By Obakeng Maje
Taung-The department of Sport, Art and Culture in conjuction with North West Provincial Language Committe honoured highest achieved students in their home languages.

The event took place last week Friday at Ipelegeng Community Hall, near Schweizer Reneke.

The event was graced by dignatiries like North West Sport, Art and Culture MEC Tebogo Modise, Development of Local Languages Professor Sekepe Matjila.

Schweize-Reneke-born Tshepiso Mataboge was one of the most achieved students.

A 19 year-old girl who is studying Chartered Accountancy at North West University Mafikeng Campus could not hides her excitement.

Tshepy as Tshepiso is affectionately known to her pals, her mind was full of patriotic feelings and her family shared the same compulsions.

Mataboge said her background could not determines her future.

A former Manamakgotha High school pupil is from a remote place in Ipelegeng location.

“I’ve set a dream for myself of being the first female CA (Chartered Accountant) in my community…..I’m very happy about the amount that I received. I am humbled to see that hardwork real pays” Tshepy Mataboge outlines.

She said making all sacrifice for her personal life to fight for the noble freedom by pursuing a career of her choice was not easy, but it takes dedication, determination and a real hard work.

“Choose friends that share the same goals as you. By doing that, you will inspire each other and advise each other along the way” she smiles.

Tshepy also holds no punches when coming to relationships and boys, so boys hold your horses as you would not get it anytime soon.

“I know that love is not going anyway hence I’m able to keep myself away from boys…..my advice to my peers is they should prioritise if they are involved then they should know what comes first” said shy Tshepy.

Mataboge scooped the award of being the best Setswana student and the accolade came along with whopping R14 000.

Tshepiso’s mother was so delighted and said Tshepy is a hard-worker. “She scooped five distinctions last year in matric and truly she was really working hard. Up to so far I will say she is focus even when coming to boys, I do not think she is dating yet” said excited Christina Mataboge.

A 37 year-old mom said other parents could deal with their teenagers decisively as it is not easy to raise them especially girls.

“My message to them is, they must try to always guide them and openly talk to them. Their future depends on them, so during teen ages, is a crucial time” she smiles.

Mataboge said education is so important nowadays and that is the only gateway vehicle from poverty.

She said the final bold decision of pursuing a career in accounting is she love it more and primarily the industry dominated by men.

She also shares her knowledge on burning issues that affect the country especially the youth, so sit back and get it from the first female Chartered Accountant in the making from Ipelegeng.

“We’ve been taught enough about HIV, so it’s now up to us to take care of ourselves….Drugs and alcohol abuse is ruining SA’s future because the youth are the ones more exposed to them” she said.

Tshepy said she want to become the first woman chartered accountant in Schweizer Reneke.

She also motivates youngsters to take up the chartered accountancy course.

“Poverty shouldn’t be an excuse for people to not work hard. The government is working hard to combat poverty and the least we can do is also work hard so that we boost our economy” concludes Mataboge.

Mataboge’s former school principal at Manamakgotha High, Edward Pitse also shared the sentiment about Tshepy’s behaviour: “She is a very responsible, hard working kid. She was always dedicated and willing to listen. I would personally like to wish Tshepy all the best”.-TDN
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