17 Sep 2018

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse, has implored Swaneng Hill Secondary School students to consider themselves as future employers.

Mr Autlwetse said this at the school's graduation ceremony, which was organised in partnership with his office and the alumnus classes of 1996 and 1998.

“The 21st century archiever is a go getter. He/she is versatile, knows no limitations, dreams and exudes confidence in and outside the class room. He/she must set the bar high and fit in the global village and be techno savy,” he said.

He, therefore, urged them to keep pace with the world and see ample opportunities in the vocational education.

“You should pounder on this for you to inform wise career choices. You must know that the world needs blue collar jobs more than ever,” he said.

He noted that success was never an accident, saying it was a result of commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort.

“Those who persevered have the dividents of their sweats grinning. They shall be recognised, praised and motivated to withstand their pains of sacrifice. Their attitude repays them magnificently.  Reward grows their self confidence, provokes their resilience and arms them with the ‘yes I can’ fortress,” he said.

Mr Autlwetse indicated that before 2012, Swaneng was like a orphan, adding that not many wanted to be asscociated with it as it represented failure.

He, therefore, thanked those who took part in transforming the school, and thanked each team player, teachers students and parents, who in unison fixated their eyes on the ‘golden goal’ which was; the rebirth of the school.

“The trajectory pattern of performance was noted from 2012 to 2016, when the national ranking moved from position 18 to 10. A standing ovation befits the team for that purposeful action,” he said.

Mr Autlwetse also took note of the visibility of on-going general maintenance of both the academic area and the teacher’s quarters.

“The school’s appearance should surely resonate with the academic performance if we are to motivate all.

This gesture might not be the placenta for all the ills bedeviling our education system, but certainly it is a demonstration of the good in waiting,” he said.

For her part, the Swaneng Hill Secondary School head, Ms Autlwetse indicated that their relationship as an institution to the community was endowed with a gift of stewards whose relationship with their god comprised of deep spiritual maturity.

She therefore commended the class of 1996 and the entire alumni, the Parents Teachers Association, for being a living testimony that giving and giving back paves way for gods larger and eternal purpose.

“Our theme, encapsulates all there is to developing trust in our god. Prize giving positively reinforces our constituency behaviour and sets out to unleash their potential,” she said.

She pointed out that the school continued to make strides nationally through demonstration of exceptional performances in practical subjects, physical education, business subjects, food and nutrition, computer studies, drama and science olymiad.

She noted that they faced challenges ranging from lack of resources to student indiscipline, but however indicated that they have managed with the assistance of stakeholders such as parents, the kgotla, the church, Member of Parliament’s office and other organisations to deal with a lot of issues.

“In conclusion, we strive to provide high quality and efficient service to our customers,” she said. ENDS