SMOOTH START TO THE 2018 NSC EXAMSBy: Mbali Mchunu

Vukuzakhe High School had 4 other schools which are Mhawu, Mavimbela, Skhwama and Nwabi High Schools, which had been moved to write their exam paper at Vukuzakhe due to community protest which disrupted teaching and learning at Ingonyameni area. These learners were moved to Vukuzakhe because it is a boarding school and they will get extra tuition throughout the examination process. “We want to protect all our learners and make sure that their results improve as they did the previous year,” said the MEC, during his interview with the media.

IN October 23, the MEC, the HoD and the Acting DDG: Curriculum Management and Delivery visited Vukuzakhe High School to monitor the National Senior Certificate examination as learners were writing English Paper 1 which is one of the biggest papers in the NSC exams.

The MEC and the HoD also visited Lihlithemba Technical High School in Ndwedwe under iLembe District to monitor exams and to attend to a tragedy that was reported where a deputy principal was injured while trying to resolve a fight between learners. On the same day, the HoD visited the construction site at the La Mercy Maths & Science Academy which is due to be completed in December.

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SIGNING OF THE EXAMINATION PLEDGE

By: Sinethemba Dlamini

The MEC and the HOD, attended the matric exam pledge signing ceremony in October 12, at Stanger Secondary School. The pledge is a symbol of commitment where Grade 12 learners commit themselves to complying with the examination code of conduct and to assist with the curbing and control of examination irregularities. Dr Nzama thanked the officials from all districts in KZN, teachers, principals and organised labour for their support throughout the year. He pleaded with learners to be honest, trustworthy and to study hard. “We want to make sure that we support you, make sure you avoid anything that will interrupt your exams,” said Dr Nzama.

While addressing learners, the MEC mentioned that the Province of KwaZulu-Natal is relying upon learners to improve the performance of the province. “Please ensure that you work hard, do what is right, stick to the rules and make the province of kwaZulu-Natal proud,” concluded the MEC

NSC EXAM PRAYERBy Khethiwe Dlamini

IN October 18, the MEC and the HoD hosted the provincial matriculants prayer ahead of the final National Senior Certificate examination. The prayer took place at KwaGezubuso Community Hall near Pietermaritzburg. The prayer session was attended by the Mayor of uMsunduzi Municipality, teacher unions, educators, principals, bishops and pastors.

The purpose of the prayer was to pray for learners success and to ensure that 2018 NSC exams are without any glitches. The HoD, who was the programme director, called upon all principals, learners, and the City Mayor to pray along with the pastors for all the schools that will be writing their final NSC Exams.

“We ask all the churches to pray for these learners to write an examination that is without challenges. To our learners, even though others may doubt you, we do have faith in you and we believe that you will achieve good results. We ask parents to give you time to study and to support you,” said the MEC.

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DBE LAUNCHESREAP IN KZN

By: Sbonsiwe Shezi

Miss Lindiwe Mngoma, who is one of Educational Assistant from uMzinyathi District, said that Grade 4 learners struggles a lot since they are introduced to new subjects which increase the work load. “Our presence will help lift the load from teacher’s shoulders,” she said. Education Assistants promised to do everything in their power to bring positive change in selected schools.

“YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE OF RURAL EDUCATION” was the theme during the official launch of Rural Education Assistant Programme (REAP). This intervention programme hosted by the Department of Basic Education to improve quality of teaching and learning in rural schools, was launched at Carter High School, under uMgungundlovu District, in September 27.

The HoD, Dr Enoch Nzama, said REAP is aimed at pilot testing, researching and evaluating the impact of the use of education assistant in foundation, in order to improve quality of education in rural schools. This project which is piloted in two districts in KZN, which are uMzinyathi and iLembe, has recruited 250 unemployed youth from rural communities in KZN, to work under this programme as Education Assistants (EA). These Education Assistants will assist with variety of activities in schools, particularly in improving numeracy, literacy, reading skills and co-curricular activities. “Our main responsibility is to make sure that we make it work, it will benefit our communities, and our youth and it talks to the question of achieving our goals of turning around education in our country,” said Dr Nzama.

