- Miss Teenager South Africa 2024 Iminathi Dondolo visited Harry Gwala High School in Makhaza to motivate learners to focus on their studies and believe in themselves.
- Dondolo shared her own experiences and emphasised the importance of resilience, humility, and hard work.
- The visit inspired learners, including Abongile Tom, who found motivation in Dondolo’s story and hopes to emulate her succes.
Excitement was evident on the faces of Harry Gwala High School learners in Makhaza during the special visit of the Miss Teenager South Africa 2023/24 on Thursday 5 September.
Iminathi Dondolo (18) visited the school to motivate Grade 11 learners to focus on their studies.
She stressed that there was no short cut in life. “I need you to believe in yourself. Your background doesn’t determine your destination. You need to stay humble and focused all the time,” she said.
Dondolo, who hails from Ilitha Park, highlighted peer pressure as one of the challenges facing young people.
She said it could result in depression, anxiety or even suicide. “You need to invest in yourself. Even if things are tough you need to be resilient. Please never give up,” said Dondolo.
School deputy principal Nomvuyiseko Maqhubela expressed her gratitude to Dondolo. She said her visit to the school would motivate others children.
“We believe her presence at the school will make a difference. Maybe some of the learners will change their attitude and want to be like her.
“The aim is to change the mind-set of the learners and know that there are other good things in life that can make them popular,” she said.
However, she urged them to focus on their studies for now.
Learner Abongile Tom (17) said she was pleased to see Iminathi face to face.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw her. It shows that even if you are coming from the dusty streets of Khayelitsha you can be something if you are focused.
“Seeing her face to face motivated me a lot,” said Tom.
