“Confidence starts from you. Love yourself from the moment you wake up in the morning.”
Those were words of encouragement to learners from World Cup-winning Springbok captain, Siyamthanda Kolisi at Noxolo Xauka Primary School in Makhaza on Friday 30 September.
Kolisi visited the school as part of a healthcare initiative by toothpaste manufacture where learners were taught about the importance of oral and external hygiene.
He urged learners not to be deterred by the environment they come from as he also comes from a disadvantaged background.
In trying to inspire the learners, Kolisi shared how he also went to school barefoot and not stopped while other children laughed at him.
He appealed to the learners to listen to their parents, teachers and do their homework as ordered by them. This, he said was a way of showing them love.
“Where you are today doesn’t mean you will not be successful tomorrow. Keep dreaming, and use whatever you have than complaining about what you don’t have,” he said.
Kolisi urged learners not to listen to people that tell them they won’t become what they want in life.
“I know intsokolo, kwaye soze ndiyilibale. So, I want to encourage you to be confident and dream in life,” said Kolisi, and thanked the teachers for the role they play in children’s life.
School principal Jongi Vuyani Ndima, said it was important to have such programmes to inspire children.
“We need role models like Siya that can create a positive mindset among our learners. Siya is the right person to inspire these children because he comes from the same backgrounds as them,” said Ndima.
Ndima hoped the visit will also inspire children of the school to play rugby and one day be recognised as world icons.
A thrilled learner Cwenga Tyaba said she was happy to finally see Kolisi whom they only saw on television.