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UMGUNGUNDLOVU OSS CABINET

DAYBy: Nomfundo Malinga

AS part of the Operation Sukuma Sakhe Programme, the MEC visited KwaPoyinandi area, Ward 22, in uMgungungundlovu District. This OSS Cabinet Day, which was held in September 26 was dedicated to the cleaning of the city, monitoring RDP houses and visiting agricultural projects in the area.

The MEC started by visiting the housing project in iMbali unit 3, where he recommended a way forward to the challenges that the housing beneficiaries were experiencing. He then visited an illegal dumping site at Thula Road in Estezi, where he assisted with the cleaning of the site and also engaged with the uMsunduzi Municipality and asked them to put a big refuse container where the community could dump their refuse. The MEC also visited Isizwe Esinsundu Cooperative, to see the gardening project and then proceeded to KwaPoyinandi Community Hall where he had an engagement with the community.

In his address, the MEC urged the departmental officials to assist further in doing follow-ups on the issues that were being raised and asked parents not to hide wrong doing by their children. In closing, the MEC also pleaded with the community to work hand in hand with government departments.

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HERITAGE EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAMMEBy: Mbali Zulu

THE Heritage Education Schools Outreach Programme (HESOP)

is a joint initiative with the Department of Basic Education, Department of Military Veterans

and South African National Parks. The KwaZulu-Natal

Department of Education’s Co-Curricular Support Service

Directorate held a competition on the Heritage Education

Outreach Programme in September 8 at Pinetown

District Hall. Only 6 schools from different districts participated

on a research topic which was “Nelson Mandela Centenary

Celebration 2018”. The programme is designed to

ensure that young people are aware of the importance of

cultural and natural heritage.The Co-curricular Support Service Acting Director, Mr Themba Kubheka, thanked learners for their dedication and commitment on this project. “We need to ensure that all schools participate in this programme - after you articulated your presentations, you gave us an indication as to where we are going as a country moving forward. We are going to expand this project to other districts as well,” said Kubheka. Nsikayethu High School from uMgungundlovu District, won the competition and will be competing at the national level.

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READINESS ASSESSMENTBy: Bongiswa Xulu

THE Department of Basic Education Director General, Mr Mweli, held a readiness assessment progress meeting with the HoD and senior officials from the Curriculum Management and Delivery Branch at Phoenix on Friday, August 17. This was the 2nd DBE engagement meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the readiness of the system by using assessment data of the previous year to inform the plan of the year and to assess learner’s state of readiness.

The Acting DDG: Curriculum Management and Delivery, Dr Barney Mthembu, shared information by tracking learner performance for Grade 3, 6 ,9 and 12 in all subjects at district level (Quarter 1 and 2). He also addressed the state of readiness on examination administration. He alluded the challenges by identifying weaknesses and key areas of interventions. During this engagement, the Chief Director: Curriculum Development Programmes, Mr Mbongiseni Mazibuko, presented the matter of 2018 reading activities per province together with Chief Director Miss Bathulisile Dlamini who presented the Incremental Introduction of the African Language (IIAL).

Mr Mweli and his team were impressed by the presentation of KZN. They suggested that there should be ability to track learners who are doing well in schools and the ability to look into the readiness of those learner.

Making his closing remarks, the HoD said, “well done to all the teachers for doing a great job in schools in making sure that schools are given full support.” He also thanked and appreciated everyone who was present and wished everyone a farewell.

READERS CUP COMPETITION

THE Education Libraries Information and Technology Systems (ELITS) Directorate held a Readers Cup Competition at Dokkies in Durban, in September 20. The readers cup programme is aimed at instilling the love of reading and to honour good reading done in classrooms.

“Reading is important, if you want to progress well you must read. As a Department of Basic Education we try by all means to promote reading and it is for this reason that Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, launched this programme early this year,” said Anna Brown, who was representing the Department of Basic Education. Ms Brown congratulated schools that participated, especially the top 3 schools. The 1st position was Ubuhle Besundumbili Primary School, 2nd position was Keate Street Public School and 3rd position was Maris Stella Primary school.

