This is a moment of pride for Curro Vanderbijlpark since their school introduced Sesotho in 2019. Sharon Gordon, the school's Executive Head, takes us on a journey through the school's beginnings, challenges and achievements. Additionally, she introduces us to their star learner, Maleshoane Ntlhe, and her teacher, Constance Mabote, who is delighted to have managed to coach and walk the academic journey with her learners. Let's jump right into Sharon's one on one before we ruin it for you.

Please share brief background about the school first: “Curro Vanderbijlpark High School is an independent school in Gauteng. The school provides quality education to learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12 with limited class sizes to ensure that learners get personal attention. The school seeks to empower learners with knowledge, skills, and values that will help them become leaders of the future”.

When did you introduce Sesotho and what informed that decision? “Sesotho was introduced in the school when the school opened its doors in 2019. As a new school and one of the first Curro schools to introduce Sesotho as a First Additional Language, the first few years were rather challenging. However, I have to commend the teachers, they took control of the curriculum and developed excellence in the offering over the past few years”.

“Writer Frantz Fanon once stated that “Mastery of language affords remarkable power”. You require language to communicate effectively. If we communicate to convey meaning and subsequently build better relationships, we will contribute towards creating more tolerance and mutual understanding. We wish to empower young people to communicate effectively and to contribute to better relationships. The decision to introduce Afrikaans and Sesotho as First Additional Languages was based on a survey conducted with our learners’ parents at that time”.

“The languages learners had at their previous schools, and also the home languages spoken the most in our area were prioritised. We are eager to continue to develop our First Additional Language offering and make the languages relevant and fun”.

Since the language was introduced, how has been the parents response and how are the kids coping with it? “Initially, the new offering challenged the teachers, the learners and the parents but the subject is now received with great enthusiasm by all”.

Tell us about your star kid who got distinction:

Malshoane Ntlhe obtained a distinction in Sesotho during the 2022 academic year. And here’s her own words:

“My name is Maleshoane Ntlhe, I come from a family of three and I’m the first born. I mainly grew up in Johannesburg and moved to the Vaal to complete my final years of high school. My star sign is a Capricorn, and I truly believe that I exhibit the traits of one. I’m a determined and hardworking individual that strives to overcome any challenges that may come my way.

The journey that I’ve had with the language of Sesotho has not been an easy one, throughout my schooling years I did isiZulu as a First Additional Language. Upon my arrival at Curro Vanderbijlpark, I was officially introduced to Sesotho. Although at home we speak the language, doing it as an academic subject is a completely different ball game.

The reason I was able to persevere was because of the support system I had around me. Starting with my grandfather Fusi Justinus Mongali, who was born and raised in Lesotho. He would help me with my school work, and provide me with Sesotho novels to extend my vocabulary. Then moving onto my mother who would sacrifice her time and sleep to help me study during the late nights. Lastly, Ms. Constance Mabote, who went the extra mile to make sure I fully grasped the work during class and would constantly provide us with additional resources.

Overall, I’m pleased with my final mark for Sesotho and I’m proud of myself for achieving a distinction. I genuinely appreciate all those that rode this journey along with me. A special mention to Tumi, Sihle and Oreo, we did it.”

Message from the Sesotho teacher in the High School, Ms Constance Mabote: “I am very proud of my learners. We worked very hard last year. It was a bit challenging but I'm extremely happy that all of them made it and we obtained a 100% pass rate as they’ve always talked about. We indeed achieved our goal.”

What message can you advise the parents in terms of assisting teachers to empower kids? "Motivate learners to develop their ability to communicate. Provide reading material to expand their vocabulary and develop comprehension of what they are reading. Language development needs to start at an early age. The ability to successfully express yourself plays a major role in success at school, in the working environment in the future and in building relationships”.

Story by: Sharon Gordon