The Department of Water and Sanitation in partnership with the Department of Education have awarded once more, three school learners science and engineering tertiary bursaries.
These beneficiaries excelled in the Public Speaking competitions which target mathematics and science learners. Three school learners from Setumo High School in Mahikeng made the school proud by representing the province when they participated at the national public speaking competitions in the Eastern Cape recently. They competed against other provincial winners from across South Africa.
Keitumetse Sebokanelo, Ontlametse Banda and Mmabatho Pule, who all hail from North West Province, attend the Setumo high school. They won themselves tertiary bursaries from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
The competition which started in 2011, has produced grades 9,10 and 11 winners from Tsogo high, Ferdinand Postman high school, Kebalepile high school, Tigerkloof high school and now Setumo high school in the North West.
Keitumetse Sebokanelo from Majemantsho wishes to study geohydrology at the University of Durban. She encouraged learners to follow their hearts and be passionate about what they love doing. With her love for debating, she could did win in last year’s competitions. She did not lose hope but prepared for the competition and did her research.
The general rules of the Public Speaking competition involve preparing a speech about climate change, alien invasive plants or water use efficiency and submitting it to the DWS’ regional office. The learners are then adjudicated while analyzing and developing solutions to alleviate the negative impacts of their chosen theme on South African water resources.
“The presentation was not easy, but it was through hard work. My parents are so excited and relieved about my bursary, things happen for a reason”, she ended
Through their academic performance, today the future of these learners is bright as they will be studying free at tertiary level in three years time. Already armed with bursaries and guaranteed employment, this encourages learners to work harder on their studies.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is currently mobilising for 2017. Mr. Peter Mogosetso, the co ordinator of the school competitions in the North West, can also be reached on 083 655 2636 or 018 387 9500, as well as mogosetsop@dws.gov.za.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