By: Nombulelo Shezi

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SIKANISWENI HIGH SCHOOL LEARNER: THE FOUNDER OF SKIN CARE RANGE, NATURAL MEBy: Nompumelelo Gasa

THE Grade 11 learner at Sikanisweni High School in Ezingolweni, Snikiwe Xaba (16) is the founder of skin care range, Natural Me. After battling with skin problems in her early teens, she developed interest in skin care products and she discovered a gap in the market as she saw that it was very hard to find quality products at an affordable price. “I could not afford to buy skin products as they were expensive and my parents could not afford. I did an online research to learn more about natural ingredients that are good in treating pimples,” she said. Snikiwe started her skin care company in December 2017 after a long research about the industry and also finding the right manufacturing partner.

Both her parents have been unemployed her whole life and it has not been easy for the 16 year old girl. She started her journey long time ago selling sweets back in Primary School. She was inspired by her mother who raised her and her 5 siblings by selling everything she could sell to put food on the table.

Snikiwe’s teacher, Mr Sipho Dlamini, who is excited and impressed to have Snikiwe as her learner whom he described as an average pupil who works very hard in class. “She is the first learner to put our school and area on the map. What she has done will boost others self-esteem by showing them that you don’t have to be from a big city to make it happen in life,” Dlamini said.

Natural Me currently produces a facial range with 4 products (face wash, skin toner, day cream and night cream). These products help with pimples, dark marks, uneven skin tone and oily skin.

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PROVINCIAL SPELLING BEE COMPETITION

THE BEST SOLOIST AND NATIONAL CHAMPION NONTOBEKO BHENGUBy: Xoli Thompson

R EPRESENTATIVES from the DBE, provincial and districts officials together with different publishers, circuit manager, educators and 2018 spellers from different schools

gathered for Curriculum GET Provincial Spelling Bee competition at Dokkies, in September 13.

This Competition was a culmination of a series of competitions that targeted learners in grades 4, 5 and 6. Competitions commenced at school level and proceeded to circuit and district levels in each of the twelve education districts.

The top three spellers from each district participated. All the spellers gave an excellent account of themselves, demonstrating exemplary spelling skills. In a tightly contested competition, Umlazi District scooped all three top spots. The champion speller is Neha Harribhajan from Parkside Primary. Lumka Cele from Thamela Primary School bagged second position and was closely followed by Jordan Govender, from Fairhaven Primary in third position. Neha, Lumka and Jordan presented Kwa-Zulu Natal at the National Spelling Bee championships which were held in October 6 in Pretoria.

The Spelling Bee is part of the Read to Lead Campaign initiated by the National Education Minister to promote literacy. It is conducted in English. Participation was open to all schools and learners in grades 4, 5 and 6, including independent and special schools.

By: Nompumelelo Gasa

NONTOBEKO BHENGU (19), the Best Soloist and National Champion from Lihlithemba High School under Ilembe District, started to recognize her singing talent at the age of 7 when she was still a learner at Ezindlovini Primary School. Nontobeko has attended and participated in more than 10 big events. To mention a few, she has participated at the President Breakfast, The Patrice Motsepe Foundation Eisteddford Schools Choral Competition and the Transnet Formal Event. Nontobeko has also received numerous awards. In 2015 she got 1st position in SASCE Competition, in 2016, 2017 and 2018 she obtained 1st positions and Best Soloist awards which made her the National Champion.

This young talented lady takes music activities as an extramural which she believes is important for every pupil. “Participating in music activities does not affect my school work as I go for rehearsals after school and on Saturdays. The gigs that I am normally booked for are during school holidays and do not interfere with my school attendance,” she said. Nontobeko concluded by giving an advice to other learners that they should believe in themselves more than anything. “Every one of us has a potential and amazing gift to share with the world. As soon one recognizes the talent, they must invest in it and work hard to fulfill it. As learners we must dream big, believe in ourselves and get educated because no one can take that away from us.”

