WSU ends Mandela Month at Sakhikamva high school

In celebration of Mandela Month, Walter Sisulu University visited Sakhikamva High School at Nompumelelo Township in East London yesterday, to motivate and encourage matriculants through career guidance.

The school caters for pupils living in the area under poor socio-economic conditions and lacking in basic facilities like proper learning classrooms and teaching materials.

The WSU team included university staff, director at the Centre for Community and International Partnerships Mzolisi Payi, academic coordinator at the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development Simbongile Ntwasa alongside WSU tourism alumni Ntando Poti.

Students began the gathering with the singing of traditional African church songs in their classroom followed by inspired words of encouragement.

Grade 12C pupil, Fatima Ntinzi said she was definitely applying and will put her best foot forward from today onwards.

Public Relations intern at the MCA office, Wesizwe Tshicela advised students about the world of PR and having the right attitude and strength for the job.

Fear of being counted as a jobless graduate was tackled when pupils asked if there are employment opportunities available for the courses available at WSU, and Small Business Management intern Namhla Siteto told the pupils since the formation of WSU in 2005, the institution has produced graduates excelling in a variety of fields, with SABC journalist Chriselda Lewis.

The big surprise of the event was two WSU employees, Sinawo Hermans and Mzolisi Payi announcing to the students that they are willing to pay for the application fees of ten students who will perform the best in the trial examinations while another employee pledged to pay for the first year fees of a student obtaining an average of 80% in the final examinations.

The meeting with the pupils cleared many questions they had on education, university life and WSU as an institution and financial aid options. Many had fears of the financing of their education, meeting the required standards for entrance and access to the institution. WSU gave the students much-needed knowledge on the financial opportunities available at the institution, with over 80% students being on NSFAS, pupils were given assurance that the institution will provide space for applicants meeting the standards and those applying within record time.

For the student to thrive in their studies, the CLTD team gave their role and vision as a body that stands for the advancement of the student within their academics and social development.

Students responded with gratitude and were inquisitive about the different courses offered as they had not received any career guidance thus far.

By: Simo Cele

Source Walter Sisulu University