ELETSA SECONDARY SCHOOL SCORES FROM THE SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE CUP PRIZE MONEY

Not only is Eletsa Secondary School of Brits in the North West successful in the classroom, but the school also excels on the soccer field. In 2010 the school produced a 90.3% Matric pass rate and 77 of its past students received Bachelor’s degrees. Their team finished in third position in the 2010 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup finals which earned them R500 000.

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is the biggest schools tournament in the country with the most prize money: R1 million for the winner, R600 000 for the runners-up, R500 000 and R400 000 for third- and fourth-place finishers respectively. Each school that wins their Provincial Final receives R100 000.

Named after Patrice Motsepe’s late mother, the tournament, sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation, Sanlam and Ubuntu-Botho has been running since 2004 and aims to contribute to the development of South African schools soccer and build future soccer stars. It also strives to unite the country’s youth through the shared love of the game and to promote football excellence.

Run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), prize money from the tournament is used to fund legacy projects that will benefit the winning schools. In the case of Eletsa, the school asked for the upgrading of classrooms,  a fence to secure the school premises and property, a borehole for clean running water helping to make the school self-sufficient, eight computers, air conditioners, restoration of the electricity and the upgrade of the sports facilities.

“SASFA is elated with what the school decided to procure with their prize money as this is in line with our motto of Education through Sport,” said SASFA CEO, Steve Pila. “We would once more like to take this opportunity to congratulate the school for their star achievement both academically and in sport.”  

School Principal, Tiny Mojahi, expressed his sincere gratitude for the projects that are now complete: “Everything we received from the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is vital to the successful functioning of the school. Firstly, we have not had water since June 2010 so we have been closing the school at 11am every day for hygiene and health reasons. Now the students can spend more time at school and I am sure our Matric pass rate will improve further.”

“Secondly, bad weather over the years resulted in electrical damages which we could not afford to fix. Now electricity has been restored and our educators and learners are able to function in a bright, friendly and warm environment. Where there is light – Eletsa leads!” continued Mojahi.

“Finally, the school is now safe and secure with a perimeter fence and we have introduced Computer Literacy as another subject which will directly enhance our learners’ school experience,” said Mojahi.

The soccer team that made these dreams come true is being given the well deserved credit for the part they played: “The boys are proud of themselves and what their performance has achieved for the school,” said coach, Dennis Mhlongo. “They are very excited about the prospect of playing in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup again this year. We are still competing at District level but we are optimistic of making it to the National finals. Our upgraded sports grounds will also help.”

Otto Schulze, Sanlam Business Manager, Rustenburg & Mafikeng, said: “Seeing the difference this prize fulfilment has made to the school is gratifying. Sanlam became involved with the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup as a result of its belief that football is a nation-builder and a source for the development of the leaders of tomorrow. This sponsorship fits with Sanlam’s strategic focus on education in South Africa, through the advancement of youth football as well as life skills. At Sanlam we believe this will provide an invaluable contribution to South Africa’s future.”