Nontobeko’s class teacher, Mrs Christina Kunye Shoniwa described her as a well-mannered girl who is humble and soft spoken. “Nontobeko is passionate about singing and music is her love and life. Singing to her comes naturally - as her class teacher, I have noted that she is punctual in her submissions of tasks and classwork,” said Shoniwa.

1st Position Neha Harribhajan

2nd Position Lumka Cele

3rd Position Jordan Govender

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By: Thembeka Mchunu

JAMES NXUMALO Agricultural High School secured a 3rd place, Qophindlela High School came 2nd and Amazulu High School took it home. A jaw dropping competition it was, as contenders from various schools and districts formed in teams of four, engaged in presenting book reviews. All team members participated effectively. This was a celebration initiated by teacher librarians together with language teachers as a reading incentive programme aimed at instilling love of reading, (ELITS) hosted the Readers’ Cup Competition 2018 for secondary schools at Ex-Dokkies on October 11.

The purpose of this initiative was to inculcate and promote literature, enhance interaction between language teachers, librarians, and to encourage learners to read for enjoyment as well as encouraging team building. Chief Director: Curriculum Development, Mr Mbongiseni Mazibuko unbolted this competition in a high note. “It has been intuitively known for many years that reading aloud to children promotes the love of reading. Studies show that reading for inclination makes a big difference to a learners academic performance,” said Mazibuko.

Ms Lindiwe Madumo from DBE said, “KZN is one of the leading provinces when it comes to people who lack reading interest. About 30% of its population are readers. I am happy to witness such a wonderful competition because it sends a good message to our learners that reading is cool.” The Izihlabathi Zolwandle Author and Editor, Mr Themba Qwabe, applauded this phenomenon. In his address he said, “Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a wide range of words. This helps them build to their own vocabulary and improve their understanding when they listen, which is vital as they start to read. It is imperative for them to understand how stories work in the language of their choice,” said QwabeREADERS CUP COMPETITION- READ TO LEAD!!!

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NEW PARTNERSHIPS, NEW PHASEBy Mbali Zulu

THE MEC and Ethekwini Municipality Mayor her Worship, CLLR Zandile Gumede, met in the form of partnership agreement, which took place on the 5th October 2018, at the Durban City Hall.

This event was aimed at enhancing the partnership agreement that maximizes the potential of their expertise and capabilities to implement projects of building schools. This step reflects the keenness of the authorities to work jointly and contribute in providing services delivery in the community of Cornubia.

“About 28 000 houses that the Ethekwini Municipality has built in Cornubia, hence we appreciate the collaboration with the Department of Education because these efforts will give us right direction towards achieving our aim of building schools in our country,” said Mayor Gumede.

MEC Dlungwana added: “We want service delivery in our communities in terms of infrastructure in our schools. We need to move forward and implement this project. We want work to be done and soon we need to visit the community and give them the assurance that as a government nothing can stop us because we are a caring government’’.

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF PEACE CORPS GRADUATESBy: Ntando Nsusha

THE department together with the Peace Corps Agency, held a graduation ceremony for Peace Corps Volunteers on Wednesday, September 19, at Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga. The purpose of the gathering was to acknowledge the excellence, dedication and hard work of US Peace Corps Volunteers who had spent 2 years learning the teaching curriculum for South African Primary Schools.

On behalf of the Department, the Acting Deputy Director General, Mr Nathi Ngcobo, was in attendance as a guest speaker. In his address Mr Ngcobo said, “the Peace Corps Programme is a tool that can be used to learn different cultures and languages in order to improve the Province of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. Our core business is quality teaching and learning, therefore we are determined to make KZN the best Province.

As a department we express our gratitude to all the graduates, and we would like to have them based in all our districts to improve the quality of English language for our learners,” Mr Ngcobo concluded.

The Peace Corps graduates group will be deployed in various rural primary schools around Kwa-Zulu-Natal as a strategy to improve the standard of subjects such as English, Mathematics, etc.

