Giving back to one’s high school brings joy
- Wits University
Charity begins at home, and Bruce Mothibedi has helped build a network of dedicated alumni at his high school in Soweto.
.jpg "Bruce Mothibedi, a senior technician at Wits, is the Chairman of the Moletsane Alumni Association which plays a critical role in supporting learners to realise their full potential.")
Volunteering is a labour of love, and the spirit of giving runs through the university’s corridors, from the students to the staff, both on campus and off. Mothibedi, a senior technician at the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, is a stellar example of a Wits staff member who dedicates his free time to improving his community.
“If you have an extra loaf of bread, why not share it?” he asks, explaining his love for helping others.
Mothibedi’s outreach initiative is at Moletsane Secondary School in Soweto, where he matriculated in the 1980s. He is one of the founding members of the Moletsane Alumni Association, invested in the school's success. Their first project was roughly ten years ago when the founding members contributed money to buy uniforms for learners in need. This was the beginning of a long journey of improvement at the school.
This initiative quickly grew into a thriving group of around 200 people made up of subcommittees dedicated to different issues including health, technology, finance, amongst others.
Mothibedi who chairs of the association beams with excitement as he highlights their successes, from donating uniforms (which has become an annual activity) to renovating the library and laboratories.
The reward has been the impressive pass rate which sits at 97%. The association recently honoured retired teachers for their role in nurturing young minds and staying true to their calling.
The association also facilitated the successful transition from high school to university for several learners as well as secure funds for those in need. One such learner is now an engineering student at Wits who is in turn illuminating the path for others through motivational speaking.
Building since the 90s
Mothibedi has also played a key role in the founding of social structures including the Wits Choral Music Association, which he co-founded in 1991.
The association was popular and boasted the support of the then Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Charlton who recognised its importance in building a vibrant university. The late Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo and some of the music students became instrumental in training the choir.
The Inter-Universities Choral Festival was an initiative of the choir. The dedicated choristers would later win third place and best conductors award at their first attempt at the Ford Music Competition.
During this period, the structure achieved many milestones with the HR manager Silas Seiphemo serving as chairperson, and Mothibedi as treasurer of the choir.
Always willing to lend a hand, Mothibedi was part of the initial team that organised the Lenn Smith Campus Race/Walk, contributing to social activities on campus.
This article is one of five published that showcases how Wits staff contribute as individuals to various charitable causes. These incredible staff members live and appreciate Wits’ values beyond our campuses, and we are incredibly proud of their spirit of volunteerism and them practising #WitsForGood. The stories were featured in the December edition of the Staff Monthly Newsletter.
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