Mapepeza Newspaper
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Technical Learning Centres to boost teaching and learning in Tsakane!
LEFT: Department Public Enterprise Deputy Minister, Mr. Bulelani Magwanishe and Gauteng Education MEC Mr. Panyasa Lesufi shake hands after opening Telematics Learning Centre at Tsakane Secondary School, Tsakane RIGHT: Lukhanyo Matshindetha, Bongeka Ntuli and Charles Molapo all grade 12 learners who are beneficiary of the Mzwakhe NgomaneTechnical Centre at Mamellong Secondary School on Monday, August 29.
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n Monday, August 29 the Department of Public Enterprise donated Telematics Learning Centre and The Mzwakhe Ngomane Technical Centre to Tsakane and Mamellong Secondary Schools in Tsakane respectively, in honour of the struggle stalwart Mzwakhe Ngomane. “The two learning centres are the Department of Public Enterprise’s investment in education to turn the schools into centres of learning excellence by enhancing quality teaching and learning” said Public Enterprise Deputy Minister, Mr Bulelani Magwanishe Tsakane Seconday School RCL President Ms. Mbali Mthombeni believes that the telematics centre will assist learners to fly high and achieve academically in order to reach their dreams. “Intelligence without dreams is like a bird without wings, I believe the telematics learning centre came handy to enable us to fly high, pursue and achieve academically in order to realise our dreams” said Ms. Mthombeni Gauteng Education MEC Mr. Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the investment in education. “The availability of this telematics centre will ensure that learners at our township schools participate in the technology world not be spectators, the centre is one another step towards closing gap of digital divide and enhances e-learning” said MEC Lesufi. Furthermore he said the telematics learning centre will ensure that township learners do receive quality education equivalent to their counterparts in private suburbs schools, thereby providing necessary innovation and development needed to produce the best learners in township schools. “This telematics centre will ensure quality teaching and learning, thereby producing the best in our learners, learners who will not queue for grants but for graduation” he added Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise, Mr. Bulelani Magwanishe said the launch of the telematics centre shows the
importance of investing in educating the African child, regardless of their financial status background or where they live or come from. “We launch and open this telematics centre today to indicate our commitment and seriousness to invest in the education of African child, to ensure access to better quality education to everyone, education not determined by your pocket, geographic location or background” said Minister Magwanishe The telematic learning centre is linked to the University of Stellenbosch wherein the learners will receive extra lessons from subject expert at the university. Telematic Services, as part of the Centre for Learning Technologies, enhances the virtual mobility of geographically dispersed students to broaden their participation in the academic offering of Stellenbosch University. This flexible learning strategy relies on a unique technology platform that integrates satellite, mobile, web-based and video conference technologies. The classes are presented by only the best teachers in nine fields, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English, Afrikaans, Life Sciences, Geography, Business Studies, History and Accounting. The presenters explain core concepts and address problem areas where learners had experienced difficulty in previous “It is cool and good to examinations. Learners have a Technical Centre are able to respond to or like this one at our school, ask questions of the the centre will contribute greatly presenter in the s t u d i o towards our studies because we can via a web platform, now apply the theory we learnt in with an class by doing experiment in the SMS or a WhatsApp workshop” message. Bongeka Ntuli, Grade 12 at Through the web platMamellong Secondary School form teachers can also download all the presentations and other resources.
Phase two saw the Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise, Mr. Bulelani Magwanishe and Gauteng Education, MEC Panysa Lesufi went-on to open The Mzwakhe Ngomane Technical Centre at Mamellong Comprehensive Secodary School. The Mzwakhe Ngomane Technical Centre is mainly an electrical workshop to conduct practical’s on electronic equipment for learners pursuing artisan studies or electrical engineering. "It is cool and good to have a Technical Centre like this one at our school, the centre will contribute greatly towards our studies because we can now apply the theory we learnt in class by doing experiment in the workshop” said Bongeka Ntuli, grade 12 learner Mamellong Secondary School Mamellong Secondary School, Mr. Nichodema Ditona Mkwebane said in the Technical Centre learners are able to turn theory they have learnt in the class into practical by conducting experiments in the centre. “This is the centre where we turn theory into practice on these machines; learners do experiments of that which they have learnt in class here in the workshop” said Mr.Mkwebane Grade 12 learners such as Bongeka Ntuli, Charles Molapo, Dianne Makhubela, Kingsley Malatse, Nkululeko Shabangu and others, will benefit greatly from the Technical Centre because now they are able to apply theory they have learnt in the class into practice through conducting experiment at the workshop. The donation of the Telematics and Technical Learning Centres at Tsakane and Mamallong Secodary Schools were all made possible by state entities such as Eskom, Denel, Transnet and Mzwakhel Mngomane Foundation under the auspices of the Department of Public Entreprise supported by Gauteng Department of Education.
Zimisele Secondary dedicated to bring fun to teaching and learning! Some of the learners who participated in the school’s Talent Show on Friday, August 19 at Zimisile Secondary School in Kwa-Thema.
Principal of Zimisele Secondary School Mr. Dempsey Noge is delighted to have the school find innovative ways to stimulate active education. BY Jacob Molete (Faranani Thusong Service Centre)
On Friday, August 19 Zimisele Secondary School in Kwa-Thema hosted a talent show to bring fun back into teaching and learning, ensuring that learner uses their talent to advance and boost their academic capabilities. “We are hosting this talent show for learners to showcase their talent in various activities starting from reading, poetry, technology showcase, music and many more, the idea is to ensure that learners talent is exposed and they have fun in teaching and learning” said Principal Mr. Dempsey Noge. According to the principal, the school is dedicated promote both academic and tal-
ent hence the hosting of the Talent Show to showcasing and exposing learner’s talent and capabilities. “The talent show is important as it provide a platform for the youth to unleash learners’ potential showcasing their talent to be the shinning stars of the school” said Wilfred Xaba, one Grade 11 pupil. Sentiments shared by Grade 10 learner Mary Nkozi “The talent show makes it easy for learners to showcase the abilities and act as platform for peer education as we learn learners lot from those who will be showcasing their talent and capabilities” she said.
As part of Talent Show programme learners received life skills and motivation from variety of speakers from Treatment Action Campaign, Soul City and Love Life. Soul City reminded learners that they do have bright future, however need to take advantage of every opportunity presented in order to make it. “You are the future, you should not take your freedom and opportunities presented to you for granted, work hard pursue your dreams and goals relentlessly, in achieving these you will enjoy your whole life” said Ms. Matebogo Nkosi Soul City-Rise Young Women Club.
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) emphasized abstinence, however for those sexually active encouraging safe sex, testing, to access to treatment. “You are the future abstinence is the way to go, however for those sexually active, given the high infection rate amongst the youth between 15 - 35 years of age, practice safe sex, test to know your status and get free treatment in line with the department of health 90/90 programme” said Sbongile Khumalo from TAC when Lovelife advised learners that motivation and counselling services are accessible as part of LoveLife peer education services.