This year, we are not leaving anything to chance. We are
focusing on maximizing our opportunities and celebrating our
good luck.
Thomas Edison was a genius - his life and work embodied that
genius in many enduring successes. In his own reflection he
talked about the power behind success as: "1%
Inspiration, 99% Perspiration and Perseverance."
Edison was symbolised by strong natural talent, distinctive
spirit and character - of which also you are made and so
strongly possess.
Let me quote Edison's famous saying, "Genius is 1%
inspiration, and 99% perspiration." Perspiration is
commonly associated with working hard. What drives people to
work hard? Is it the carrot? The stick? Or both?
How long can hard work be sustained by carrots and
sticks?
An easy answer is "for as long as they last." Yet,
we notice that many people, including Edison, work painstakingly
well beyond the kind of motivation that can be attributed to
carrots or sticks.
To varying extents, I believe we can all identify different
times in our lives when we find ourselves working relentlessly
and passionately. When we have passion for what we do,
perspiration is not a chore, but a necessary as well as
enjoyable step towards realising our goals.
So, perspiration is more than working hard, it is working
relentlessly and passionately. Many of us who aspire to realise
the genius in ourselves are more than prepared to perspire. But
we often wait for the moment of inspiration. My friends and
colleagues, this waiting for inspiration may not work.
Inspiration could also arise amidst perspiration. As we
perspire, we are more ready to be inspired.
It is comforting to know that genius is lots of perspiration
and a dose of inspiration. That means we all have a chance at
genius, if we are prepared to work hard and to sweat a
lot.
In our journey to learn, discover and serve, it is important
to persevere because inevitably we encounter failure. In this
journey, failure is not fatal. Succumbing to failure is!
Persevering through failure is essential to create enduring
success. The real failure is when we give up trying. As writer
and genius Samuel Johnson once said: "Great works are
performed, not by strength, but by perseverance."
Part of the genius in enduring success lies in perseverance
and perspiration.
So, perspiration is more than working hard, it is working
relentlessly and passionately.
Colleagues and friends, we are committed to:
- improving of delivery of responsive Programmes
- improving of Human Resource
- improving our Infrastructure
- improving our Information systems
- improving our Learner Support
- our Finances
- Quality Control
- good governance and management
- maximizing our interaction with stakeholders
Our former President Nelson Madela, in his word of
congratulation to President elect Obama, said among other
things: "...your victory has demonstrated that no person
anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to
change the world for a better place." This is also true for
us. As we plough each piece of the field, each one of us with
specialized tasks, we must remember that we are all united by
our dream for success, driven by our powerful motto
"committed to excellence." There is no reason why we
should not realize our dream, nor a reason why any child
entering our doorstep should not dream of success and be offered
an opportunity to work hard at it. Let us all put our weight
behind the wheel to build a legacy of excellence that will stand
long beyond our time.
May the Good LORD give you strength, health and the burning
passion for excellence!
I thank you,
Ms HM Sibande
Principal
