Like all parents, Matthew and Nora Khanye sent their daughter Mapaseka (12) to school so that she could take her place among the best in the world.
Their wish was that at the end of her schooling she would help contribute towards the development of her country. But, perhaps, more importantly, that she would help them overcome their current economic difficulty.
Nora is unemployed and Matthew is a driver. Although he tries to take care of all of his family’s needs, sometimes it is just too much for him. As a result, their 21 year-old son could not further his studies after he finished matric and is now doing menial jobs in Vosloorus township.
So it came as a great joy to the Khanyes when their last-born daughter could get her break so soon. The news that Mapaseka had won an SABC film and storywriting competition really rocked their world. Mapaseka is doing grade seven at Mampudi Primary School in Vosloorus, east of Gauteng.
The prize may not carry any monetary value at this stage, but it is a gratifying feeling for any parent as it is something that puts their daughter on a path to realising bigger things in future.
The competition — titled Lights, Camera, Action — provides a platform for young South African schoolchildren, aged between 10 and 16, to share their experiences by writing stories ‘about something important to them”. These stories are then fine-tuned and turned into short films that will be broadcast on SABC1 next year.
Mapaseka’s winning story is titled There was a boy called little boy. In essence, the story is about a young boy who was born short, but hoped one day he would grow tall. He went to extraordinary lengths to overcome the problem, but to no avail, until he reunited with his father who had been separated from him for a long time.
Mapaseka said her love for writing started last year after she and her classmates entered a poetry competition run by a supermarket. All the participants were treated to an outing to uShaka Marine World in Durban.
‘Since then I never looked back. Besides, I like reading a lot. So when I saw the competition on TV last year, I never hesitated to enter my story. I am really excited I won this competition. It really fills my heart with joy and my parents, school and the community are also excited about this,” said Mapaseka. She said her fellow learners treat her like a superstar and although she appreciates it, she prefers to be treated like everybody else.
SABC’s project manager Jacqui Hlongwane-Papo said that from now on, Mapaseka will be busy as she will start to learn about script- writing, shoots, editing and other aspects of filmmaking. Mapaseka said she can’t wait for this glorious moment.
Her teachers are also excited about her achievement ‘because she put our school on the map”.
Her class teacher Ngaka Mile said he was pleasantly surprised. ‘I know her to be a hard worker. She is the kind of learner who takes part in all class activities and reading has always been her passion.”
The school’s principal, Thabo Lebina, said in appreciation of her efforts, Mapaseka would receive a ‘prestigious special principal award”.
The award involves a sport or curriculum related trip, a trophy and a certificate as well as a present from the school governing body.
the Teacher caught up with Mapaseka to find out what motivates her.
Who is your favourite teacher?
Mrs Mabona who teaches me English, economic management science and technology. She taught me from grade four and I just enjoy the way she teaches. She is such a motivator and makes learning easy.
What are your favourite subjects?
Maths, English and social sciences. Maths because I want to become a pilot one day and also because it is important for our economy. Social sciences exposes me to different places, people and their cultures. As for English, it is so that I can communicate with people from different countries. I wrote the competition in English, remember?
What is your advice to fellow learners?
I would like to encourage them to read widely. They should not just read school-related books. It is important, but they can also learn a lot by reading novels and magazines.