Bongani Mokoena, and the executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) local municipality. Both officials wished the matric class of 2024 good luck and encouraged them to work hard to build a brighter future for themselves.
Nearly 900,000 students are sitting for their matric final exam from Monday. 882,000 students will write in government schools and facilities, while 16,400 learners will write IEB exams. This is 4,000 more candidates than last year.
Speaking on national television, basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube said 70 part-time monitors have been hired to oversee 987 high-risk centres to “prevent irregularities like group coping or leaking of examinations.
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