THE MEMORY OF 4 YEARS (A SPEECH TO MY FORMER CLASSMATES)

All protocols observed I greet you all. I would like you to know that I wrote this speech with mixed emotions of both joy and sadness. If I had to stand in front of you and deliver this speech, you would see me smile and cry at the same time like it happens in movies, except this time it will be so real I might even deserve more than an Oscar.

Being with you for the past four years was an amazing, fun, educational and memorable experience. From the early years of Mr. Chokuda with his lovely Zimbabwean accent saying ,“ I want you all to pass” to the years of Blessy with his high pitched voice saying, “you will only pass if you pass”  all the way to Mr. Tayob’s athletics coach statement of, “we are almost at the stadium”. I remember the funny club created by some of the boys e.g. ULMA (and I’m not going to expand the abbreviation just in case an under 18 year old stumbles across this speech) and the abnormally crazy laughs of Msiza and how can I forget the long arguments during class meetings. LOL…if we ran a big corporation together, we would take 10 years just to agree on the name. However we should really take pride in touching the lives of the orphanage and the old age. I guess the long arguments paid off after all.

It wouldn’t have been a real class if there weren’t any romance, would it? Those couples who are still together, BIG UPS! And those that had to break up under whatever circumstances, well…it was fun while it lasted. Those that were just friends with benefits, hope you enjoyed your benefits. Ms. Thobakgale and Mr Muhlopi win my award for best dressed classmates (and believe me Tsholo… I really tried to find a fashionable way to put this but nothing came to mind so please pardon me).

In the final year, some of us came out of the closet… LOL, it’s not what you think, Philip…don’t get too excited. I am referring to Mr. Tshigoda’s poetry stunt at the farewell function. Wow is all I can say to that. And who knew Mr. Rakadani is a dead ringer for Michael Jackson. Hello Rakadani…maybe we should host an exhibition concert this December, we could make some money you know. Mr Kunene and Batseba, maybe you guys should consider a second career in music. These memories I shall treasure forever.

In conclusion let me be responsible and say these words. The race to cross the finish line is still on and it is not about who gets there 1^st. Those who cross the finish line 1^st are just a testimony and encouragement that we can all make it. There are more than enough prizes for us all at the end. We just have to push each other on and finish the race. Congratulations to all of us for making it thus far and for not giving up. Let’s keep the dream alive. ‘IT WAS POSSIBLE, IT IS POSSIBLE, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN POSSIBLE, AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE POSSIBLE’.

Let me borrow a few words from Rea’s vocabulary. “Like, really, seriously, you know”, you guys are the best and I am proud to have been part of you. BIG HUG! Please keep in touch and keep visiting my blog.