Learner Activities

Siyanda Trust Scholarship 2021

Siyandisa Trust Scholarship for St Matthews learner.

A candidate who is doing Grade 12 in St Matthew’s High school, by the name Mbuka Likho, was able to land a scholarship from Siyandisa Trust.  His plans for the next year are that he intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Witwatersrand. He dreams of being an inspiration to his peers in his community and to be a well known Economist. Such a rare career to be chosen by a student but this learner believes in dreams. Now as a future economist he believes that he’ll create job opportunities for the youth in his community to decrease the unemployment rate, which is good because the community will benefit alot of things from him. He says that such things require a group effort and he is hopeful that he’ll meet those requirements of acceptance for the scholarship. He knows that and he is certain that the people who’ll support him is Siyandisa.

Likho Mbuka said the story behind him achieving many things academically was that he knew this scholarship will make a big difference in his life also in his tuition as it will be an opportunity to plough back by making a positive impact in his community. Mr Mbuka believes as an individual that he’ll always be an inspiration to his peers and schoolmates. Basically his story is all about being a role model and a motivator too, who’s able to inspire others. ” At the end of the day. I’m a person who’s all about actualizing aspirations. I am a tenacious young black child will to strive and hoping others will strive too. ” He said. Mbuka felt very excited and hugely privileged for this opportunity of being awarded.

When he was asked to give a message to the youth, he said ” The most important thing that I’ll tell the youth is that one must invest time in knowing themselves. We are products of our internal dialogue and external circumstances are reflection of those. It is important for one to have a strong belief and assertion to revealing your aspirations. Consistent hard work will keep one afloat for as long as you stick to these values and aspirations. You are more than capable, hard work pays off. Jonga Phambili Uzingise , look ahead and perserve, as our school motto says ” As I asked my fellow schoolmate this particular question he showed being courageous and being an intellect because he believes dreams do come true indeed.

Given a question, ” A quote that inspires you? ” The candidate responded and said that his favorite quote is ” If you hear a voice within you saying you can’t paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced, ”

” I would like my peers to think of this quote every time they feel disheartened, they should remember that there are no limits to their success. ” He said.

Motivation for people who want this scholarship? ” Work and maintain high percentages, especially the final report of Grade 11, always aim high percentages in all your subjects. Learn until you know it, the sky is the limit. Also remember that one’s future should never be determined by his/her background it literally doesn’t matter where you come from. ” Such powerful and aspiring words from our candidate, Likho Mbuka. This student is making history in our school, something that will leave a mark in our school and it’ll be unforgettable because he is the first student in our school to get a Siyandisa Scholarship. Now this is history , let history repeat itself, Saint Matthew’s.

LRC 2021

At the beginning of the year St Matthew’s High school learners had to elect their LRC representatives. This seemingly simple project took longer to organize due to the COVID Regulations that meant the learner could not all be at school at the same time. Eventually everything was organized and we were all able to vote. We elected for LRC President Likho Ngemtu,  for the first time we have 2 Deputy Presidents,Sipumeze Mkuli and Lisakhanya Gadu. The three of them had to deliver speeches talking about their main aims for the school. Now, the question is, ” Are they willing to make history? ” Well, their actions will have to prove that.

Likho Ngemtu said ” My main focus about this school are three Rs which are reach, respect and relationship. Going to relationship, it is literally one of my first priorities will be to create opportunities for everyone to display their skills and talents. Secondly I would like to create an atmosphere of respect in classrooms. Thirdly let us strive to reach our full potential. ” Now from my knowledge quoting and listening attentively to what the school president was addressing to the pupils I believe that he is trying to brief us about the key aspects, actually the important things or the basics of what makes a school perfect and recognizable which is : discipline. Such powerful words by our president.

Sipumeze Mkuli , the Vice President of the school. She basically gave us the definition of her name and she ought to believe that her name carries leadership, indicates aspects of destiny and luck, evokes cheerfulness and shrewdness, also willing to reap and to soar. Such a scarce thing to do while presenting a speech was when she used a couple of Xhosa words which is good but also unique and  rare. She said this, I quote, ” Ukuze siphumelele, simele sikulungele ukuncama izinto ezithile ukuze siphumeze izigqibo zethu. ” Her main focus for the school was characteristics and qualities of being a student / candidate, she illustrated this by means of using a pencil as an example. Which a the five qualities of a pencil, she said. In those qualities she involved God, also a pencil always leaves a mark, a pencil that is not a wooden exterior but the graphic insight so meaning being humble and respecting the learners and teachers is what matters lastly she involved mistakes that a pencil can be erased meaning you can learn from your mistakes. It was indeed a powerful speech because she involved characteristics, challenges and life lessons which is what we face each and everyday.

