“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you” – BB King (American musician)
Matric class of 2014, let me first congratulate you on making it to where you are. As you are about to write your final examinations, you are taking the first step towards defining the rest of your lives in a positive and constructive fashion. Let us take a moment to acknowledge all those who have helped you in your journey of becoming educated; dynamic; and valuable members of society. Remember the teachers who provided you with leadership as you absorbed knowledge under their tutelage. Remember the sacrifices of your parents, who love you so much that they worked hard today for your tomorrow. Remember also those in your community without the education you have just received, and with these tools given to you, remember to become a force of change in helping them.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela (former president of South Africa)
Matrics, as you prepare to write what may be the most important assessment of your academic abilities, remember also your fellow learners who are not as fortunate as you to sit down for their final exams.Since their basic right to education which is enshrined in section 29, chapter 2 of our constitution has been infringed upon resulting in them not being afforded the opportunity to write alongside you. Although some members of society, who are responsible for this inexcusable and vulgar act of selfishness, do not understand the importance of your education; remember that most taxpaying, God-fearing members of this society have given you their vote of confidence and support- for you to reach the full heights of your potential.
“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” – Thomas Edison (American Inventor)
Hard work is the secret to success, any wise man will tell you that. It is good to feel scared, if you did not have that fear it will mean you have not fully grasped what is at stake. If you look around your communities; your homes; or towards your neighbours next door, and if you see broken dreams and unhappy stories then you will have no choice but to be scared. The fear of failure must drive you! Most (if not all) of those unemployed and without tertiary education simply did not work hard enough for their dreams. Hard work and believing in yourself is the only way you can achieve all that you have been dreaming of when alone with your thoughts.
“He who opens a school door, closes a prison” – Victor Hugo (French poet and writer)
Opportunities are for everyone and everyone deserves a chance to take their opportunities. You are the only one who can change the circumstances you are in, do not wait for hand outs; do not wait for someone else to bring that change. You will be alone with your thoughts and God as you write those exams, your friends; your teachers; your parents; and your community have done all they can to get you to where you are. It is now up to you to define your future, it is now up to you to make your dreams become a reality.
Dream big, believe in yourself, and work harder than you ever have before!
Edited by: Neto Maape
Tsepo Kgatlhane 