TTP
Regional
Family
Workshops
Targeting
Talent
Programme
2011
Maths
and Science
Enrichment
Programme
Our
RAs
Hip
Hop
1
Content
Director's Letter
Maths and Science Enrichment Programme
Opening Ceremony
Our Residential Assistants
Editorial
Team
Editor
Sub Editors
Poems
Thank You
Home Away From Home
The Final Countdown
TTP Regional Family Workshops
Hip Hop
Res Life
Hello Diary
Closing Dinner
2
Communications
Consultant
Digital Media/Creative
Design Consultant
Photography
IT & Design Support
Zena Richards
Jennifer Koen
Megan Reeves
Landi Mashiloane
Prince Eno Bassey
Ukpong Ed’’ Ukpong
KokoMedia
iGate Technologies
Director’’s
Letter
S
ix years of being in existence and
hosted 612 high potential learners on
the Targeting Talent Programme
campus. This was the first in the history
(TTP) can only be described by the
of the Targeting Talent programme that
words uttered by Itzhak Perlman: ””The
grade 10, 11 and 12 cohort were hosted
mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire
simultaneously. It was also the year that
to be ignited””.
the programme recruited learners from
all nine provinces. It was amazing to
The TTP learners selected over the
bear witness to how all the learners had
years have engaged in this learning
the courage to travel long distances
process with dedication, commitment
from home; engage with challenging
and perseverance. As a result Targeting
material and activities and expand their
Talent is growing from strength to
social networks to nine provinces. We
strength and has increased its donor
are proud to have you part of the talent
base. In July 2011, Wits University
pool development programme. Wishing
““
the current Grade 12 learners all the best
in their final exams. See all next year!
““
He who learns but
does not think is lost.
Chinese proverb.
Zena
Richards
Director: Student Equity and
Talent Management Unit
3
2011
Targeting Talent
Learners during
a session
4
Targeting
Talent is
Growing from
Strength to
Strength
TARGETING TALENT
Schools attended by TTP learners
DONOR BASE:
This programme would not be
GAUTENG
Number of
Learners
2010
Number of
Learners
2011
Allen Glen High School
4
3
Fred Norman Secondary School
9
9
Letsibogo Girls High School
6
5
Marlboro Gardens Secondary School
7
7
Metropolitan Raucall High School
8
8
Phahama Senior Secondary School
3
3
Reitumetse High School
6
6
St Matthews Private Secondary
6
6
the success it is today without
the investment of several of
donors, namely:
1
BP SA (Pty) and the
South African Roads
Agency Ltd jointly funded a
total of 200 learners from three
provinces in South Africa who
were selected to participate in
the Targeting Talent
Programme (TTP) for the
period 2010-2012.
5
Schools attended by TTP learners (cont’’d)
LIMPOPO
6
Number of
Learners
2010
Number of
Learners
2011
Derek Kobe Secondary School
6
6
Dendron Secondary School
Giyani High School
10
6
10
6
Glen Cowie Secondary School
Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School
7
6
7
5
Hluvuka High School
Lemana High School
4
8
4
7
Mbilwi Secondary School
Motse Maria High School
10
10
10
10
Mphaphuli Highs School
Northern Muslim School
6
8
6
5
Pax College
St Brendans Catholic Secondary School
4
10
4
10
Tshebela High School
8
8
MPUMALANGA
Number of
Learners
2010
Number of
Learners
2011
Dlomodlomo Secondary School
6
6
Highveld Secondary School
Hlanganani Secondary School
10
8
9
8
Khamane High School
Lowveld High School
5
3
5
3
Mmametlhake Secondary School
Njeyeza Secondary School
5
3
5
3
Somkhahlekwa Secondary School
Sophungane Combined School
3
6
3
6
2
The Limpopo Department of
Education (LDE) funded 98 Grade
10 learners from the Limpopo province
for a three-year programme
LIMPOPO
Schools attended by TTP
Learners
Number of
Learners
2010
Number of
Learners
2011
Ebenezer High School
10
9
Moreko High School
5
5
Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural School
1
1
Ramogabudi Senior secondary
6
6
Phagameng High School
3
3
Matshwara Senior Secondary
3
3
Kgoshi Moroangoato Secondary School
4
4
Ngwanamala Secondary School
2
2
of Mathematics and Science
DZJ Mtebule High School
7
7
supplementation sessions.
Modubatse High School
8
8
Risinga Secondary School
9
9
Ndengeza High School
1
1
Sekgosese Secondary School
4
4
(2010-2012).
A total of 21 educators from 18
schools attended the Educators’’
Residential Enrichment programme
on the 8th to 13th of July. The
educators’’ programme consisted
3
The Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC) provided
funding for 23 learners from four
Mphunye Senior Secondary
3
3
Sebalamakgolo High School
8
7
Hudson Ntsanwisi Senior Secondary School
4
4
Kheto Nxumayo Agricultural High School
10
9
Bopedi Bapedi High School
10
10
LIMPOPO
Schools attended by TTP
Learners
Number of
Males
Selected
Number of
Females
Selected
schools in the Limpopo Province to
Glen Cowie Secondary School
0
10
attend the Targeting Talent Programme
Kgoshi Moroangoato Secondary School
0
3
(TTP).
Bopedi Bapedi High School
0
4
Ngwanamala Secondary School
3
3
4
In 2011 SETMU secured funding
from the Department of
Science and T
echnology (DST)
Technology
(DST),
for the period 2011-2016 for two
hundred and ninety-four (294) learners
throughout South Africa to attend the
programme.
PROVINCE
Grade10
Grade11
Grade12
Eastern Cape
3
3
0
To t a l
6
Free State
12
11
10
33
Gauteng
23
19
4
46
KwaZulu Natal
33
26
8
67
Limpopo
27
16
35
78
Mpumalanga
11
7
6
24
North West
3
3
7
13
Northern Cape
4
4
0
8
Western Cape
9
11
5
25
125
100
75
300
7
TTP Notice Board
Maths and Science contact
time: 30 March –– 5 April 2012 (Arrive
Friday 30 March 2012 –– Depart
Thursday 5 April 2012)
Grade 10/11/12
8
Dates for TTP
contact sessions
TTP and TDP Residential
Programme: 23 June - 7 July 2012
(Arrive Saturday 23 June 2012 –– Depart
Saturday 7 July 2012). Grade 10/11/12
(final contact time for Grade 12)
2012
Maths and Science contact
time: 28 September –– 5 October 2012
(Arrive Friday 28 September 2012 Depart Friday 5 October 2012)
(Grade 10 and 11 only)
Maths and
Science
Enrichment
Programme
2011.
A
Mathematics and Science Enrichment Programme was
held for Grade 11 and 12 learners from the 3rd to 8th of
April 2011. The programme was held at the Good News
Convention Centre in Muldersdrift. The curriculum focused on
Mathematics and Science material. In their overall comments,
the learners indicated that they had benefited from the
programme and that the programme was well run. For example,
one student felt very inspired by the sessions and stated: "I
strongly believe that the TTP can go a long way and I'm very
devoted to it because I believe in its potential to change the
world ... for the best."
9
Mothiba
Lefentse
During the week of the 4th until the 8th of
April, 2011; it was awesome, we had a
lot of fun. The lecturers were patient with
us especially our mathematics teacher
and she was always organized. Some
of us did not have a solid foundation in
mathematics and science but now we
are able to tackle every challenge. For
me, it was really worth spending five
days of my holidays doing things that
will benefit me in the future. Mostly, I
enjoyed mathematics. I enjoyed my
stay here and I am grateful that I was
given the opportunity to be a part of this
programme: my results are proof.
10
Mmakoena
My experience throughout this week has
been one to remember. Yes I have had
ups and downs but through
perseverance, I conquered. I learnt a lot
to help me in my academics as well as
socially. The teachers were great and
helped me understand things I
struggled with. We got the opportunity
to sing which we all enjoyed. This
programme has really made a
difference in my life: improved my
academics, boosted my self-confidence
and enabled me to interact with different
people. I enjoyed my stay, thank you
TTP.
Bongiwe
Siyaya
This week was an exceptional one
academically as I got to understand so
many things in Mathematics and
Science. I enjoyed socializing with my
TTP friends and getting to know the
other learners. The best part for me was
the satisfaction of finally grasping
essential concepts in mathematics and
science. I am grateful for the time the
teachers sacrificed to help us, they have
contributed immensely to shaping and
brightening our future. Their hardwork
was most definitely not in vain.
Setlau
Irene:
Well, I have learnt to be more active in
my school work, have good listening
skills and also how to adjust to different
circumstances of life. I really enjoyed
every minute of each day I spent here.
The lecturers were really kind and helpful
and I appreciated them; it was not
easy but through selfdetermination, I managed to
scale through. I have learnt
to be independent and
strive to be the
legend that I
was born
to be.
Tau
Mamotjatji
Anthonia
Winnie Kirui
I really enjoyed being here and I had
was no segregation. I learnt that life is
lots of fun. The lecturers were humble,
not just about academics but a
patient, determined and dedicated. It
balanced life includes: social life and ‘‘me
was worth being here even though I
time’’. I learnt that once one is relaxed
often missed home. Thank you TTP.
everything goes smoothly as one
The thing that stood out for me this
week, besides the academic aspects,
was that all groups were united, there
develops the power within one’’s self to
balance one’’s life amongst others
things. This week was definitely
worthwhile, I feel like we covered 6
months work in just a week, I am
so happy and calm now that I
have substantial
understanding. The best
part was on the 7th of April
when all groups sang and
danced together. Thank you
to the management, I am full
of appreciation.
11
Targeting
Talent
Programme
Team
2011
Ebrahim
Mayet
We were not taught what to think but
how to think critically as well as
understand. There is no reason to
complain about anything but I must
admit I was shocked that four men
shared one room; nevertheless, it made
me get to know people. In general, TTP
teaches one to be productive
irrespective of the team that one works
with. I believe that the benefits of my
time here outweighs the loss of my
holiday, it was a worthwhile experience.
Ngobeni
Xichavo
Limpia
Attending the extra lessons has been
wonderful for me. I believe that coming
here was worthwhile rather than staying
home and doing nothing. I learnt a lot of
things: I got to be very interactive with
the people that I shared my room with.
As for mathematics and science, I
enjoyed the classes. In mathematics, I
struggled with functions but now, after
the TTP, I can proudly say ‘‘I am on top
Adelaide
Madiba
TTP was an enrichment indeed! In both
the mathematics and science lessons,
we were taught topics I am yet to do at
my school. I am very grateful and I
intend on sharing this knowledge with
other learners back at my school. I
enjoyed every part of being here and
the best part was the last night we spent
at TTP. After dinner, all the groups sang
and danced, singing is one of my
hobbies. It was totally worth being here.
of it’’. The lecturers were very patient and
helpful.
Top photo:
Targeting Talent
Programme
Team
12
Top-right photo: Left - Right
Prof. Loyiso Nonxga
Mr. D. Hanekom
Ms. Zena Richards
Prof. Rod Moore
Opening
Ceremony
T
he 2011 June TT residential programme
commenced with an opening ceremony, during
which the learners got to interact with their peers,
educators, sponsors as well as the members of the
Wits Community, responsible for the facilitation of the
programme. After a hectic day of arrivals, registration
and settling down, a tasty dinner at the Wits
Education Campus’’s Reitz Hall provided the right
atmosphere for the Learners to unwind and relax.
13
““
There is no doubt
that any Society
that neglects to
invest in its young
people, any
society that does
not go out to
identify the
potential of its
young people is
doing itself a
disservice. I hope
that this
programme
amongst other
things, will be able
to empower you to
see yourself as
someone who is
responsible for
your personal
development
““
Prof. Loyiso
Nonxga
Vice Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witswatersrand
14
E
ducators’’ Residential Enrichment attendees included educators from Limpopo
Province. The educators are an integral catalyst to the success of the TT
Programme as they have the ability to replicate what we teach to more learners in
their schools. Wits University’’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Loyiso
Nonxga was the chief host of the occasion while Mr. D. Hanekom (Deputy Minister at
Department of Science and Technology), was amongst the dignitaries in attendance;
he delivered a keynote address.
““
““
Opening Ceremony
This is part of your
journey, I would like to
say that this journey, this
path that we walk is a
lifelong journey, it doesn’’t
end. You think you are at
the top of the hill ...
there’’s another hill waiting
for you; you think you’’ve
just gone round that last
corner, believe me there’’s
more path ahead and
there’’s another corner to
turn. The point is not to
wait for the end of the
journey but to enjoy the
journey and make the
best of the journey, as
you enter your studies,
even as we are talking to
each other, we should
think how can I make a
contribution to make this
country of ours a better
place
Mr
Mr.. D
D.. Hanekom
Deputy Minister
Department of Science and Technology
15
Our
RAs
16
W
hen we are at home there are
were the caring types. When we first
caring. Finally, our last RA is not so
people who love us and take
met our RA’’s we thought that they we
punctual, enjoys planning and is funny.
going to be strict and that they wouldn’’t
Although it is exhausting to wake up at
relate to us.
04h30 in the morning, line up into two
good care of us. Leaving home
was difficult as we weren’’t
lines and run to our lectures, our RA’’s
sure about who was going
to look after us. As soon as
Our one RA likes things to be done her
have always been supportive, playful
we knew that there were
way, she is dedicated to her work as an
and helped us reach limits we never
people who were going to
RA. She is always on time and
thought we could. We appreciate them
look after us and escort us
organised, but she’’s also fun loving,
for giving up their time and thank them
and she loves to joke around. Our next
for dedicating themselves to us.
from class to class, we felt a bit
relieved, but at the same
time we weren’’t really
RA has a balance between fun and
work. She loves dancing and she is also
convinced that they
Residential
Assistants
17
Face
Book
by Lushavia Govender
Maths and Science
Group J
Pythagoras: ‘‘Maths Rules’’
Neil Bohr : ‘‘No it doesn’’t, maths people are just hungry. I mean
who looks for the value of pie when its R3.14 at the tuckshop?’’
We Group J decided amongst ourselves to research this debate
and hopefully resolve the conflict between Pythagoras and Mr Bohr.
In order to conduct this research we had to use the Wits equation
below:
P
retty much everyone’’s got it, those
who don’’t, have no idea of what
(Workload x Intelligence –– Time)/ Sleep =
success in resolving conflicts
they are missing. Some call it a disease.
No, its not the Blackberry ... its
There were two workloads, one of Maths and one of Science, we
Facebook! This massive social network
then used our combined intelligence with the limited time to see
has captivated the world with its vast
which, between Science and Maths is superior. We then had to
variety of applications, pages and
divide our sleeping hours to complete this research and resolve
advertising. The mantra of LOGIN ID
the conflict.
and PASSWORD on the familiar blue
homepage of facebook is one that is
Maths is needed for calculations in everyday lives, but atoms make
imprinted on the subconscious minds of
up our everyday life, therefore both subjects are of equal
the masses. Facebook is one of those
importance. So we realised that neither is superior to the other.
technological advancements that is
bringing our world close together. With
the web page for communication
across the planet at the fastest of
speeds. Staying in contact with that
friend you made in that country you
visited has never been easier. Groups,
events and birthdays are all there for
ease of access to the user. So I guess
at the end of the day, you can say you
have people from the constant users,
seldom users to those who simply
know about it. Facebook is the world’’s
biggest drug and I am not afraid to say
... I AM AN ADDICT.
18
Poems
A collection of some poems written by our
talented students here at the Targeting
Talent Programme.
The T
TP Experience
TTP
by Melanie White and Nina- Marie Grobler
All night heated rooms
Pitch black darkness in the cold
And the need to catch up on sleep
But it’’s not to be
Get up!
There are stairs waiting to be climbed
Then finding meal vouchers
Which you MUST NOT lose
For juice, yoghurt, eggs and cereal
Time for Dancing
Slide to the left
Slide to the right
Cha cha before lectures start
An hour and a half
Of wishing you where back in bed
““Is there a bathroom nearby?””
No time for tea
Get to the next lecture
On the other side of campus
Followed by lunchtime
And more than enough food
So we have to find another bathroom
But the day is not over yet!
Two more lectures
Three more hours
Of Math, Science and Life Studies
We going to build a robot
Research a theory
And look for books in the library
Before its time for sport
After going to the bathroom of course.
Running around for a ball
Or stretching and punching
Yoga, Pilates, Frisbee and Soccer
By then we are longing for supper
Above: Dieter Hartman
Engineering Lecturer
Meet up on the stairs, Wait in a line
Everyone needy and excited to dine
It’’s over too quickly
And already dark outside
With one activity left before sleep
““May we go to the bathroom?””
Before we continue
To hip-hop (the painful warm-up)
Or learning to write for a newsletter
By then we exhausted
Fatigued and lethargic
When after we walk to our rooms
Where homework and showers await
Set your alarm for five o clock
Before you fall asleep at eleven
And dream of hard work
Fun times and nice people
We’’re having a great time
Visiting caves and museums
And though we’’ll go home tired
We’’ll know we’’ve gained an incredible
experience.
19
Who am I?
Away from Home
Nosicelo Ndukwana
by Mamello Ndimane
H
ome, a place full of love, is a
place where you learn
discipline, your comfort zone, a
place that you would not trade for
anything in the world. My English teacher
always says, ““Sometimes you need to
come out of your comfort zone””. What I
have learnt about every time I come out
of my comfort zone is that I always
experience this almost irrevocable
feeling, yearning to go home, better
known as being ‘‘homesick’’. This then
brings me to the question, ““How does
home feel about my absence?””
However, with TTP, I had a far different
experience, every second of my time
spent here was occupied that I hardly
felt the inevitable feeling of being
homesick. The reason for this lies in the
mysteries of those who took the time to
plan the academic-filled, or rather funfilled week for all the young and talented
souls in South Africa. Being a protégé,
there was so much to adapt to, yet so
many people to help you throughout the
project. Our RAs, whom can be best
described as our older brothers and
sisters, or even better, our TTP angels,
who have a vocabulary that mainly
consisted of ““Keep up, run, line up!””
Moreover, being under their
guidance, I still experienced the
taste of independency, I felt the
ecstasy while running up and down
the honourable and respected
buildings of education, wherein
diamonds have been shaped into
beautiful gems for many years. The
uproarious dining hall has become
a melody that I looked forward to
every morning. Being part of my
group gave me a sense of
belonging, as they felt more like my
family. Every session was fully
enjoyed, while we mostly worked as
one.
My ancestors are in extinction
Making me wonder about my
destination.
Because everyday our lives are going
through prosecution,
And I am starting to feel frustration.
The theories are interesting
Better than the myths that create
exhaustion
The history exhibition
Is covering up the extinction
““If you can’’t excel with talent,
triumph with effort””- Dave
Weinbaum.
Maropeng is your home,
Maropeng is my home,
Maropeng is our home.
by Naadir Vorajee
20
Excursions are an option,
Even tours are the exception
Cause they are the path to collection
The first day might have been
exciting for most of us, yet daunting
for others. We grew together a bed
of flowers that started from
extraordinary seeds, watered with
talent, knowledge, discipline,
respect and destined to success.
When we go home, not only will we
go back with the jackets, but also
the knowledge we gained, talents
that we can now fully embrace.
AW
ork of Art
Work
A person, A piece,
Two so different
But yet the same.
Just like that piece of the
puzzle
We are all the same
Just a piece.
Am I an evolution solution?
Or am I a nature creation?
Well that is my question
And it needs an explanation!
But so to are we different,
So uniquely cut,
Shaped
And edged.
Made so perfectly
To fit in a specific place.
And just like that piece
We fit together,
We work together,
We make a picture,
A tapestry,
A memory,
An Artwork.
To me Maropeng means
““welcome home””
Maropeng is home for information
Wow. What a great formation without
limitation.
Thank You
L
ife without a goal is like a society
one may think it's a drag because of the
without a leader and a goal without
RAs, but if one looks upon the reason
mentors is like a leader with no
one was always marching in two lines
followers. We were once in the dark,
and why one had strict RAs, one will
blank and academically careless. We
realise that Ms Zena Richards was a true
just heard about world "opportunities"
mother to children, by trying to ensure
from other people. Little did we know
that her children are well taken care of
that God was on His way with TTP to
and they are safe. We are all aware that
rescue us. TTP is a mentor, a saviour.
the first trip to TTP was on the 12th of
TTP has taught us life. It has taught us to
June 2010, but for me that was not the
be strong and to keep life in order. Even
beginning of the journey but the
with tears in our eyes, we still manage to
destination. The journey started from
utter the words "we are OK" with smiles
that first moment I decided that a little
on our faces.
studying won't hurt, maybe to put in
more time into my school work won't
When we think of giving up, TTP
hurt, and maybe attending extra lessons
whispers "HOPE". We hold on to our
won't hurt.
dreams everyday, everywhere because
we know we have all the power to be
A wise man once told me that "Talk is
anything! Absolutely anything we want to
cheap but it is a good start". The
be ... so says TTP. We are now called
moment I started participating in class ...
leaders of tomorrow, Diamonds of the
giving wrong answers and having the
present, Scientists of tomorrow, Vice
eagerness to know more, was a perfect
Chancellors and Ministers of our
start for me because of all the hard
generation. We talk the walk and walk
work. I find myself writing this extract
the talk of success. Thanks to TTP!
today, expressing my true inner feeling
and showing my appreciation to all the
I fell in love with a programme called
sponsors of the programme, all the
Targeting Talent - TTP for short. To me it
coordinators, and to the University of
is not just another programme but a
the Witwatersrand for it is such a
place of ... a place where I realised that
pleasure to be in such an honoured
every dream can be a reality. Although
institution.
21
Wits Our
Second
Home
Ofentse
Ramphore
GROUP B
D
ear diary, I never thought I would fall
in love with this TTP/TDP programme.
I mean in the beginning I thought it was
going to be all about academics and
learning. I also expected shorter periods of
Maths and Science and even more time to
go out to have fun. Then I entered the real
programme of TTP and TDP then my
expectations became invalid at the end. I
saw people who were way older than me
who referred to themselves as Residence
Assistants, people I didn’’t know and
people I already knew.
Days went by and things started getting
hectic, we slept late and woke up early,
the worse part was that we had to run up
and down the stairs which was so tiring
resulting in us complaining about our
muscle strains at that moment I really
wanted to pack my bags and go home.
Then I introspected and asked myself what
am I thinking? How could I think of such
things while I have a happy second family
here? The very same people that I thought
were strangers became like family to me
and the way they cared about us, they
made sure that we are fed properly and
carefully looked after. The presence of the
RAs made a great difference and with
them around, nothing could possibly go
wrong.
I learned some new things in life like
respecting other people and their diverse
cultures and backgrounds. The
programme also taught me that problems
are just a stepping stone to life. The
22
problem with waking up early and sleeping
late was teaching us to adapt to the habits
of varsity life and of making independent
choices which are like paving stones to a
well planned and organised future. It also
taught me that problems are blessings in
disguise, even though the stairs and being
early still kill us.
As a TTP Learner, I found it interesting,
important and exciting to be away from
home, because I managed to realize the
responsibilities that I have as a learner.
Some of the responsibilities include
punctuality, independence and selfcontrol. I believe that in future I will be able
to overcome any challenges and obstacles
that I face in the course of my life. My
actual identity and character were
automatically revealed internally and
externally by TTP.
The program has also been my inspiration
and I admire it. It has given me hope and
self confidence. It has built me and
continues to build me with wonderful
things, like solidarity. There are also other
aspects that I have developed in, these
being self-esteem, self-awareness and
communication. All these values play a
vital role in my life because they determine
how far I can go in life. However, if I was at
home I probably would not think I could
have become the person that I am, this
simply means that I was a lazy person who
was full of hopelessness and dependency,
etc. I would like to say ““big ups, TTP!!”” I
really thank you a billion times.
23
Nthabiseng
Moloi GROUP B
Our Wits
Experience
I
t's 4:00 a.m. and my alarm rings. I'm up
and in the shower. After approximately 10
minutes in the shower, I get dressed in 20
minutes. It is now 4:30 a.m. and I have to
tidy up my room and, being the slow
person that I am, I need all the time I can
get to tidy up my room. It is 5:50 a.m. and
we have to meet at the elevators and
make our way to the main dining hall for
breakfast: long queues, RAs screaming
"guys keep up ... close the gap!!"
It's 7:40 a.m., we leave the dining hall, and
we make our way to the exams hall
(running) for plenary. At 8:30 a.m., our first
lecture commences and what happens
after that is pretty obvious. We run
between lectures - East to West campus.
At first, I thought being away from home
was going to be hard, only to discover that
it is quite amazing. This being my second
year in the Targeting Talent Programme, I
have learnt or rather discovered something
and this is: TTP (Witwatersrand) has been
like my "home away from home". Times
aren't always the best in TTP, like the fact
that my group is always late for pretty
much everything, falling ill during my stay
here and running all the time, but one thing
is for sure: the bad never outnumbers the
good.
There is so much to look forward to when I
wake up at 4:00 a.m. (not an easy thing to
do), like the fact that I am going to have
good-tasting breakfast, have a warm-up in
plenary and my first lecture of the day.
24
During my time here, I have made a whole
lot of friends who I cherish very much. My
RAs, well, they have their days, but I am
thankful to them, as it is because of them
that I have not been reported missing on
the campus. Something else to look
forward to in this programme is sports and
hip hop. This programme has taught me a
number of things, one of them being that a
person can focus on their studies and still
have a little bit of fun. Hip Hop is one
example of this; this is where we get to
show off our dance moves, or at least the
people who can actually dance. Sports is
another great way to keep fit and have fun
and it is here where I learnt that life is not
all about competing, because when that
happens we forget how to have fun.
If I were to write about every single thing
that I have expereinced during my time
here, I would need one full week and a
whole lot of paper to be able to get
everything down. What I would like to say
though, is thank you, thank you very much
for everything that I have experienced
during my time here, whether good or bad,
because then again the bad is only
equipping me for what is still to come in my
near future. There are not enough words
to express the gratitude I feel for being a
part of this programme, so I'll simply say
"Thank you for everything!!"
25
Thando Mntambo
GRADE 12
Final
Countdown
S
ince Grade One we've been admiring
all the high school children, in particular the
matriculants thinking: ““Wow! When are we ever
going to get there?”” and so school has been for
many of us a great countdown to this very
moment.
Boy how wrong we were!
When in Matric one soon learns that it is not all
fun and games as one might have thought. Nonstop working is what we have become
accustomed to. One hardly gets a chance to
breath, not if one wants to pass that is. Sleeping
has become a luxury to most of us that we ever
so often hear people chirping about.
This is the year when one sees that having one’’s
life in one’’s own hands is not all it's cracked up to
be. Vital decisions have to be made concerning
your life. Universities have to be chosen, bursaries
have to applied for, research has to be done. But
being in matric is not all that bad. We do after all
only have about six months of formal school and
many exciting things to look forward to such as
varsity and for some of us it's finally moving out!
It is a test of character where we see how people
cope under pressure. Everyone has to make
personal sacrifices like giving-up TV or that huge
party at your friends house to study. Of course,
those who do so shall reap the benefits come Dday but if there's one thing we have learnt from
TTP it's this: keeping a balance between work and
play is one of the most important skills one should
learn, especially in matric. And so in a nut-shell
one could say that matric is an appetizer to life ––
the main course.
26
27
TTP 2011
Learners &
Residential
Assistants
28
l
29
TTP
Regional
Workshops
T
he programme in 2011 has expanded to cater to
600 learners. However while the programme
(thanks to our sponsors) has grown to include the
nine provinces of South Africa, the annual family
workshops are still primarily conducted in three
provinces: Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The
family workshops provide Wits University with the
opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the
learners, their guardians, families and their
communities. The backing and support of these
stakeholders is essential for the success of the
programme. We hope to expand family workshops
to more provinces over the next few years.
Top photo:
Parents attending
family workshop
30
Gauteng
Family
Workshop
T
he Targeting Talent Project has helped
lots and lots of people including myself
because I’’m now able to stand here
talking the talk and walking the walk of
success and development through this
programme. It has helped me to start
accomplishing my dreams and I must say
this is a golden opportunity.
The opportunity to make success in each
and every individual life, an opportunity that
needs to be grabbed and used wisely
My thoughts, attitude, focus, perception,
self talk, mindset, my talent and visions of
the future all work together to make a
difference in this country and to help those
who don’’t understand regarding their
school work.
I am now proud to say I have a string of
talent and a seed of potential that has
been discovered by this programme. I’’m
honoured to be in this programme for TTP
is the best without limitations and
hesitations. You are truly investing in
excellence and are the best facilitators of
success.
I SALUTE YOU TTP.
THANK YOU!!!
Elizabeth Siphiwe Sigaleni
Letsibogo Girls’’ High School
Left photo:
Ms. C. Williams
Educator, Fred Norman
Senior Secondary School
31
32
Mpumalanga
Family Workshop
Myra Dunley Owen
Mpumalanga Department of Education
The Targeting Talent
Educatiom Programme
by the University of
Witwatersrand in
partnership with MDoE
Programme Director, Academic and
Administrative Staff of Wits University,
Distinguished Parents, Principals,
Teachers, Learners, members of the SGB,
officials from the Department of Education
- good morning to you all. You are all
welcome to this Family Workshop of the
Targeting Talent Project organized by the
University of Witwatersrand in partnership
with the Mpumalanga Department of
Education.
Background
The Mpumalanga Department of
Education is committed to delivering quality
education to all learners with a focus on
Mathematics and Physical Science. A new
strategy STARS - the Schooling
Transformation and Reform Strategy was
adopted at the end of 2010. This strategy
focuses on 5 pillars - Early Childhood
Development (ECD); Literacy and
Numeracy; Matric Improvement Plan;
Maths, Science and Technology and
Dealing with Dysfunctional schools.
At the beginning of this year 2011 a
new directorate focusing exclusively on the
Sciences, Mathematics and Technology
was created. It includes both GET and FET
and so for the first time we are trying to
bridge the gap between the two phases.
This also allows us to have a separate
budget for resourcing these important
subjects.
Another new development in 2011 was
the implementation of the ANA where once
again Mpumalanga did not fair well. In
testing Grade 3 and Grade 6 learners the
results were as follows:
Grade 3 Literacy 27%
Numeracy 19%
Grade 6 Literacy 20%
Numeracy 25%
Though the challenges for the
schooling system remain great, the 2011
wave of ANA provides a basis for optimism.
Both the process of 2011 ANA and the
information obtained from this process
represent a basis for improvement that did
not exist previously. Schools and the
education departments have gained
important experience in better assessment
and, through this, a better focus on what
must improve. The unprecedented step of
providing all Grades 1 to 6 learners with
national workbooks in 2011 has, according
to preliminary reports, shifted classroom
practices in the right direction.
The 2012 wave of ANA, to be
conducted in the 2012 school year, will
serve as a critical instrument with which to
33
monitor the degree to which all the
interventions, such as the streamlining of
the national curriculum, have had an
impact on learning.
Mpumalanga has further introduced
the PAA. This is another round of provincial
common standardized tests that will be
written in Grades 3, 6 and 9 towards the
end of November. It is hoped that the
results will help to identify the gaps in the
knowledge of the learners where
intervention can be focused in order to
ensure that in 2012 the results present a
different picture.
The Targeting Talent Project is one of
the many projects implemented with the
co-operation and initiative of the Wits
University with which we are involved.
The first phase of the project started in
2007 and was highly successful, both at
the pre - university phase and the
university phase with a high success rate
of young people qualifying in fields that
they most likely would never have
succeeded in without this project.
Statistics indicate that South African
matriculants currently have an exemption
rate of just 23,5%, which is alarming when
compared with that of other countries e.g.
In the UK 43% of school leavers enter
university. Of further concern is the
reported half a million children that
disappeared in the schooling system
between 1998 and 2009.
In Mpumalanga in 2010 59 630
learners wrote the NSC examination with
29 382 learners passing the examination
giving us a pass rate of 56,8% which was
an increase of 8,9% from 2009 but we
were still at the bottom in the country.
Furthermore only 15.8% of the learners
achieved a pass which allowed them to
register with a University for a Bachelor’’s
Degree. 20 139 learners wrote Physical
Sciences and only 8 352 (41,5%) achieved
at 30% and above and 24,7% at 40% and
above. In Mathematics 24 167 wrote and
only 10 007 (41,4%) achieved at 30% and
above with 26,6% achieving at 40% and
above.
These facts highlight the need for
programmes that intervene at a basic level
and consider the psychological and
34
external factors impacting on the poor
figures haunting South African education.
The ‘‘Targeting Talent’’ is one such
programme. It is an initiative that unlike
many other programmes, does not focus
on remedial activities once young people
have left school, nor on performance
improvement projects for underperforming
schools. What makes this initiative unique
is that it seeks to focus on high-performing
learners in under resourced schools –– that
is, young people who are economically
disadvantaged but who have managed to
beat the odds through the support of a
committed school community.
The focus of this programme is to
ensure that the targeted learners do better
in the NSC, their school leaving
examination (Matric) while also adopting
the kind of learning and study skills that are
more suited to university and by making
the kind of subject choices that will allow
them access to particular degree
programmes.
It is also our experience that once
young people are admitted to university,
another range of significant challenges
faces those who come from backgrounds
(i.e. educational and socio-economic) that
are very different from the environment at
university. Apart from the financial
challenges, the transition from a deficient
schooling system to the academic practice
of a University poses significant challenges
for learners in everything from time
management, to more individual
responsibility for learning, to ways in which
learning and engagement with material
takes place.
Compounding the problem is the fact
that, of the small proportion that do enter
higher education, more than a third of
students do not complete their first year of
study, and up to half exit the system
without a qualification. There is an over
representation of black students in this
group . The single biggest factor
preventing learners from entering higher
education, or preventing them from
succeeding if they do manage to enter, is
academic preparedness. While other
factors (like the financial status of families,
or subject choice) do play a role, it is the
level of competency in key subjects, and
orientations towards study, that influence
the success of learners most directly.
The project is now in the second
phase. This project selects learners in
Grade 10 and provides extra tuition in the
content in key subjects as well as
exposure to university life. This extra
motivation and interaction with university
role models has ensured good results in
Grade 12 and provided access to tertiary
education for them. The first group of
learners have now completed their basic
degrees, again with a high rate of success,
which also speaks for the successful
approach of the project.
In addition the project provides extra
support for the teachers of the learners
enrolled in the programme, to ensure
continuity and mentoring of the cohort.
A few words to the learners. All of you
here are winners, every one of you. You all
have the potential to go far in life –– and
why do I say this? In today’’s world maths
and science play a major role. You have all
been given the opportunity to achieve in
these important subjects. Use your ability
to stretch your minds.
Now why are maths and science so
important? Well in the next 10 - 20 years
there will be careers that you and your
colleagues will follow –– careers that we do
not even know about today. And all of
them will need knowledge of science and
maths. These are the basics for the future.
It is therefore up to you all to make sure
that you get the best results you can in
your final exams and then you will be able
to choose any career you like.
CONCLUSION
The Mpumalanga Department of
Education is extremely grateful to this
project for selecting it to be one of the
participating provinces. There are many
rural schools and disadvantaged learners
out there who do not have the opportunity
to further their education, and projects like
this are assisting to give those learners the
opportunity to qualify in scarce subjects
and provide the skills our country so badly
needs. THANK YOU.
Limpopo Family
Workshop
Mr. N. J. Phaleni
Tshebela High School
D
ear parents, fellow educators,
departmental officials, and you
learners, it is a great honour and a
privilege for me to be given this
opportunity to say something in
connection with the impact of this
Targeting Talent Project. I was
personally involved with this Targeting
Talent Project from 2007 and it made
wonders to our school both on the side
of learners and on the side of educators
who were on a yearly basis attending
the contact sessions at the University of
Witwatersrand. Targeting Talent Project
has for the past four years or so
targeted learners in the former
disadvantaged communities with the
aim of extracting and polishing the
diamond from its own.
Last year we witnessed the growing
numbers of learners passing
Mathematics and Physical sciences
with A symbols, with numerous B and C
passes especially in schools where
there are Targeting Talent Learners. In
March this year, ten of the schools with
Targeting Talent Learners were awarded
the Mostly Improved School Award.
I think this numbers will increase
tremendously in the near future not only
on the side of the learners but we
educators also benefited from this talent
project for the past four years. These
workshops made a very significant
impact on our subject knowledge as
educators. Apartheid and lack of
resources are no longer justifiable
agreements.
In this case you cannot defend
mediocrity on the basis of the legacy of
apartheid, because apartheid is gone.
Let us wake up and move on! We need
to choose excellence and reject
mediocrity for the sake of nation
building, socio-economic development
and the true liberation of the nation.
I acknowledge that the legacy of
apartheid continues to affect us but this
has come to a stop because we are
now having resources, we are having
projects like Targeting Talent that now
helps us a lot in moving forward. The
program promotes excellence and
rejects mediocrity.
It is through Targeting Talent Project
that a daughter of a peasant can
become a Doctor; that a son of a
mineworker can become an engineer;
that the child of a farmworker can
become an astronomer. It is what we
make out of what we have and not
what we are given that separates one
person from the other.
These are the words of wisdom
from our former President Dr. Nelson
Mandela. With these few words I would
like to say thank you very much.
Mr. N.J Phaleni
35
Vukosi Maluleke
Lemana High School
I
t is indeed more than a cliché that the
greater things in life present
themselves in small packages and they
usually come unexpected. This was of
course the case when an A4-size
envelope was handed over to me with lifechanging application forms from the
Targeting Talent Programme which has
become affectionately known as TTP, the
brain child of Student Equity and Talent
Management Unit at Wits University. And
as the wise often say, ““a journey of a
thousand miles begins with the first step””that package for me and over three
hundred other learners was the beginning
of a whole new era.
Participating in this programme has
prompted me to explore and further
discover my potential through intense, but
fulfilling tasks which engage one to take
time-out and think productively. The past
year and a half was also an introduction to
the concept of life-long learning, which
maintains that learning does not simply
stop outside the classroom, but promotes
the on-going gain of knowledge as it is by
far the greatest sword to eliminate the
adverse global pandemic of poverty and
inefficiency, especially in our dark African
continent.
Presently, the future is said to lie on
Mathematics, Science and Technology
and TTP has taken that to greater heights
by exposing us to this fascinating world
through a more-detailed and advanced
curriculum. With the genuine assistance
from highly-educated lecturers and the use
of top-of-the-range facilities of the
Witwatersrand University-we came to
break the perception that major subjects
such as Mathematics and Science are
difficult, but now we choose to think of
them as rather challenging instead. After
all, a life without challenges would not be
worth living. Would it?
The Targeting Talent Programme has
not only been an academic climb, but it
has also been filled with lessons of
personal development growth and maturity.
36
Having to be away from home for two
weeks, without the aid of family was key to
personal independence as an individual
human being. So while parents and
guardians spent hours worrying at home
we were having the time of our lives on the
secure campus of Wits University- I am not
sure as to how many people missed home,
but I certainly am not one of them.
Participating in this programme was
also a true reminder of how blessed we are
to be part of a country as diverse as South
Africa. The different cultures and traditions
are a symbol of unity and pride, and this
programme has shown me that variety can
be used positively to learn more about the
different lifestyles of other people rather
than to discriminate. Behind the different
social status’’, colour and other affiliations
we have that common goal which binds us
together and that is the goal to succeed
and become productive members of
society, and being part of this distinctive
programme has been an eye-opener in
tons of ways. I am proud to stand firm and
say that this programme has shed a light of
hope for a luminous future. As Jozi
mentioned in their song hustling that ““It
does not matter where you are from but
only where you are going because it is only
where you are going can determine where
you are from””, TTP is a practical example
of that statement. We may not have the
life of royalty today but the future has more
in store for us and we will never have the
privilege of enjoying life unless we first had
to suffer and strive for the best. To me this
programme resembles infinite possibilities
and I hope the feeling is mutual for all TTP
learners from and outside Limpopo
Province. I am now well-equipped with all
the required information to make a precise
career choice and study towards
becoming that academically accomplished
being. Like every other young person, I
aspire to become that person who will
make a contribution to world peace and
with TTP already under my belt of
achievements, my dreams are within
reach. I would also like to urge all TTP
learners to use this Programme as a
stepping stone to greater things which are
still to unveil in our successful lives ahead
and not just as a ‘‘get-away-from-home’’
holiday opportunity. Let us not allow the
hard work and dedication of our education
department and other sponsors, as well as
the likes of Miss Zena Richards go to
waste, but let us build a legacy for
generations to come. We are truly
privileged to be graced with the opportunity
of participating in this exceptional
programme. TTP has indeed invested in
excellent talent and will absolutely facilitate
our success.
Ms. Ngobenile
Principal: Ebenezer
School
F
uture begins with the present that’’s the
word of Vukosi Maluleke. Acting
H.O.D, Senior District Manager present
here, Circuit Managers, Acting Senior
General Manager, Target Talent Program
Managers, Program Director, Distinguished
guests, colleagues, Parents and our dear
learners, I want like to thank you.
I feel honoured to have been given
opportunity to share with you at a forum
like this. I want to say to you: who would
not want to be around people who believe
in themselves and others, who have hope
and work positively to solve problems and
overcome difficulties? No one. That is why
we are here and we are happy to be here
because we know that this kind of a forum
is going to assist us a lot. This is one of the
many questions asked by one man that I
like most that is Maxwell c, John c Maxwell
who further emphasized that anyone who
helps others discover the impact of the
difference maker helps himself , helps
others and makes his little corner of the
world a better place. Sometimes when you
read the books you will find that people are
talking about the his and is, there’’s no her.
But I’’m happy today after watching the
DVD, that our learners really understand
what racial issues are and what gender
sensitivity means. So Ladies and
gentlemen, we have a wonderful program
in front of us and it is very effective and I
want to say it again and its impact are
clearly seen by all those who are exposed
to it. The Learners, the Educators and the
parents at home we can see the
difference in our children. This program
has changed their attitudes but due to time
constraints, I will just be brief in indicating
those impacts that are visible. Our learners
are empowered, you heard how Vukosi
Maluleke was presenting here, you have
seen the DVD, and they always portray a
character of confidence. At school and at
home we talk to the parents that which
they make us see at school is the same
things that they do at home and we are
proud of this program. First of all this
program assist these learners to develop
clear visions. Talking to them make me
realize that they know exactly where they
want to go and they know exactly how
they will get there, and it means that it
helps our children develop the vision and
they are always focused because they
know where they are going. They are not
sidetracked by all those trivial issues we
face in the universities, they are future
orientated and display principled lifestyles
and do not compromise their life style. You
look at them right now, you will agree with
me that they look like professionals at their
age and we are proud of the program. The
second point that I want to mention of is
that they have been discovered purposes
in their lives. They know exactly and even if
during lunch you just chat with them, they
will indicate that they have got a purpose
in life. They are not living just because they
are there and I want to quote one guy here
Dr. S.S. Khumalo who quoted this man
called Rick Warren saying ““knowing your
purpose gives meaning to your life””
simplifies your life, focuses your life,
motivate your life and prepares for your
eternity, that’’s how our lands are and they
are who are in this program. Learners who
are in this program have got meaning to
our lives. I want to indicate another impact
that was very clear that they show an
element of commitment to their studies
and should be their dreams and they know
how to actualize their dreams, you talk to
them you will wonder, you will wonder how
they think, you will know that these are
learners who are in Grade 11 this year but
they know exactly, they are committed,
they know how to get where they want to
go. They always respect time and
understand its value; they do not
compromise their principles and they
engaged in activities that are beneficial
and add value to their lives. That’’s how
committed are this learners. Another
impact that is clear is that our learners are
motivated, their life style serve as an
inspiration to others. If it was possible all
the learners were going to join this TTP
because indeed even at school when they
are walking around the other learners are
inspired and they are able to maintain the
positive character in different situations. I
don’’t know how they did that but
somehow the program made our learners
very strong; they maintain the same
positive character. Even if it’’s difficult and
they uphold to their vision which maybe
they are not aware of but when I was
looking at them, when I was watching the
DVD, I said no, you know what the vision
of these learners is; failure is not an option
because they are not going to fail, they are
not going to disappoint themselves, they
are looking at themselves first and another
impact is that they have passion on the
program and having the passion in the
program assisted us as principals. Assisted
us as parents, assisted the schools to
ensure that we all have got learners who
are going to make it in life, they are going
to succeed because they are passionate
about whatever they are doing and I’’m
also saying again thanks to this program.
You know they are not pushed to do what
they are supposed to do. I have never one
day forced them to do something, you
assigned them a duty, be it from a program
or from the teachers or at school you will
be assured that they will do or complete it
with excitement and smiling faces. They
are enthusiastic, creative and innovative;
they differ from children of our age those
years. Thanks to this program again.
Another impact is that they show courage;
they always refused to be undermined and
understand the principle of first things first.
They do not mix issues, they know what it
means to priorities and they are not afraid
of being criticized and are not easily
discouraged. I don’’t know again what was
happening there but after I watched the
DVD, I have realized that they enjoyed
themselves, they had fun, and they were
dancing. Having these equipments which
they do not have in some other schools.
They are self disciplined which is the most
important character that I have discovered,
they are self disciplined, they give an
account of themselves in every aspects of
their lives a good one. And they are time
conscious and always create time
opportunities to compensate for time
wasted. They are not saying we are not
going to complete this task because we
were not there when they were busy with
this task in the class. They always fight a
way of coming back, they are deadline
oriented and unsettled by unfinished
projects. When they have got a project to
complete and they realized that the project
the time is not on their side, you see them
being unsettled unlike other learners who
will say no I did not have time, I was busy
with something but this one from the
program they are doing wonders. Finally I
was going to request something but what I
want to say is ““as principals or
stakeholders let us go and support the
program holy. We have seen that at Wits
they have got the equipments, they have
got the laboratory and immediately after
their return there’’s no way where they are
going to find those things. It is not for us to
lamate that now. What is important for us is
to go back as stakeholders, check what
impact we can put into this program, so
that they must not see these operators at
Wits only and I hope we are going to do
that. I was seated there at home, watching
the DVD we are failing the program but
believe me today we have learnt a lot and
we are going to give it the proper support
that it deserves. I’’m saying this on behalf
of all the principals on behalf of all the
parents because as parents who are here
we know your SGB’’s at your schools. Let
me conclude by saying the program does
wonders to our schools and thank you very
much.
Ms. Ngobenile
37
““
““
It is the rythym, the beat,
the people and the magic.
38
I
t is the rhythm, the beats, the people and the magic. It
all seems easy yet hectic. It is art at its very best, at its
fullest. The vibe can get you lost in a world that you
wouldn’’t want to be found. We know they say hip-hop is
music, culture and movement, but to us hip-hop is an
individual who captured the hearts of those with the power
of expression. It is the ability to explore this mesmerizing
art. It is indeed a privilege. Today hip-hop is a global
movement that incorporates not only dance but music
as well as art into its versatile realms. Hip-hop is a global
empire and a culture and it has been going on before our
time. This is where neck and bones meet, concrete and
legs meet air. It is a type of modern dance music with
spoken and steady beats. It takes a lot of practice in order
to master the basic steps and movements that appear
simple when performed. For other people, hip-hop is not
just a hobby but it’’s the air they breathe because without
it, they are silent in their lifeless bodies. The program
gave us the incredible opportunity to introduce hip hop
classes and their tricky moves because physics is hiphop and hip-hop is TTP. TTP has allowed a lot of people
to be unified to achieve one common goal ... success.
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Closing
Dinner
T
he closing ceremony for the 2011 Residential
Programme started on time. As the students and their
guests filled the auditorium, excitement and a feeling
of expectation swept through the room. One would wonder
what the buzz was all about; well, the learners were going
home. After a busy programme, it was an opportunity to
unwind and for the various groups to give their presentations.
The noise and the interaction grew to a crescendo and then,
silence. The raised hand signal, I could almost hear a pin
drop.
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L
adies and Gentlemen, our esteemed guests, sponsors and the very
Talented Learners, it is heartwarming to see the transformation from
shy unsure learners to world-class performers (my personal opinion).
After the obligatory speeches, which were thankfully kept very brief, and
we had all eaten, the various groups were given the opportunity to
present. I wonder where they found the time to practice with all the
workload. However, at the end of the ceremony, we all agreed that these
learners are indeed talented; and like someone special once said ““I don’’t
think the sponsors are wasting their money““
As we say goodbye to one another, we look forward to the 2012, we
thank you once again Wits University for making this happen. Bye!
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Tel: +27 (0)11 717 8665
Fax:+27 (0)11 717 8668
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