THE Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, urged learners to believe in themselves.
Ramokgopa visited the Mamelodi East Pre-Vocational School in Mamelodi, Tshwane, on Friday, 19 January 2024.
She said when she was 18 years old and someone came up to her and told her that she was going to be a leader in the ANC or a minister, she would have laughed and asked how that was possible.
Ramokgopa told them that in the old days many things were just dreams. She said it was important to develop at a young age.
"The only thing missing is to believe in yourself. I looked at myself and said that I am special," she said.
Ramokgopa said she was self-motivated in school and believed in herself.
"We all have something special about us. We have gifts and talents, and we just have to find them and use them," she said.
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Ramokgopa said he was proud of them and that they were the hope of Mzansi.
She said if we invest more in micro-enterprises, at least 80% of our jobs should come from there and we should be able to reduce the problem of unemployment.
"We are going to these micro places where we can make a difference," she said.
The school principal, Seemole Matlala, expressed delight at the minister's visit to the school.
"I appeal to the minister to support the school in the spirit of the fourth industrial revolution."We want a smart school because there are smart pupils and teachers in this school. We have made it because we have a vision," she said.
Jacob Modzuka, Chief Education Specialist: Education Support from Tshwane South district said: "We feel special. We will continue to support the school."We will ask the minister to engage the Department of Education to expedite the issuance of the certificates."
Alicia Moyo (16), a fashion designer, said: "I was happy to sew an apron and present it to the minister."