Last but not least , Lisakhanya Gadu the Vice President who will be in charge when it comes to the school hostel, hostel dwellers and so on. Basically everything that has to do with the school hostel. Ms Gadu talked mainly about creating history in our school not just the school but making history in our country in the next years as black children. I quote, ” My main focus is to change St Matthew’s High school into the best vision of itself which education, sports and discipline, actually changing many narratives. Firstly the narrative of thinking that we as black children are inadequate. Secondly thinking that our success is limited and knowing change is indeed a difficult transition. As an individual I believe we can push and actualize what we want to achieve as pupils and also as a school premises by never giving up. At the end of the day it’s all about believing and making decisions now in that, that is what I believe as Vice President ” By observing and listening to her speech I take a very tenacious and fearless young lady. That was unique and enticing speech.

Message From LRC President

To me this year came as a year of improvement, progress and change, but if we are not careful with how we manage our time all of this will come as false proof. It said that “time is the most valuable thing” now we all have to us it efficiently by using those seconds in minutes as if they are not hours. As period of this year goes it will be better it what we will reap. Now we all have to utilise our present and don’t be afraid to dream for the future. I have heard a talk about a ladder and levels, it is said that when climbing up a ladder one has got to be patient, attentive and very focused for so they will not miss a step and goals will be achieved.

When we were taught vowels at pre-school they were just meaningless letters. But today they are the driven force to climb the ladder, if we only look at them in this way:

• A= accountability we must all be accountable for our doings.
• E= excellence excel in all that you do because all is possible.
• I= integrity be honest with who you are and your dreams to achieve.
• O= obedience obey those who are above you and willing to support in every way.
• U= unifier try to unite in all that you do because we are a team.

My dream is not mine but ours to fullfill.

By: Maweza Luyolo – 2015 LRC President

Mine shaft head gear

What is a mine shaft?

A mine shaft is a structure used to carry miners and minerals to/from the work level. A mine shaft has structural members that work in different ways. Mine shafts are made out of steel and iron to make them strong.

Members of the mine shaft

Members of the mine shaft have different characteristics. The members are as follows:Pulley-is used to pull the elevators that carry miners and minerals to/from the work level. In a mine shaft, two pulleys are required. Crank-it’s a pole used to keep a pulley in place whilst the pulley rotates. Rope-this kind of steel rope must be strong in order for it should be able to withstand heavy loads.

Kinds of bracing used in a mine shaft

In order for a mine shaft to remain rigid, the bracing must be cross bracing. This kind of bracing makes the mine shaft rigid.

How important are mine shaft

Mine shafts are important because they bring minerals to the surface which help build up the economy. They carry important minerals to the surface which help sustain the economy.

Where are mine shafts situated?

Mine shafts occur in places which are high in minerals, for example Gauteng and Kimberly. Sometimes they can be seen in television soapies such as Isidingo and Gold diggers.

How do we make the model?

We first make investigations that contain design brief, specifications and constraints. Then we do initial ideas and freehand sketches. Then we make designs that include First Angle Orthographic Projection and Isometric Drawing. It is only then we go to collect the materials and tools to make the model.

By: Liselihle Majola

2015/2016 Annual Matric Oral Presentation

Six of our industrious learners taking part in the 2015/2016 annual matric Oral presentation were outstanding in public speaking and were adjudged the best school amongst the 16 school in the circuit. The garland performance of learners like Gcilitshana Sibonise, Luyolo Maweza, Lulama Maweza and Likhona Mkiva, to mention but a few, were just remarkable. They came up with distinction in paper 4 which is constitutes to their final continuous assessment. To the class of St. Matthews Matric 2015, we say Kudos and wish them all the best in their final exam.

LRC 2015

SPORT SPOTLIGHT brought to you

by Sport Coordinator Ms P Blom

It’s been a fantastic play for all St Matthews Sport players and Supporters as we played against two (2) schools this term. It has not only been fun and games as we have lost a few times… But at the end its about enjoyment, good manners as a sportsmen/women and forming good relations both within Keiskammahoek and outside the borders of our district.

The results for Term to games were as follows: