20 reality, the Imbizo aims to dismantle these systems and promote equality and justice. The discussions that take place within this space allow boys to critically analyse the root causes of prejudice and racial discrimination, leading to the development of strategies to combat these issues. Through education and self-reflection, the Imbizo enables young boys to become advocates for change, challenging discriminatory practices wherever they may encounter them. One cannot underestimate the power of conversation and mutual understanding in effecting change. The Imbizo provides a platform where boys can learn from one another, share their experiences, and gain different perspectives. It encourages active listening, empathy, and respect for diverse opinions. By creating an environment where individuals feel valued and heard, the Imbizo fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among its participants. The Imbizo made the point that everyone was not only represented but also felt valued, comfortable and welcomed. Boys must feel that they can voice their opinions without prejudice, and the Imbizo did that. Boys of the College, through Imbizo, could speak more openly about their sexual orientation and were also able to live more freely within their own identities. Imbizo acknowledges that there is still more work to be done on gender issues and gender-based violence and to continue to address issues of systemic inequality related to race. Ultimately, the Imbizo is more than just a platform for discussion; it catalyses social change. Imbizo provided a space where boys could engage in conversations about transformation, diversity, identity, and inclusion, the Imbizo empowered them to become agents of change in society. It equipped the boys of the College through dialogue with the knowledge and skills necessary to challenge prejudice and racial discrimination, fostering a more equal and just world for all. The impact of the Imbizo extended far beyond its participants. It influenced communities, institutions, and societal norms, ensuring that the fight against prejudice and racial discrimination remains at the forefront of social consciousness. In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the sterling job our chairman, Ethan Williams, has done leading the team. His dedication, commitment, and vision have been truly outstanding, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his exceptional leadership. Under his guidance, Imbizo has flourished and achieved remarkable success. His ability to inspire and motivate the entire team has increased productivity and innovation. His strategic thinking and decision-making skills have played a pivotal role in positioning Imbizo as a leader in providing an ear for the vulnerable and guiding the school community. Mr Manzini Zungu Deputy Head: In Charge of Imbizo Head Prefect’s Speech Good morning to the headmaster, staff, and boys of the College. The first Head of School who had to lead a cohort of boys at Kearsney College was a certain FW Hill, and this was in 1923. Now, one hundred years later, I stand here as the departing 100th Head of School, having had the honour and privilege of leading the boys of our beloved college through our final year on the hill. It also struck me when I realised that, in these last 100 years of Head Boys at Kearsney, I, Simthembile Ntsikelelo Mkhize, am only the 6th black man to have been given this title, and I am the first ever Mkhize to have his name engraved on the school’s Honours Board for this position. To make my realisation even more profound to me, and I am humbled to share this with you, my Kearsney brothers and the greater Kearsney family: I am the first person from my entire family to graduate from a private school, and I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am to have called this special place my home for the last five years. The emotions run deeper than I could express from pen to paper. However, I can’t stand here and only talk about how sad I am to leave this place. Paulo Coelho, the famed Brazilian writer and philosopher wrote - “If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” Today, the class of 2023 sit in this Chapel under the spotlight of scrutiny but also the spotlight of expectation. Dear brothers whom I have grown up with for the past five years, we have to be brave to face the next chapter in our lives. Life has thrown all sorts of obstacles at us during our journey. The good and the bad have hit us along the way, but we walk away today with memories that only this group will cherish and be able to relate to. We came through those gates in 2019 not knowing what the future had in store. We experienced a different sort of Kearsney to what it is now, but today, we exit through those same gates with a different mindset. We came in as boys, but today, we leave as men with memories and experiences we will take with us, which will help us in our lives. Final Matric Assembly
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3MDU5Nw==