BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK- Mhlatane High School alumni have challenged current learners to embrace determination, strive for excellence and distinguish themselves from the crowd as the school continues strengthening ties with its former students.
The message was delivered during the school’s Award Day, where former students returned to their alma mater to motivate learners and demonstrate how alumni can contribute to the development of the school and its pupils.
Among the alumni who addressed the learners were Phila Dlamini, affectionately known as Mr PHD, a motivational speaker and Musawenkosi Nkonyane, who served as a guest speaker.
Dlamini encouraged learners to develop the determination to stand out from the crowd and to deliberately choose to be different in their pursuit of success.
He challenged the pupils to break through limitations and avoid allowing circumstances or perceived barriers to determine how far they can go.
His motivational message focused on the importance of having the courage to take a different path, setting personal standards and continuously pushing beyond limits in order to achieve one’s goals.
Nkonyane, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of striving to be the best in whatever learners choose to pursue.
He encouraged pupils to take their academic work seriously and to work consistently towards excellence rather than settling for average performance.
As part of his commitment to supporting academic excellence at Mhlatane High School, Nkonyane offered to sponsor the best-performing Mathematics student in each stream** in the coming years.
The pledge is expected to provide additional motivation for learners to work harder in Mathematics while creating an opportunity to recognise and reward academic achievement.
Mhlatane High School Headteacher Dr Siphiwe Dludlu said the school valued the contribution of its alumni and believed that their experiences and values could help shape the character of current learners.
“Some of the alumni have values that we would love to instil in the pupils that we have today, which are hard work, respect, accountability and discipline,” said Dr Dludlu.
The alumni engagement has also resulted in practical support for learners. The school said some former students had bought school uniforms for two pupils who needed them, while another alumnus, who chose to remain anonymous, paid school fees for two pupils.
The school intends to continue working with its alumni to identify and recognise learners who perform well academically, while encouraging former students to contribute through mentorship, motivation and financial or material support.
The initiative is therefore aimed at building a lasting relationship between Mhlatane High School and its former students, creating a platform where alumni can share their experiences while contributing to the education and development of current and future learners.
Mhlatane High School, located on the outskirts of Pigg’s Peak, traces its history to its establishment as a primary school in 1948, before becoming a secondary school in 1970
The growing alumni partnership seeks to connect the school’s past with its present while encouraging former learners to play an active role in shaping the future of the institution and its pupils.
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(Courtesy Pic)
