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By Johnathan Paoli
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the role of education in community development, praising the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust (VTET) for remaining a beacon of hope in Johannesburg’s Alexandra community and beyond.
Mashatile was addressing the annual VTET Bursary Awards at San Kopano, recognising outstanding academic achievements and stressing that education assists in bridging gaps and creating opportunities for future leaders.
The trust, named after the late struggle hero, Congress of South African Students chair and founder of the Alexandra Youth Congress who was killed in 1985, has provided financial aid and academic support to deserving students for over two decades.
Mashatile said that as the country commemorated 40 years since his passing, the trust continued to honour his vision of education as a transformative tool for youth empowerment.
“Comrade Vincent had a deep appreciation for education and a strong desire to see all young people acquire an education of the highest possible standard. He believed that education is the greatest equaliser,” he said.
The deputy president lauded the Class of 2024 for achieving a historic 87.3% matric pass rate, highlighting continued progress in dismantling apartheid-era inequalities.
This year, 52 students will receive bursaries, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 663, comprising 348 female and 263 male recipients.
The trust has also awarded prizes to 810 Grade 10 and 11 learners, encouraging them to excel in their studies and strive for further opportunities.
Mashatile underscored the importance of partnerships in sustaining the trust’s initiatives.
The VTET School Sports Festival, launched in collaboration with soccer legends Sibusiso “Cosmos” Zwane and Maimane Phiri, has provided a platform for 17 schools to showcase their talent.
The festival saw Minerva Secondary School, Tshabala’s former school, emerge victorious in both netball and boys’ soccer.
Additionally, the trust’s career guidance workshops, featuring over 40 professionals from various industries, have guided more than 1200 Grade 12 learners, equipping them with essential knowledge for their future endeavours.
The VTET Leadership Development Programme, facilitated in partnership with Upward Bound, has empowered 180 young leaders.
Collaborations with St Stithians College, Connect Hub and the African Youth Literature Institute have further enhanced mentorship and literacy initiatives in Alexandra schools.
The trust also hosted its inaugural breakfast seminar, where education experts, including Vaal University of Technology Chancellor, Zweli Mntambo discussed the role of education in economic and social sustainability.
Beyond secondary education, the trust has partnered with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote literacy through the “Making Reading Fun” initiative in five primary schools.
Additionally, the Lumohawk Foundation has provided eye screenings for nearly 6000 children, supplying 189 with corrective glasses.
The trust has also distributed dignity packs and groceries to vulnerable families, reinforcing its commitment to holistic community support.
Despite the country’s impressive matric pass rate, Mashatile expressed concern over the declining student retention rate, which stands at 64.5%.
He called for collective action to combat school dropouts driven by teenage pregnancy, substance abuse financial hardship and academic struggles.
Mashatile congratulated the bursary recipients and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with determination.
“This annual bursary award is not only a testament to your achievements, but also a symbol of our shared conviction that you have the potential to accomplish greater things in the future,” he said.
The deputy president implored the recipients to set ambitious goals for themselves and strive to achieve greater heights.
INSIDE EDUCATION