LIMPOPO MIRROR
6 8 February 2013 Disaster
By Elmon Tshikhudo
Top honours for Mopane during awards ceremony “I miraculously survived” Mopane Intermediate School, a school situated about 40 km from Musina, has proved that good things are not only found in towns and cities, but even remote communities can achieve a lot. The school achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2011 Grade 12 examinations and continues to do well and outshine others in the Soutpansberg North Circuit. The school was once again voted the best school in the 2012 Grade 12 examina-
tions. They were the toast of the community when the circuit celebrated its achievements during a function held at Eric Louw High School. The annual function, which saw educators, academics, businesspeople and Grade 12 pupils from all schools in the circuit and other invited guests gather to celebrate excellence, was held on Friday. All the recipients of the awards were not present as they are attending tertiary institutions.
Well-known businessman and academic Dr Nkhelebeni Phaswana of Kalahari Publishers donated R5 000 to the circuit and another R5 000 to the best school in the circuit. The circuit manager, Dr Nelson Phaswana, said it had become a tradition in the circuit to celebrate excellence. "This initiative has had positive spinoffs since we started; we have seen a tremendous improvement in terms of quality results in the circuit. Last year, we attained 83,1% and we are now in position 3 out of 27 circuits; we are moving up the ladder. At the speed we are now travelling, it would not be surprising if we were at the top spot this year,” said Phaswana. He said the awards motivated educators, pupils and SGBs and also encouraged parental involvement in the education of the children. "We also provide guidance on Celebrating Mopane’s successes are, from left to right, Musina Chief Whip Cllr Simon different careers and Madamalala, Soutpansberg North Circuit Manager Dr Nelson Phaswana, Mopane Principal that is why we invited Ms Tshilidzi Mabirimisa, Dean Alunamutwe Rannditsheni, head of the Devhula Lebowa Circuit Dr Ntuseni Nesane to of the Lutheran Church, Dr Nkhelebeni Phaswana of Kalahari Publishers, who sponsored come and encourage pupils to take agriR10 000 for the event, and top farmer Dr Ntuseni Nesane. culture as a career,” he said. After receiving the cash and trophy for being the best school, Ms Tshilidzi Mabirimisa, principal of Mopane Intermediate, shared the secrets of their success. "We work as a team and we instil discipline in all pupils. We also have extra classes after school and in the evening. We have weekend classes and In a celebratory mood, pupils, Mopane Intermediate's principal and teachers celebrate after this has worked to our advantage," she said. the school was named the top school in the circuit.
He stood still as the body of his bo- accident. It’s hard not to think about som friend was slowly lowered into it. When I look in the mirror, I have the grave. It is a story of survival scars that no one can see. It is all in that defies belief. Amid the horror my mind.” accident and the three people who Yet while the pain from his minor had perished, David Sematla is injuries has faded over time, a small one of the people who miraculously scar on his hand reminds him of a survived. tragedy that he thinks about every Now, exactly three weeks after the day. He says the scar helps to remind disaster, he has spoken for the first him of his lucky escape. “I undertime about the experience. stand that I have lost my dear friend Sematla was among the mourners and his kids, but I will never forget who came to pay their last respects this ordeal for the rest of my life. to the father and three children who Although they are dead and being were recently swept away by the buried here today, I console myself by floods near Musina. He was one of the fact that their spirits still live on.” the three people who survived the accident. The accident remains one of the deadliest during the recent floods that hit Limpopo. During the funeral, it was clear from his face that he could not understand how he had survived. “Even when I see these three coffins going down into the graves, I feel like I’m living in a dream. I cannot believe that I am one of the survivors and that all these things are happening. It will take several years for me to forget that my bosom friend and his two kids are gone forever.” Sematla says although he had received some counselling, it was very hard to forget what had happened. “I never Accident survivor David Sematla during the go a day without think- funeral service of the three Malithuba family ing about the horrible members at Musina. Festival
Locals to honour the marula The Vhavenda King, Khosikhulu Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, will officially launch the Vhembe District Marula Festival next Saturday (16/2) as part of celebrating the fruit, which is described as part of the local culture and heritage. The occasion is termed U luma Mukumbi/Ku luma Nguva and the ceremony is the build-up towards the Limpopo Provincial Marula Festival at Phalaborwa at the beginning of next month. According to the spokesperson of
the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Moss Shibambu, the marula fruit is rich in nutrients and also serves as an excellent base for fruit products such as soft drinks, nectars, teas, brandies, wines, and punches; it is also used in beauty products. Local communities have used the fruit for generations to cure and prevent illnesses such as scurvy and also to perform various traditional rituals. Shibambu added that various cultural dance groups would entertain guests during the festival.
Flowerdew Event Management
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Hiring of tents (marquee and stretch tents) Hiring of tables (round and rectangular) Hiring of chairs Decoration of venues Jumping castles for hire We also do various parties: children, 21st birthdays, corporate events, product launches, anniversaries
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