Address by the Patron of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, on the occasion of the Annual Bursary Awards Ceremony, San Kopano, Alexandra

Programme Director;
The family of Comrade Vincent Tshabalala;
Our sponsors, partners, and donors;
Principals here present:
Learners and parents of the Beneficiaries of the Trust;
Trustees of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust;
Teachers, principals and members of the School Governing Bodies;
Comrades and friends;

Good Afternoon,

A very warm welcome to the remarkable learners who have given us a reason to once again gather in this way to pay tribute to our beloved brother and comrade Vincent Tshabalala. 

It is an honour and privilege to address all of you today as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our learners.

I would also like to thank all our donors and partners who have been instrumental in keeping this trust alive and helping us to uphold the legacy of our dear brother and friend. 

The work we have done over the past 19 years is primarily to pay homage to comrade Vincent Tshabalala, and to offer opportunities for education and mentoring to the children of Alex that he would have been proud of.  

Matric learners across the country displayed excellence like never before, achieving a National pass rate of 82.9%, which is the highest in the history of the National Senior Certificate Exams. 

The dedication to your studies is truly commendable and is the reason we have gathered here to acknowledge your accomplishments.

In general, the matric pass rate of 2023 is a good story for our country to tell, as it shows how the education system has transformed over the past 30 years. 

Once upon a time, it was difficult for a Black child to achieve a Bachelor's pass and have the opportunity to apply at any institution of higher learning. 

In 2024, however, the challenges of accessibility have changed.

Due to the measures put in place by the Government over the years, today we have more Black children from underprivileged communities getting entrance into institutions of higher learning, including those that were Historically White Institutions.

The Government is implementing measures to enhance access to education, especially in communities that are most vulnerable and structurally marginalised. We are making headway with the implementation of the three-stream curriculum model, which marks a significant change in emphasis towards more vocational and technical education.

Since 1994, the Government has made significant contributions to higher education to address historical inequalities and promote access, and transformation the sector. 

The Department of Higher Education and Training has made several significant contributions that include the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides financial support to eligible students from low-income households to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.

While these Government initiatives are instrumental for transformation, we still urge communities, the corporate sector, and non-governmental organisations to collaborate with the government in offering financial aid and other kinds of developmental support to deserving students.

As a community, we must never deter from achieving our goal of providing nurturing our youth so that they can be leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. 

The Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust has introduced several initiatives, which include supporting talented high school learners through mentoring and additionally providing financial support at the end of their high school and the tertiary level.

The Trust appreciates the role that communities play in developing the youth. I believe that community-based development organisations can make a difference in more meaningful ways than the Government or the private sector. These local organisations are generally more informed and aware of the issues that affect the youth daily and can respond. We must therefore, as the community speedily embrace the opportunities for local organisations to collaborate and form partnerships that will contribute to the overall well-being of our children.

Comrades and friends,

Let me also appreciate the community of Alexandra for playing a role in ensuring that our kids stay in school. 

Over the years, community members and other organisations have actively fought to improve educational opportunities for Alexandra residents. 

Some of these community-led initiatives include efforts to strengthen and advance early childhood development, adult education, and skills training.

As a community, we must continue to provide a variety of educational opportunities to empower individuals and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need for personal and professional development. 

We must also collaborate on the development and improvement of schools, libraries, and other educational facilities to establish a favourable atmosphere for learning.

If we all work together to improve our community, we will be able to address the high rates of crime, Gender-Based Violence, substance abuse, and other social ills that are eating away at the youth. As active community members, we have a responsibility to safeguard and lead our youth toward a path of greater success.

Compatriots,

Let me offer big congratulations to the students who are receiving awards for their outstanding performance today. 

As people of Alexandra, you have made us proud, well done for all the strides that you have made over the years.

Today, we reward academic brilliance with more than just a financial bursary. We also pledge our support and guidance to these young people. 

We want you to know that we will be here for you throughout your academic journey. 

We hope that these bursaries will serve as a source of inspiration for other students, as well as for you, to maintain a high level of excellence.

Through this bursary, we are supporting your ambitions, and are providing you with the essential means to follow your dreams so you can have a positive impact on this community and the world. 

As Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”

I believe that once children get an education, they acquire a greater range of opportunities to effect positive change within their communities. 

We are confident that the bursaries we have been providing, including the ones we will present today, will contribute to our society's support of future engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and business leaders in acquiring the skills and knowledge they need for the future.

If we ever want to compete on an equal footing in the global economy, we must pay more attention to our youth's knowledge and skills development, which begins with funding their education.

To those who will be embarking on a journey to various institutions of higher education, it is imperative that you maintain your resolve, perseverance, and resilience.

At all times, remember that you are not there by accident but because you deserve it and are capable of completing your studies despite the hardships. 

Always recall the countless hours of hard work and sleepless nights that brought you to this point. They were not in vain.

Yes, the road ahead is not easy. However, do not let unfavourable encounters in higher education discourage you. Instead, you must overcome these hurdles and remain focused on achieving your ultimate goal, whether it be a degree, honours, a PhD, or any other academic achievement.

As the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, we believe in you and your capabilities, we know you will go on to accomplish remarkable things in the years to come. 

Go out there and be the best that you can be. When you achieve your goals, you will bring pride to yourself, your families, and us.

We believe in you, all the best for the year ahead.

I thank you.