JULIUS’ MOJAPELO’S GRADUATION CELEBRATION

Julius Mojapelo’s our first bursary student who graduated in March this year at the University of the Western Cape with a BCom. Degree. The firm decided to host Julius’ graduation celebration at his former school so as to motivate and encourage more learners to reach for their dreams. Hence the graduation celebration was held on 2 August at Eden Park Senior Secondary school in Eden Park

The event was graced by highly esteemed guests such the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Enver Surty, Department of Education District Director, Mr. Moss Nkonyana, Gauteng Provincial Legislature Members, Local Councilors from Ekurhuleni, and Members of the Student Governing Body. There were also principals, teachers and learners from surrounding schools.

The rationale behind this event was to ignite passion in education and propel learners to excel in their studies as well as encourage teachers to continue to do the good work, and experience the outcome of their hard work. Julius showed a classic case of a student who comes from a disadvantaged background but he made it against all odds.

The firm got to know of Julius through the Sowetan newspaper in January 2004. Julius had passed his matric exams with four A’s, 1 B, and 1 D. In spite of these good symbols he did not have an exemption that would allow him admission to universities. He had been advised to register most of his subjects in standard grade except for the two languages he studied on higher grade. His other predicament was that he had studied commercial mathematics instead of mathematics, which is a pre-requisite for admission for a BCom Accounting in any South African University.

According to Julius Mojapelo’s former Afrikaans teacher, Mr. Bland most of the big accounting firms declined to assist Julius and Nkonki was the only firm that gave Mojapelo a chance when the University of the Western Cape offered to take Julius through a certain condition for a three year degree in spite of his results.

Julius Mojapelo and Siphiwe Sithole-Mataboge at Eden Park School	Deputy Minister of Education,Mr Enver Surty addressing students at Eden Park School

It was quite an inspiring session for students and the air was filled with excitement in Eden Park Senior Secondary school. Mr. Bland, Julius’ former Afrikaans teacher took us through his journey with Julius and how he gave him support like a little brother.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Surty thanked the teachers who contribute in the success of their students, he said students should not sit back and throw hands and say “we are poor, and we cannot afford to study further”. The story of Julius inspires hope to open possibilities for the future. The Deputy Minister announced that the Department of Education has set aside 1, 2 billion for tertiary education for students like Julius. “The only way to escape poverty is through education. Life is all about choices as Julius pointed out to the students.” said the Deputy Minister.

He further said “the Department of Education is looking for students who have a profile like Mojapelo’s. Mr. Louw, the Principal of Eden Park should be proud to have a school like Eden Park. Julius has proved that even if you are a standard grade pupil, you can have the capability of a higher grade pupil. This country needs accountants and engineers. The Department of Education and the private sector will help the students, and the only way they can make a difference it is only by succeeding.”

Deputy Principal, Mrs E Naude, Deputy Minister of Education , Mr Enver Surty, Chairperson of the SGB, Mr W Williams, Eden Park Principal, Mr Louw, Julius Mojapelo, Director Resources & logistics, Mrs Siphiwe-Mataboge , Dept. of Education District Director, Mr Moss Nkonyana, Inspector of Schools in Ekurhuleni, Mr Mtshali

The message from Julius Mojapelo was loud and clear to all the students “Open your ears and listen to your teachers and parents”. Julius encouraged the students to study hard and overcome any obstacles they encounter. He defined obstacles as those things that people see when they lose their vision. Julius told the students to respect their teachers and parents, and he explained the difference between wisdom and intelligence. He warned the students not to look down upon people when they are highly educated and they should respect everyone and approach life with humility and that will make the students to succeed even further than him. Some people could not hold back their tears as Julius gave account of his challenges in life, and thanked his late mother who passed away in June 2004 while he was doing his first year.

Nkonki recommitted itself to continue supporting students such as Julius and indicated that their offer to take top learners to universities still stands.Mrs. Sithole-Mataboge in her speech emphasized the need for learners to reciprocate the acts of kindness that they receive, and build a better society.

On the whole one may not be able to ascertain how many students or teachers were touched by Julius Mojapelo’s story, however the success of exercises of this nature is immeasurable.