DUTYWA– With final examinations set to begin on 21 October 2025, learners in Dutywa are preparing to reap the rewards of a year’s hard work. On Saturday, 18 October, the TRC Hall in Dutywa came alive as learners, educators and community leaders gathered for the Kweta Educational Seminar & Exam Prayer a timely event aimed at empowering learners academically, emotionally and spiritually.
The event, its kind in the area was organised by Kweta Operations Pty Ltd and spearheaded by its founder and CEO, Lilitha Ntsundwani a proud former learner of Nomaka Mbeki Technical Senior Secondary School in Dutywa.
His personal journey and deep understanding of the challenges faced by local learners made him an ideal leader for the initiative.
In attendance were six high schools from the region; Nomaka Mbeki Technical Senior Secondary School, Colosa Senior Secondary School, J.S. Skenjana Senior Secondary School, Mida School, Executive Academy and Bomela Senior Secondary School.
Together, these schools formed a united front in prioritising learner wellbeing and academic success.
A major highlight of the event was the Facilitated Dialogue Session, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including alumni, high school teachers, government officials, civil society representatives, and learners themselves. This inclusive session allowed open discussion on issues affecting youth today, from academic stress to abuse and mental health.
One learner courageously shared, “The pain of losing my mother has caused my academic performance to drop. It’s hard to focus without her. I feel lost and need strategies to help me stay focused.” Another learner raised a concern that resonated deeply with many in the room; “We don’t have a mathematics teacher at our school, and with exams just days away, we’re really worried.”
Delivering an empowering address, Mbhashe Local Municipality Speaker Cllr Babalwa Majavu, urged learners to know and exercise their rights. “No one has the right to touch you without your consent. Report any inappropriate behaviour to your teachers. And if you can’t speak to them, there are organisations ready to help and support you,” she said.
Lilitha Ntsundwani further spoke on the importance of protecting learners from abuse and ensuring schools are safe environments. “There are individuals in positions of trust who sometimes abuse that power. We want learners to know their rights and have the confidence to stand up for themselves.”
The seminar combined education, culture and spiritual upliftment in a holistic approach to learner support. Community prayers, motivational talks, and interactive sessions fostered a renewed sense of hope and determination among learners facing the year’s final hurdle.
As the academic year draws to a close, the Kweta Educational Seminar & Exam Prayer stood as a beacon of unity and encouragement reminding learners that they are not alone, and that the community stands firmly behind them.
Emihle Dokolwana & Mfundo Nkasela
20 October 2025
