3rd TMS ISSUE ONLINE VERSION

ISSUE NO3
FEBRUARY 2018
INNOVATION
EXCELLENCE
Nimrod Dube and
Thabiso
Ramadiba Talk
about changing
the face of
Education
ON THE COUCH
WITH TALITA
NO DRESS CODE FOR ME
ART
INSPIRING
LIFE
THE FEEL GOOD
FASHION CAMPAIGN
Kyle
Deutsch
Hosts his first
UNDER18 PYJAMA
PARTY
Why strive for
education?
OMALUME
THE LINK BETWEEN SCHOOL
AND HOME

Content
5
Editor's Note and Credits
8
Under 18s Pyjama Party
hosted by MTV Africa
Award winning
Kyle Deutsch
12
The spelling bee
14
Oratile talks about
scholarship opportunities
20
Life Inspiring Art
Feel Good Fashion Campaign
11
On the Couch with Talita
No dress code for me
15
Marikana's Finest Gold:
Siphe Mashece
23
Romeo micheals shares his
experience weeks after
completing matric
24
4 things boys don't know
about new age feminists
27
Innovation excellence -
psconnect founders
nimrod dube and thabiso
ramadiba changing the
face of education
25
The school uniform
celebration culture for
matric, should it go on?
30
OMALUME:
The forgotten link in
between home and
school
33
Why should you strive for
education?

Editor's Note
5
Something I have come to notice while putting together this issue especially
about girls. It look like girls cannot express themselves as much as boys do. I
mean it is well documented that girls talk more than guys but I am starting to
wonder if they believe they have a voice in society.
Girls do we continue to blame social set up for lack of our advancement or should
we look in the mirror and no not during our make up time but to reflect on who
we are. We seem to wait for permission to be us, and that permission comes with
high price from self appointed social authoritarians. And we have allowed it to
happen girls by feeding into the trend just because we want to be accepted,
appreciated and loved. But it seems like the only appreciation is for our booty,
body and how ratchet can we get. And oh yes we do give in to it don't we? It's the
popular culture that comes at a price and unfortunately girls we pay the
ultimate price.
Monica Kethwa
Is it not time that our brains become more attractive before our bodies. I mean we
all know God created us to be the beauty in creation and so that will never be
taken away from us. I believe its time we pamper our minds girls more than our
eyebrows. I believe that our first attraction should be our intelligence before our
looks. We more than our thighs or booty girls. And it is us that should
communicate that message to those who seem preoccupied with how we walk
away.....
Editor/Admin
Monica Kethwa
info@tagmyschool.co.za
Credits
Content Producers
Dumi Mbona
Refilwe Mereyotlhe
Dumezweni Ndweni
Sales & Marketing
Dumi Mbona
dumi@uvim.co.za
Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tagmyschool/
Twitter: @TMS-Mag
Instagram: @TMS-Magt

8
By Dumi Mbona
In Celebrity Cameo today we speak to an MTV Africa Award
winning Kyle Deutsch. Known for his three number one singles in
Back to the beach with Shekinah, All Night and Can’t get Enough.
He has collaborated with many leading artists including Cassper
Nyovest, Kwesta and recently Kelly Khumalo; also sharing a stage
with international artists such as Justin Bieber. Currently
respected for his vocal skills Kyle is the hottest property in the
industry at the moment.
Before music Kyle made headlines in the footballing world. As a
professional player he represented South Africa in Beach Football
World Cup alongside legends such as Mark Williams. During the
same time he opened his Chiropractor Practice and had to juggle
music, football and the practice “Well I used to be a professional
football player, while I was still studying. But unfortunately I had
lots of injuries that hindered my progress. After finishing my
studies I opened my practice while still playing football. I went on
to represent South Africa in Beach Soccer World Cup. Around the
same time I went to the Idols; from there I started juggling music,
football and my practice. I guess music was the thing that took off”
even though he didn’t win the Idols Kyle has had an amazing
music journey so far.

9
He enjoys great followership from the millennials and
recently he put together an Under 18 Pyjama Party which
saw teenagers treated to a weekend of fun and amazing
music from Durban’s leading artists “In my practice I see a
whole lot of bunch of kids and Durban Youth does not have
anyone interested in doing stuff for them because maybe
there is no money in that space since there is no alcohol on
sale. So we got together and decided to have a party for
them in a weekend before they go back to school” Kyle
explained.
“there will definitely be another one next year, but there
will be several other parties such as Album launch parties
and many other performances throughout this year so yeah
we are performing all over the place”
The Under 18 Pyjama Party is such a cool idea especially since it
provides a safe space for this age group to have fun accompanied
by great music with their idols on stage “We ‘re playing with the
idea to offer more fun events for the under 18s but yeah we will
see”
Kyle has had a great number of singles and featured in numerous
other projects, what can his fans lookout for in 2018 “there is
definitely an Album coming, we just busy with the release of the
single at the moment but yeah in the middle of the year we will
have an album released”
Very few celebrities have such a down to earth attitude and
humbled “well I don’t know man, it’s just God I guess” completed
the qualified chiropractor.

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11
No dress
code for me
ON THE COUCH WITH TALITA
Let us just imagine millions of girls around the
world being suspended from school because
elders think some females clothing is too
distracting for boys; they are wearing something
‘inappropriate’ for school.
From a vest showing to much skin, a t-shirt that
shows your bra or bra strap, short shorts,
showing my tummy.
The list could go on because I do realize that
there are other crazy dress codes in schools
controlling female learners which luckily do not
apply to my school, but there are other females
who suffer from this every day when they get to
wear something they feel comfortable in.
So first of all when you choose to purchase something from the
store your first thought is “this will look pretty good on me and I
really feel good wearing it” but dress codes and society have
changed that so much; you really end up not knowing how to
dress yourself because there always will be a “problem” with it.
Even though there are some positive aspects to society, people
who encourage you, to be you (because you’re pretty cool); but
the struggle for females is far from over. We also like our male
counter-parts like to wear clothing that reflects our personality,
outlook on life, style and mood etc.
Dress code stops girls from shining, revealing the real you after
being in school uniform for so long. How someone dresses should
not need to offend you in anyway, you choose to be offended, I
mean really why you should care what someone is wearing if you
don’t like it go ahead and move on.
If you see my bra strap then you should know girls during puberty
have to face the fact that they grow breasts and wearing bra
comes with that. If you are afraid the boys will get distracted
because of my bra straps, arm, cleavage or legs are showing then
you should be worried for the boys instead of my clothing.
Boys should not be sexualizing or even staring at any of my
‘exposed’ parts. You are only limiting a female to a certain extent
because they can be suspended for wearing something, whilst the
males get to carry on school without being punished in any way
for not controlling their hormones.

(NPC) initiative providing
Gauteng”. Meanwhile, 20 grade
procedures’ explained to all
competition. Elimination started
Champion: 15 year-old Lehlohonolo Lesiba
competition, he said: “to be honest, I
them, it’s all about helping learners get
12
The spell Master’s rules and
participants and then Round
one began, which is referred to
as a practice round where no
Article by Refilwe Mereyotlhe
one got eliminated from the
to compete for the first title of DLA’s first
Spelling The
BEE
A group of grade eight and
spelling bee championship.
in round 14:00pm where all 20
nine pupils came in numbers
learners were given prescribed
In the last and final round Lehlohonolo
at Progress Comprehensive
words and by the end of round
High School for what was going
was given the word artificial and Nkateko
two, only 16 learners remained.
be a fierce and exciting
was give disastrous; and for the latter it
competition when Distinctive
was a disastrous last word as Lehlohonolo
The competition seemed to be a
was champed the winner.
Learning Academy (DLA)
launched its first spelling bee
tough one as it was already
round three but most learners
competition.
with his certificate, gold medal and a cap.
were still partaking in the
DLA is a non-profit company
competition ,and knew their
When asked how u prepared for the
tutoring services. Founded by
words but little did they know
that their spelling knowledge of
Nkosinathi Vilanculos in 2015 it
didn't really prepare. Most words that we
mystery words will only see three
were given are words that I already knew.
was formally registered a year
later.
of them competing in round
four.
I have a very good memory so I remember
most words from the tutoring classes
As an education student at the
Delusion,
given by Lerato Dire on Saturdays”.
University of Johannesburg,
Volunteer and
Nathi has always passionate
Lerato Dire who gives English classes
about tutoring and therefore
Juxtaposition
every Saturday from 8am to 12 midday
Were the three deciding words
said her passion for education makes her
giving private lessons until he
of the top two which send their
decided to expand his passion
wake up every Saturday morning to give
of teaching by helping more
fellow speller packing; either
back to the kids and community. “I don’t
forward in the competition or
children.
mind doing this for free, as long as I’m
out of the competition. ‘Delusion’
helping these kids. The best way they can
The company “aims to help
was definitely delusional
pay me is by passing their English.”
because it took it’s speller, 13
At the moment DLA has no sponsors and
learners with their academic
studies and also, to increase the
year-old grade eight pupil,
depend on the support of the school’s
principal and learning resources given to
pass rate of schools all across
Hlavutelo home, leaving the 13
them by the school as well as the R50
8 and 9 pupils participated in
year-old Nkateko Macebele and
monthly payments that the learners pays
15 year-old Lehlohonolo Lesiba to
the five round spelling bee in
which is almost close to nothing. For
compete for the first title of
front of a panel of 3 judges.
Thami Matloha, Lerato Dire,
DLA’s first spelling bee
good academic results so that they can
Nomzamo Mpophoma
championship.
make Bette decisions for the future.

name is Oratile Kekana, and I am
My
doing Grade 9 at St
currently
College in Pretoria. I born
Albans
bred in a township called
and
west of Pretoria, a
Atteridgeville,
where my heart will forever
place
I had a dream and that
peace.
was to be successful and be
dream
second in my family to get a
the
I didn’t know if that dream
degree.
be reality considering the
would
that my family had always had
fact
problems and crisis, the
financial
that there were 9 of us in one
fact
and every stomach had to
house
fed and basically because my
be
like any other township kid, I
But
up playing soccer on the
grew
with cousins and enjoyed
streets
games like “Black Mompati”
playing
went to church (Jonas Lediga
and
every Sunday with
Presbyterian)
grandmother. In 2007, my
my
decided to take me to an
mother
crèche around SunnySide
English
I really thank her for that
and
that’s where my dream
because
starting to show fruits of
was
I then learnt to speak
reality.
(One box ticked) and only
English
that did I move on to primary
after
Arcadia Primary in Pretoria
at
me this was a good learning
For
because it exposed me
experience
diversity in many ways include
to
religion and race. . I achieved
both
a number of accolades like
quite
best mathematics student for
the
years in a row (Grade 1,2 and
three
,later on in Grade 6 I held a
3)
in the Top 10 and lastly
position
a school prefect the
being
year. I then started
following
that, the dream I once had
realising
to this I applied for a high
Prior
scholarship in 2015 with a
school
by the name Allan Gray
company
It was my only hope of a
Orbis.
education and success, and I
great
it. After the application in
grabbed
2015, I was shortlisted
October
about 4500 candidates and
from
through to the next round
was
was Literacy and Numeracy
which
Test that took place in
Benchmark
2016 at Varsity College
November
Pretoria. Receiving 80% for my
in
I was shortlisted to go to an
test,
in the Allan Gray Orbis
interview
in Sandton.
Headquarters
did very well at the interview and
I
just myself and again was I
was
to go to the camp
shortlisted
was held at a hotel in
which
We did quite a
Johannesburg.
of activities that let us get
number
of our comfort zones. After
out
I received confirmation that I
that
accepted by Standard Bank
was
Allan Gray to go to St Albans
and
in Pretoria.
College
has been a long journey but it
It
worth the wait, NEVER GIVE
was
keep chasing that dream.
UP,
14
Scholarship Opportunities,
learners should be on the
lookout like Oratile
by: Oratile Kekana
mom was a single parent.
Central.
might be a dream rethought again.

Siphe Mashece
MARIKANA'S
FINEST GOLD
"To date, my dad’s
whereabouts remain
unknown and the
psychological effects of
not having a
proper/normal family
setting are a great
challenge and motivation
to be relentless in
pursuing greatness"
15
By Dumi Mbona

physical, verbal and emotional
‘homes’ we were living in and
Rustenburg; by then she had
16
GOLD IS FOUND IN HARSHEST OF CONDITIONS!!
harsh reality that we faced
Siphe Mashece is a 24 year old, born
This forced my mother,
which included break ins at
in East London Eastern Cape, grew up
Mrs.Nopakamile Mashece to leave
home.
in Dutywa, attended lower grades at
for Rustenburg early 2002 in
Notinara Junior Secondary School
search of my dad’s whereabouts
She hired someone to look after
and completed high school grades at
assisted by LONMIN and the SAPS.
us until 2010 when she came
Rakgatla High in Brits, Wonderkop.
back to take us with to
My siblings and I (5 in total) were
employment as a Cleaner at
I’ve always been an outspoken
left alone as young as we were,
LONMIN
enthusiast but grounded and well
but later dispersed to close
disciplined learner with extreme
relatives between the years of
natural intelligence. In 2008 (grade 8)
It got borne in my mind that the
2002 to 2005 as my mother had
only opportunity out of this
and 2009 (grade 9 I was a School
no means of taking care of us and
Prefect responsible for Bell ringing in
she had gone for all these years on
circle of sufferings and prevent
between period and break intervals;
a quest to find my father.
history from repeating itself, was
locking and unlocking classes,
to empower myself with
attending youth debates &
These circumstances exposed us
knowledge and specialized skill
through education.
conferences on behalf of the school
to various kinds of abuse like
and provide feedback such as the IEC
Electoral conference that I attended
abuse to mention the least, as a
My father was never found, the
early December 2008 in East London.
result we ran away from the
psychological effects of not
having a proper family set up
I grew up in what I consider as
opted to stay alone at our home
are greatly challenging, but also
a motivation to be relentless in
distorted family because of
with my siblings who were older
pursuing greatness.
circumstances.
than me, the oldest was 19 years.
My uncle helped us with food and
My father, Mr.Bonisile Colbert
other stuff for school.
In all of this, I have learned that I
am the architecture of my
Mashece former Artisan employee at
dreams and that with my faith
LONMIN Eastern Platinum, went
My mother visited us in 2006 for
in Jesus, it is possible to produce
missing in October 2001 when I
the first time since she left in
was doing grade 1 at Notinara JSS.
fruits from unpleasant fields.
2002 She was confronted with the

b) Houses that were raided every night
c) My guardian whom I was staying
strike. I found myself compromising my
stressful. I recall the time when 36
principles. I don’t aspire to live a life that is
17
gunned down in the koppie, I was having a
I am pursuing Law because it has
always been my interest from my
revision study group at school when we
childhood. I have memories of my dad
heard a terrifying sudden tear of gun fire.
who was certain that I’d make a great
I know what drives me; I’m highly motivated
Attorney because I always stood my
ground in everything.
to take a challenge, persistent and I know
when to stop but above all these, humanity
and humility are the greatest of my
I met Team Genesis (Genesis NPO) in
April 2012 when I was doing my Matric
out of reach of the ordinary class of people.
at Rakgatla High.
Free education at tertiary level is a much
They did not only offer career guidance,
but also undertook to assist me with
needed investment in South Africa; I have
fallen victim of high cost fees at least twice,
applications for admission to various
Universities as well as with sponsoring
first time was in 2013 when I had to de-
register at University of Johannesburg
my 1st year LLB in 2014.
because I could not afford the fees for the
whole year, then again in 2016 when I could
Studying in the field of law, an LLB
degree is no walk in the park but I love
not register for my 3rd year LLB Law at North
West University due to lack of funds.
every moment of it. I will be doing my
Final Year this year (2018) which is
really cool.
Living in Marikana is not so much of a
jol especially for young people.
The area is characterized by
mining activities and that is all that
young minds are exposed to, it is
common cause that most young
people then aspire to work in the
mines as an ultimate goal.
During the time of the Marikana strike
in 2012 which led to the massacre, I
was in Matric. Circumstances were so
difficult because I found myself living in
constant fear a) I was living in the
family
unit houses which belong to
the mine;
by protesters, forcing people to join the
strike and if any refused they'd be
murdered on the spot.
with was a comrade to one of the
unions that locked-heads during the
study time, conditions were very
people were

20
LIFE INSPIRING ART
By Refilwe Mereyotlhe
Nthabiseng Segobela and
Lebogang Ikageng hosted their 1st
Feel Good Fashion Campaign, a
gallery exhibition in
Mapetla,Soweto where young
aspiring photographers showcased
the ‘before and after’ pictures of
the underprivileged identified by
the photographers as beneficiaries
of donated clothes, shoes and
jewellery.
The two organisers collected
clothes from people who were
willing to donate; and thereafter
organized the gallery exhibition
working in conjunction with local
designer Gift from RipnSew, who
have showcased at SA Fashion
Week; he donated clothes from his
previous collections, together with
Sthe from Vintage Fruitcake; a
stylist who came on board to style
the recipients for the ‘After’
makeover pictures. “The garage
was filled with clothes” said
Lebogang, clothes are given to the
identified families and the rest is
taken to neighbouring Protea
South in Soweto and also to
churches around the community.
“We had to deliver more clothes
again the following day as there
were still more left” said
Nthabiseng.

Lindile Hlatshwayo 25 year old aspires to be a good photographer in the future but now enjoys capturing kids more
Amongst the photographers was Puledi Mabitsela 15 year old Grade
confidence and self-esteem. They hope that this will
The organizers say their
21
everything was burned down; they were left with nothing to wear or eat” said Puledi. “Having
friends who were photographers helped me learn more about Photography as a Profession”
.“The house is the reason why we started the Feel Good Fashion Campaign because
10 learner at Mapetla High School. She was responsible for ‘before
looking and feeling good; it boosts their
purpose and aim is to show how
different people feel when they are
world; their carefree spirit is worth a million photos“said Lindelo.“The campaign is aimed at giving people confidence
and says they inspire him.“I’m inspired by how happy and playful they always are and don’t have any worry in the
‘pictures of a house that had burned down in Meadowlands, Soweto.
through the way they look”said Lesego Mohasane, 19 year old Matric learner. She did a makeover on a child in Protea
also inspire others in privileged positions to give.
South who she says she found her playing on her own and that alone made her choose the child as a beneficiary.
She plans to pursue a career in photography after High school.
She decided ‘to be the rainbow’ in her life. Lesego plans to study something in the lines of arts and/or photography. “It does not matter what I study between the two, as
long as I inspire the next person” said Lesego. For kholofelo Madingwaneng, a Human Resources student at Dobsonville College, believes his communication skills he’s
acquired while doing HR helps him communicate with those he photograph but the most powerful message is conveyed through the pictures.
Nthabiseng is in the process of registering her Non-Profit Organization. When she's not devoting her life to the community, she’s organizing workshops
and mentorship programmes for the photographers where they are taught about the different opportunities within the visual art and photography career,
Nthabiseng is in the process of registering her Non-Profit Organization. When she's not devoting her life to the community,
she’s organizing workshops and mentorship programmes for the photographers where they are taught about the different
opportunities within the visual art and photography career, the business, advice for artists, copyright of their work, the law,
the business, advice for artists, copyright of their work, the law, courses to study, and how to sell their brands.
Both Nthabiseng and Lebogang have been able to secure bursary to the amateur photographers with
the one 50% coming from Market Photo Workshop and the other 50% from the National Arts of
so for anyone who's willing to make donations or help in anyway please contact TMS
council. The pair run their projects and campaigns from their own pockets
courses to study, and how to sell their brands.
Mag Offices and we will happily share their contact details with you: Email
info@tagmyschool.co.za

I F E A F T E R 1 2 Y E A R S O F S C H O O L M A Y S E E M C O O L ;
L
N T I L Y O U C O M P L E T E M A T R I C . . . N O W W H A T ?
U
they need to change the system. Applying
Maybe
getting your statement is not right, it
before
many people. I think everyone should
disadvantages
once they get their statements in order to
apply
all the hard work in the past 12 years of
appreciate
schooling.
school is fun and exciting throughout
Finishing
and comes January. That’s when real life
December
that’s when you realize that you are now part
begins,
the world system, you‘re no longer protected by
of
walls and teachers. I miss my friends who are
school
completing their school. The stress of having had
still
find tertiary institutions is the harsh introduction
to
the world outside of school.
to
things that would be irritating with school
Normally
the hours, traffic when coming back from school;
are
I kinda miss school like right now. I look back and
But
that whatever irritations I had in school were
think
compared to what I have to deal with now. So
nothing
was kind of fun. Friends at school turn into
school
and that one year of Grade 12 feels like all
families,
other years combined because there is so
these
that you have to do, that’s what create the
much
between school friends.
bond
some have to find Institutions of higher learning
Now
other Provinces, we don’t get to see each other as
in
as we used to. If they don’t accept me at the
often
I will go to a College than staying at home.
University
teachers often tell us that University
Our
is much more appreciated out there than
qualification
College qualification.
a
obviously I would rather have something that is
So
acknowledged and appreciated. Even with
more
Education I prefer Private Colleges so that I
College
have quality education but we will see. And then
can
a later stage I can try to get into the University.
at
into the University is the most stressful process, after
Getting
all the guidelines, rules and regulations then you receive a
following
saying “sorry you did not make it” Then you come to think of
response
the time you spent applying, it can demotivate you. You start
all
that maybe you are not worth it. I applied before the Exams
thinking
year. Applying online has its own challenges and uncertainty,
last
you apply and get a good mark, qualifying you for
Sometimes
but still fail to get into the University. It leaves you
Bachelor’s
want to do Business Management however my dream as a
I
and even now has always been to become a Chef.
child
should really look into getting people that can talk to
Schools
with regards to what to study after completing High
learners
People that learners can trust and openly speak to
School.
without being convinced to do something that they do
them
end up doing something that everyone think we good at
We
of following your dream. Fortunately my father was
instead
supportive he allowed me to choose what I want to
very
He is incredibly supportive in everything that I do so I
study.
fortunate in that instance. My message to the class of
am
listen to your teachers guys.
2018,
can be cool by refusing to listen to them and once you
You
Matric you will look back and say “if only I listened
complete
What teachers tell us often helps once you are out of
more”
while being cool to your friends by not listening leaves
school
23
By Dumi Mbona
MICHEALS
ROMEO
HIS EXPERIENCE
SHARES
because you never really know the progress of your application.
wondering if all the hard work was in vain.
it feels like one is working or employed somewhere.
not like.
you in the dark.

24
4 T H I N G S B O Y S
D O N ’ T K N O W
A B O U T
T H E N E W A G E
F E M I N I S T ’
She is not a man-hater
If you like her, approach her. She won’t
judge you solely on the fact that you’re
her opposite sex ( if she does, she is not
a feminist)
Go and and try your luck, she might just
surprise you.
She is still in touch with her
femininity
You’re still allowed to buy her gifts and be
affectionate (obviously not everyone is the
same)
She will most likely appreciate cute
gestures
She will not appreciate an
unequal relationship
Both parties need to equally contribute to
the relationship. She wants a
companionship; someone she can talk to
about any and everything, so the
‘superiority’ approach might not be your
best bet
She still believes in love
She is tough and so is her love. She is
after all a human being. She’s allowed to
catch ‘feels’ and spark a bit of romance
time and time again
By Bontle Mndebele
24

25
SCHOOL UNIFORM
CELEBRATION
SHOULD
CULTURE
GO ON? IT
By Dumi Mbona
South Africa is a developing country dealing with teething pains such
as that of many families living below the poverty lines. Education may be
for free but not entirely. There is still a lot to consider like uniforms and
stationary and all the accessories required for school.
Now there is an old culture that somehow informally accepted within the
schooling world and that is celebrating completion of Matric by defacing
school uniforms. It’s a culture that has gone from generation to
generations.
At the begin of this article we talked about South African
families who still live below poverty lines due to high
rates of unemployment. When schools open these
families have to find means to purchase new school
uniforms and other necessities for school.
We know that schools have students political bodies who at times
advocate for a lot of things depending on their political goal in that
particular time.
We have seen these bodies fighting against the public publishing of Matric
results; something that various media houses have adhered to. How come
they have not said anything on the issue of uniform defacing as a
celebration to completing your high school level?
Don’t you guys think it would be a great idea to have
matriculants preserving their uniforms to give to
learners coming after them? Donating these school
uniforms will teach learners to be sensitive towards
other learners that cannot afford. But also you would
have done good for someone else by giving them your
school uniform provided it is in good shape.
Class of 2018 reading this article have a great
opportunity to help those behind them.
These are somethings the school can run as a project, on
the last of school have donation boxes or ask learners to
nicely package their uniforms and live them on the desk.
There are orphanages that can benefit from such kind
acts. Class of 2018 what will it be? Damaged school
uniform or donation to those less fortunate than you?

Innovation
Excellence
27
Running a successful business or chasing an idea can be tricky due to funding, experience, saturated markets
and other factors. Before venturing into business one need to have a sound mind, don’t just love the benefits
but be willing to go the distance and put in the work, endure long hours and make sacrifices in that way you
By Dumezweni Ndweni
Such attributes are found in two young men
Thabiso Ramadiba, holds a BSc (Hons) Business
Thabiso Ramadiba and Nimrod Dube, the brains
Information Technology from University of
behind Path Steward (PSconnect). The two
Greenwich. Born and raised in Seshego
gentlemen took time to talk to us and share their
(Limpopo), Thabiso has taken it upon himself
vision, experience and advice. We hope this
to produce significant educational innovation
article helps you to act on your dreams and
and significantly changed the ecosystem and
harvest those ideas and water them so they yield
transform education.
extraordinary fruit.

F E A T U R E S T O R Y
In 2011, we officially registered our company and
His business partner Nimrod Dube, holds a BSc
Computer Science from Heriot Watt University.
we spent 5 years building this platform for young
people.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Nimrod is
passionate about inventing educational
The idea mainly came from the challenges that we
technology solutions to ensure that pupils receive
equal opportunities to get tertiary education. He
a strong belief that this approach will
has
in reducing youth unemployment rate.
contribute
28
the longest of time we didn’t know which
For
to pursue and so we faced many
career
while furthering our education. We
challenges
studied at CTI a private college here in South
both
faced when transitioning from
personally
education to post-school education. We
secondary
both not exposed and did not have access to
were
South Africa offered.
opportunities
the longest of time we didn’t know which
For
to pursue. We both got rejected at
career
because of not meeting the minimum
university
Africa, I wouldn’t say we met then because we are
requirements which we were also not aware of;
brothers and always have been very close, I would
and struggled to fund our studies when we did
say we became business partners around 2010 and
find an option to attain our qualifications through
at that time we started discussing our common
a college.
challenges in furthering our studies and decided
to build a platform that will address these
Luckily for us things worked to our favor because
challenges and more so that students who come
our challenges imparted a new passion for us,
after us won’t have to face the same issues we
which is using technology to provide innovative
faced.
solutions and services that expands the career
transitioning platform, and gives equal access to
education for pupils from all social-economic
backgrounds.
We started PSconnect to ensure that pupils have
equal access to opportunities that would help
them further their education and the process of
doing so will be less traumatic,confusing and
complicated. PSconnect makes connecting with
institutions seamless.
We fill the information gap that exists between
students and institutions.
University, College and TVET College applications
can be frustrating. For most applicants, thinking
about applying to universities, colleges and TVET
colleges for admission or thinking about how to
qualify for these institutions is overwhelming.

We have committed ourselves to excellence, we
Our system has made the process of applying to
various institutions less complicated. The system
have synergise the efforts of learners, educators,
parents and school leaders to better the transition
first evaluates learners based on their interests,
subject package and their performance in school
of learners from secondary education to post-
school education, with the aim to give
(pass level), to determine which route is more
suitable for learners. Learners can now look to
learnersequal access to a plethora of options in
education and encouraging equitable
institutions that best suit them for admission.
opportunities across societies.
Our aim is to help learners apply to different
universities, colleges, TVET colleges and funding
Without ambition one starts nothing, and without
hard work one achieves nothing. Challenges and
institutions around South Africa and beyond. In
the process of doing this, we:
● Help learners identify a career they can
failures are inevitable, we must always
concentrate on winning regardless of the
pursue;
● Help learners identify which universities and
challenges and failures.
29
colleges they want to apply to;
● We assess learners to see what they qualify for
We have a WhatSapp number where we are
communicating with a lot of learners. We realized
to apply
● We then help them with their university
that a lot of students either chats to us or call us
on this number for career counseling. This
approach has increased access for learners to use
applications and online application for college
admission.
● If they get rejected due to space and other
our services because we get to apply at tertiary
institutions on their behalf.
reasons, we help them find alternative institutions
which are open.
Normally January is our busiest month. We get to
interact with thousands of learners in a very short
space of time. This excites us because there is
When you have a vision to change something big in
life such as the education system, you will meet
less resistance from learners, so we get to help a
lot of them transition from high school. The
hurdles, disappointments and rejections along the
response has been very good because we have
way and every day you will fail in some form. With
resilience and hard work, we never gave up, we
managed to create a network of a +1000 schools
around Gauteng. We work closely with LO teachers
have learned that failure is a very close friend to
success
from these schools because they use PSconnect in
their classes to teach career choice caps.
And so the pressure of running a business like ours
is huge. We need to deliver, as what we do has
Africa is our next target, we have realized that
the challenges South Africans face are not unique.
such an impact on whether learners will transition
or not. There 're high expectations on us from
learners, educators and school leaders.

30
We see ourselves taking our
innovations to other African
countries. For a country like South
Africa to be considered to have one of
the worst education system is heart
breaking. Our education system needs
to improve, and technology is the
answer to most challenges that exist.
A good education system is the only
way to break the cycle of
underdevelopment and poverty in the
majority of South Africans. It will
increase the employ-ability and
income for majority of poor South
Africans thereby enabling them to be
employed.
Choosing a career path can be one of
the most daunting tasks that many
pupils have to undertake. Due to lake
of exposure and access to education,
learners find it difficult to choose a
career to pursue and does not know
which institutions to apply to.
PSconnect provides career planning
tools, promotes early career
development for post-school
education awareness; guiding learners
through a progression of rational
career goals setting, intuitive career
assessments and connecting the
intersections of career opportunities.
The platform contextualizes
information like tertiary courses,
APS scores, scarce skills, disability
factors, tertiary requirements,
funding options, learnerships and
additional factors relating to postschool
education. It enables
learners to explore the career
opportunities and career pathways
in South Africa.
We have few things that we would
like to see changing in Education
system. We believe that we have
the tool to do so.
1. we are going to change the
perception that universities are the
only choice for attaining a degree
into providing more options as per
their existence;
2. we are going to change the
application process of the postschool
education as there should be
synergy between the education
sector and the labor market.
3. We are going to change how
learners plan and set goals for their
career paths.
4. We are going to change how
learners prepare for exams through
an innovative technology.
5. We believe in the potential of
individual learner and that with
proper support each individual can
perform at their highest potential.
We are going to change the way
learners learn in the classroom.
With our adaptive learning
technology, we believe we will be
able to unlock the potential of
learners.
The pass requirements should
increase. For the Department of
Education to instil high level of
thinking from students, they would
need to make students work
towards a higher level than the one
they are currently working for. SA
education standards are too low,
and that sets the bases of what we
can achieve, Innovations such as Ps
connects are there to help the
Department.
We are on social media (Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter) @ psconnect.
We have a what’s app number
where learners can contact us for
one-on-one counselling, our what’s
app number is 065 363 0133. And
our website is www.psconnect.co.za

OMALUME: THE
FORGOTTEN
LINK IN
BETWEEN HOME
AND SCHOOL
31
WE SPEAK TO VELE XUBU AKA
VEJA ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE
OF OMALUME.
By Dumi Mbona
I
have been transporting learners for
the last 4 years, started with High
School learners now I am transporting
Primary School kids.
I see myself playing a crucial role in the
kids’ life since I am like a teacher and a
parent in between home and school.
I am responsible for their safety like
teaching them how to cross the road.
This line of work has taught me
patience, dealing with kids requires
that. Respect them first so that they
learn to respect you back, but most
importantly they must always be happy,
comfortable and safe during their trip
to and from school. This means that the
kid will go to sleep at night looking
forward to the next tripthe following
day. To achieve that I normally allow
my kids freedom to be kids, obviously
that freedom is controlled since I am
an adult amongst them.
But they normally do what they feel like
doing which makes them relax before
getting into classrooms, and after
school trip gives them a sense of relief
from their day’s learning. I usually have
pockets of sweets with me to give
them.
During my free time as well as weekends I make
sure that the School Bus is spotlessly clean and
smells good. This shows that I respect them by
keeping their transportation presentable. It builds
confidence on them and teaches them the
importance of hygiene.
Most of Omalume focus on the money they receive
month end but as for myself I see money as an
important factor but does not determine the
reason I transport kids, it comes from my heart.
At the end of the day my income is from the very
same people whom I transport and therefore they
deserve better service from me. If they want to
eat in the car they can but also observe our
hygiene conditions or I penalize them.
We have good relationship with my kids as well as
their parents. During special occasions such as
Heritage Day I become their camera man. But I
wish I can do more for them you feel me? I wish I
can take them out for a snack or something every
now and again. In a perfect world I would give
them their own cool uniform to wear On Fridays
obviously with Schools’ and Parents’ permission. I
named the School Bus “Master CB” so their
Uniform would be written the “Master CB Crew”

32
O N T H E L E F T V E L E W A S H I N G T H E S C H O O L B U S
B E L O W F E L L O W T R A N S P O R T E R T S H E P A N G
A T T H E B O T T O M T H E " M A S T E R C B C R E W " A T T H E H E R I T A G E
E V E N T I N S C H O O L
I want them to take ownership of this transport
and they must know when they get in they are at
home away from home.
Like if a kid left a personal item back at school they
must feel free to ask me to turn around and go and
look for it. The relationship is such that they are
my friends because even on weekends you find
some of them here at my house helping me wash
the car.
I have a network of other drivers similar to me, this helps in a case
where for some reason a kid needs to change transport, maybe
they are now going into High School etc. I can refer them to
another transport where they can get as close a treatment as with
me. For instance I make sure that I am on speed limit and safety is
number one on the road, so I cannot allow them to go to a driver
who drives recklessly. Even at times when we are running late but
safety is always first from the moment I turn the car key.
My relationship with their parents is also very good. I have their
cell-numbers to make sure that communication is priority in case
of emergency. They know that if their kids are on detention in
school I am not fetching them, because they know what type of
learners I transport. If you going to get into trouble at school for
whatever reason then I am not going to play any role in making
the day any easier on them. This teaches them responsibility and
respect. If I fetch you on detention then I am an encouraging you
to keep on doing whatever that got you into trouble because you
know you will have transport afterward. I remember this one time
one of the girls did not come back with us after school until Friday
when her week detention was complete. I asked why she was
missing transport in the afternoon? (her peers had already told me
she was in trouble) her answer was "I was attending aftercare"
much to my surprise at her amazing twist of the story. So yeah our
role as Bus School drivers goes beyond just a steering wheel.
As young person myself at 24, I saw my dreams diminish in school
when I dropped out due to bad influence. So at the moment one is
just pushing life in baby steps. My dream is in Motor Mechanic.
But what I am doing now gives me an opportunity to learn
responsibility and be a lesson to these kids to never dropout of
school no matter what.

wise, living your dreams and fulfilling the
broke? How many musicians have been
WHY SHOULD YOU
STRIVE FOR
EDUCATION?
33
reason I say the success brought by
The
is simple and comfortable, let’s
education
at this as an example, you are a teacher
look
a nurse you have a house, car and taking
or
kids to school and your job is fulfilling
your
important to society, as you see that is
and
By Dumezweni Ndweni
not flashy and does not sound expensive.
But it is still success nonetheless because it is
A lot has been said about education and
what you wanted. Then we have another
furthering up studies, people going after
version of success which is associated with
PhDs are starting to trend and all other
lots of money, expensive cars, luxury houses
academic trends as well which is good for
and all the things rich people do.
our society as more and more people
recognise the value and importance of
And this kind of success at times it is not
education.
associated with education or the people are
However there still is negative talk and false
not educated themselves. The second
myths and opinions about education.
version of success is nice and sounds like a
dream but to be realistic we need to be
You will hear people saying people who
honest and admit that not all of us will be
study too much will end up going crazy and
your Kagiso Rabada, Caster Semenya, keagan
some say education does not get you
Dolly or Trevor Noah of this world. Not all of
anywhere as many graduates are at home
us will win the lotto jackpot, so we have to
with their qualifications, that is true
do it the hard way which is education plain
graduates are unemployed but they stand a
and simple. Once you are educated no one
better chance of employment than those
can strip it off you no one can take it off you
sitting at home without even matric.
unless you forged documents or in future
We have people who live by these words
suffer from memory loss, education is
‘education is the key to success,’ and those
everlasting.
who say the streets and the world are the
University of life and best teachers.
So the previous point was highlighting the
fact that education is timeless, it does not
The same with everything else public figures
run out. To make an example using sports:
are used by society to measure the goodness
your career can be cut short with injuries and
and badness of something as they are role
all that but I am not saying people should
models to society and have a lot influence on
not play sports I am saying having a plan B,
the public.
even if you are a business man or in
entertainment have a qualification to fall
A question is education really that good and
back on.
does it actually guarantee a path to success?
I believe yes but first we need to discuss
How many cases of former football stars in
what kind of success we are talking about
this country that after their stardom and
and what does it bring? Here we aretalking
riches move back to their family homes
success in terms of personal freedom, career
buried with nothing left in their accounts
wishes of that young kid you once were,
and the public have to donate in order to
being what you wanted to be as a young boy
give them a dignified send off?
or girl before life got really tough and hard.
The success brought by education is simple,
Now let’s talk about successful role models,
comfortable and to be honest comes slowly
and the part they play in our lives directly
and requires to work hard and stay focused.
and indirectly let’s examine people who are

lastly Kenny Kunene
and
three men are role
these
to different
models
and yes Kenny
people
is a role model,
Kunene
man came from
the
and hustled his
prison
up to become a
way
business man
successful
millionaire.
and
public figures are
The
their best life with
living
they desire
everything
want at their disposal
and
an example that it
and
not matter where
does
come from or who
you
are and what your
you
success is unrelated
Their
education. But being
to
honest not every
fairly
who drops out of
child
will be the famous
school
and the same with
rapper
other men
the
mentioned.
have made it, well
They
can say luck or
you
or anything
connections
they did. However ask
but
this, how many
yourself
from your
people
or place you are
township
at right now made
living
without education and
it
many millionaires
how
from where you
come
up and they did not
grew
ask yourself how
Then
are successful
many
in fields like
professionals
teaching,
nursing,
can be somebody
You
university education
with
that is not always the
but
I believe that as you
case.
hard in life then
work
become a bit
things
but that does not
easier
them not difficult it
make
just that when you
is
hard you adapted
work
to environments
quickly
situations and you
and
turn what is
can
into
complicated
easy as you are
something
to working hard. So
used
people strive for
young
strive to be the
education
let us look at
Now
role models, we
educated
in politics the
have
himself the
intellect
Freedom
Economic
spokesperson
Fighter’s
Ndlozi, the
Mbuyiseni
creative soul
outspoken
Ntsiki Mazwai,
sister
star Mzambiya and
kwaito
the former Yo Tv
lastly
Musa
presenter
who is now a
Mthombeni
doctor.
qualified
people are famous
These
educated some more
and
others but that is
than
the point, Ndlozi has
not
PhD from Wits, Ntsiki
a
cum laude on
graduated
master’s degree and
her
did something
Mzambiya
people in
most
would not
entertainment
he took a break and
do,
back to finish his
went
So we have these
matric.
who are in the
people
fields, they are
respective
but they do not
young
the riches Casper
have
or Kenny.
has
are not leading
They
lifestyles or drive a
lavish
of cars, but they are
series
and educated.
successful
are positive role
They
to the youth and
models
be cherished for
should
work, however
their
would look at
people
and say but they do
them
drive a Bentley or
not
Do not get
Lamborghini.
wrong education
this
not guarantee you
does
and riches but it
fame
you sustainable
offers
and knowledge.
wealth
is an escape
Education
from poverty and
route
social ills that have
other
our great
plagued
country.
education is a long
Yes
process but it is
gruelling
it, the blood that
worth
sweat is worth it in
you
end and it will not
the
Lastly we need
end.
public figures
educated
that many more
so
are inspired to be
people
which then
educated,
a free thinking
produces
that can solve
society
and be
problems
No one was
innovative.
to suffer and no one
born
born to be dumb.
was
is oxygen,
Education
it and you will
breathe
comfortable for a
live
time.
long
34
master of your own fate.
previous situation was.
have education?
policing and etc?
spotlight in their