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WORLD MILK DAY

By: Sinethemba Dlamini

ON September 13, the departments’ School Nutrition Directorate celebrated the ‘World Milk Day’ at Sombongangani Primary school under uMgungundlovu District. The aim was to encourage pupils to recognize the importance of drinking milk everyday as it helps to grow stronger bones and improves their body performance. The uMgungundlovu District Director, Mr Siqhamo Mabinza, was excited and impressed about this event. He thanked the school nutrition team, Sombongangani staff and Southern Load Star, who sponsored the event. “I am proud of Sombongangani Primary School team for their dedication in ensuring that our learners are taken care of by inviting sponsors that are able to grow their minds with information that is useful. You inspire many people to do better, continue with your good work,” said Mr Mabinza.

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OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PHENDUKANI FULL SERVICE SCHOOL AS 100% HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOLBy: Mbali Zulu

PHENDUKANI Full Service High School was officially launched as the Health Promoting School in October 17, at Madadeni, under Amajuba District.

Ms Gloria Rasa who was representing the Department of Health, congratulated the school. “After having gone through numerous readiness procedures and assessment, the school today is officially declared as 100% Health Promoting School,” said Ms Rasa.

On this special day, the staff received awards for their multiple endeavours and their contribution in turning the school into a health promoting school. “A clean environment nurtures a healthy mind and restores pride which in turn stimulates the desire for excellence. It is true that education is a major determinant of health,” said the Principal, Mr Kubheka.

Ms Thembelihle Gumede, Chief Director: District Operations, was representing the MEC at this event. She congratulated the principal, Mr Bheki Kubheka, the School Governing Body and the School Management Team, for their tireless efforts in championing quality education for the children of KwaZulu-Natal. “The launch of Phendukani Full Service High School as Health Promoting School will bring a bright future to our learners and the community at large. The Health Promoting School contributes positively to the management of the school and to the development of the curriculum. It also provides learners with knowledge and skills that will empower them to have greater abilities and to enhance their physical, mental and social health,” Ms Gumede asserted.

SOUTH AFRICAN MOOT COURT ORAL COMPETITION

By: Mbali Zulu

THE KwaZulu–Natal Department of Educations’ Co-curricular Services Directorate held the South African National School Moot Court Competition in September 15, at Magistrate Court (CR SWART) in Durban, where more than 10 schools from different districts participated.

The South African Moot Court Oral Competition is an annual competition established in 2011 aimed to create greater understanding in South African Schools about constitution of the Republic of South Africa and its values. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education congratulated the following schools for winning the 2018 Moot Court Competitions: Somfula High School, Harding Secondary School, uBuhlebomzinyathi High School and Phendukani Full Service High School. These schools are going to represent the province of KwaZulu-Natal at the national level.

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SCHOOL LIBRARY EXCELLENCE AWARDS BRIDGING FOR LIFE

CERTIFICATION CEREMONY

By: Qinisile Mkhize

By: Mbali Zulu

HOW do we champion quality education? One way is having a viable library. One of the building blocks to learning is reading, speaking, writing, and counting. The library is the center where all this is nurtured. Most of our schools don’t have libraries, for some schools libraries are a luxury. You invoke creativity when you allow learners to access the library. We are here to say well done to all of you for your hard work and dedication. These encouraging words were shared by Mr Mbongiseni Mazibuko, Chief Director: Curriculum Development Programmes at the 2018 School Library Excellence Awards, held at Dokkies on October 16. In 2018, 40 schools participated in the School Library Excellent Awards (SLEA) program, twenty nine primary and eleven high schools. Amongst the criteria for adjudication in SLEA are, excellence in the relevance of the collection, excellence in the organization and management of the collection, professional development of the teacher-librarian to mention a few. The winning schools excelled in different areas of the assessment. School libraries fulfill various information needs of learners and educators within the parameters of curriculum development and enrichment as schools that have libraries perform better academically.

VALUED Citizen Initiative in collaboration with the Department of Education hosted a Certification Ceremony of Grade 12 learners from Groutville and Guzana High Schools. These are learners who have successfully completed the Bridging for Life programme, in the iLembe District. The ceremony took place in October 15 at Meander Manor Hotel, Ballito.

