BY ELIAS MALINDI
The National Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga put everything aside and decided to visit Matlosana Secondary School, the five time champion in the 2016 ABC Motsepe School Eisteddfod Music Competition at Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp on Wednesday.
The primary purpose of Motshekga’s visit was to congratulate Matlosana Secondary School. It has never happened in the history of the Schools Eisteddfod Music Competition that an inland school wins in five renditions all at once.
This unusual achievement drew the attention of the minister to investigate the background of the school.
Minister Angie Motshekga highlighted that there was one choir that made her to attend all the four days of the music competitions due to their amazing performance.
“Normally the schools eisteddfod music competitions run for four days and as the leadership of the department it is difficult to attend all the days due many commitments. In 2016 the situation was different; I managed to attend all the days due to sterling performance of Matlosana Secondary school. This amazing choir and it’s amazing conductor performed magic on stage and I did not want to miss any of their performances. After their performance at the competitions I made a promise that I want to visit their school and see where these magnificent learners come from hence my visit today”, said Minister Motshekga.
Minister Motshekga further highlighted that it was nice to see young teachers displaying their music passion to the audience. The school conductor was on top of his game on the day. She further said that as the department they are very proud of Matlosana Secondary school and they have raised the bar of the competitions.
Dr Oupa Nkagisang the Senior Manager in Human Resource Development for AngloGold Ashanti who accompanied the minister highlighted that they donated R5 million to build the school hall.
MEC Sello Lehari indicated that the department is currently installing the laboratory at 261 and Matlosana Secondary school is amongst the beneficiaries.
Tshetla Motshabi the choir conductor of Matlosana Secondary expressed that he was overwhelmed by their achievement.
“I am extremely excited by the achievement our learners have registered to this far. Music teaches learners to be disciplined and punctual because they practised at seven o’ clock and after school. These learners were able to memorise 12 songs and this means they can be able to memorise the entire syllabus at the end of the year”, said Motshabi.
Minister Motshekga concluded her visit to the Bokone Bophirima province by monitoring of curriculum implementation at Nkang-Mahlale Secondary school, Ithuseng Primary and B.A. Seobi Secondary school.
The Guardian 