The main objective of the Bridging for Life Programme is to lay a solid foundation over two years and equip Grade 11 learners with life skills.

Institutional Development and Support DDG: Ms Judy Dlamini, addressed the audience. She said, this programme will help learners to perform optimally. “We have no doubt that these learners have been thoroughly prepared for a life beyond Grade 12. Thank you so much Valued Citizen Initiative for investing in education and skills development as this is the key to economic growth and development.” said the DDG.

According to the Founder, Ms Carole Ngono, in 2010 the Department of Higher Education and Training endorsed the Bridging for Life programme. “Today, out of 74 learners graduated, 15 girls learners have applied in tertiary institutions for engineering, 9 of them have already received letter of acceptance from the universities and others will be offered bursaries,” explained Carole.

Another grateful learner, Asanele Madukuzela, from Guzana High said they had a successful training with Valued Citizen Initiative.“Through this programme, I have learned to be responsible and to manage time, I have also learned to deal with my anger properly,” asserted Asanele.

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This competitions creates a platform where schools display the talent of the learners. It also serves as a mechanism to identify and develop talent at an earlier stage and can be a good technique in fighting social ills. The competition catered for both primary and high school level. More than 10 schools from the 12 districts participated in the competition.

Addressing the audience, the Acting Chief Director, Office of the HoD, Mr Thami Mbanjwa, highlighted the innovative and ongoing measures that have brought about positive development in the department’s cultural activities. “These learners are true Africans and today we are celebrating culture and history through music and dance,” said Mr Mbanjwa who also thanked the educators for their work in preparing learners for this function.

Making his closing remarks, the HoD said, “well done to all the teachers for doing a great job in schools in making sure that schools are given full support.” He also thanked everyone who was present and wished everyone well.

INDIGENIOUS MUSIC AND DANCE COMPETITION

A fun filled atmosphere, as parents, community members and learners across the Province of KwaZulu-Natal converged at Civic Hall, in Amanzimtoti under Umlazi District, in September 25-27 for the Indigenous Music and Dance Competition.

By: Mbali Zulu

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THE Department of Education and the Department of Sport and Recreation, held the Annual Provincial Summer Games selections. The program kicked off on October 12 and ended on October 14, at Durban Hoy Park, George Campbell Sports Grounds and Chatsworth Sports Grounds.Over 488 players took part in numerous sporting codes which include football, rugby, volleyball, table tennis, basketball and netball. The selected athletes from all the 12 districts will represent the province in SA Schools Tournament, which is set to be held in December this year.

Ecstatic, Ziyanda Hadebe (17), from Amajuba District who will be representing the under 19 provincial squad for the ladies Football MMH G category, said, “ I am very pleased to be selected as a member of the provincial squad that’s going to be competing with other top athletes from other provinces, this will give me and my fellow team mates an opportunity not only to measure where we are in the level of sports, but to also showcase what we are capable of.”

By: Sibani Ngobese

2018 SCHOOL SPORTS PROVINCIAL

CHAMPIONSHIPS

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GALLERY

THE NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVANTS SPORTS AND CULTURAL GAMES

(NPSSCE)

By: Xoli Thompson

The department participated in the NPSSCE from October 18 till the 20th. The main aim of NPSSCE is to enhance social cohesion and physical activities through the promotion of employee wellness interventions. These activities occur in a form of district, provincial, national tournaments and cultural activities.

Team KZN participated in the following sport codes: Fun Run, Aerobics, Zumba dance,

Football (all categories), Netball (all categories), Volleyball (Males and Females), Murabaraba, Chess, Pool Table, Loan Tennis, and rendered

Amahubo during Gala Dinner.

KZNDOE received a certificate of participation and all players, coaches and managers of

team’s received gold medals. This was in line with the resolution taken 3 years back and one

of the constitution clause which seeks to prohibit the competitive nature of the tournament and

replace it with freely and active participation which accommodates everyone.

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BHOZO CHRONICALS

THE FUN SIDE OF LIFE

Wishing all the best of luck to all those who are writing their final exams, break a leg and make KZN proud!

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