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On December 6, we hosted the Principals’ Best Practice for Implementation event at the Amazon Web Skills Centre. This inspiring gathering brought together new school principals, MOT partner schools, and colleges to share experiences and best practices for implementing the MOT programme.
The event was a collaboration between the Positive Behavior Intervention and Resource Center (PBIRC) in Wynberg and MOT South Africa, aligning with the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Positive Behaviour Programme. This partnership aims to empower youth and create positive, supportive educational environments within our communities.
This pilot programme focuses on integrating MOT into ten schools within the Metro Central Education District:
These schools are beginning an important journey to build safe and supportive environments where learners can succeed.
The event underscored the power of partnerships between government and civil society organizations. Provincial Manager of the Positive Behaviour Programme, Neville Goliath noted, “This event aims to enable new participants to learn from the experiences of those who have previously benefited from the MOT programme.”
A highlight of the day was a Panel Discussion which focused on the topic of The impact of the MOT Programme, led by MOT SA Country Director, Viola Manuel. Panelists included Asanda Zigana and Talitah Botha from West Coast TVET College, Aluwela Khiba, Young MOTivator from Gardens Commercial High School, and a former principal and MOT Coach from Fairmount Secondary School.
Talitah Botha, MOT Youth from West Coast TVET College shared her MOTivating story:
“I used to spend my time with the wrong crowd, always wanting to be out of the house. I said yes to all the bad things, but when I found the courage to say no to those negative things, I lost those friends. At first, I thought I had lost everything, but I soon realized I had gained so much more—self-respect, vision, and motivation. I began to see the person I was and the person I could become.”
Talitha also opened up about facing difficult circumstances during her exams. “There was a point where I felt so overwhelmed that I decided to take my life. I felt like no one understood me. But in that moment, I looked up and saw one of the MOT posters. It reminded me that it wasn’t over. I remembered my MOT coach’s words: ‘Nobody can help you more than you can help yourself. You decide where you want to be in life.’ Those words gave me the courage to keep going.”
She continued, “The next day, I enrolled in an entrepreneurship project. Today, I’m no longer the quiet girl who says nothing. I’m confident, and I can stand up and pitch my business ideas to investors. I’m not the person I was before—I’m better. And I won’t let my circumstances define who I am.”
Talitha credited her MOT coach, Jameelah Nathie, for her support and encouragement during MOT sessions. Her story is a powerful testament to how the MOT programme helps young people build resilience and self-belief. #MOTWorks
Asanda Zigana, SRC Chairperson, also reflected on his transformative journey with MOT:
“Before joining the MOT programme in 2022, I was a very shy person. Through MOT and the support of my MOT Coach, I gained confidence and became the person I am today. I am truly grateful for what MOT has done for me.”
Aluwela Khiba, Young MOTivator from Gardens Commercial High School also spoke about the impact of MOT:
“MOT has given us the courage to live, care, and say no to things that don’t align with our values.”
Dylan Tommy, Principal of Gardens Commercial High School, shared practical tips for integrating MOT into the school:
Mr Tommy emphasized the long-term benefits of MOT: “Yes, it takes time away from lessons, but the long-term positive impact on learners is worth it.”
Ms. Jameelah Nathie, Senior Student Support Services Officer from West Coast TVET College, shared an inspiring message: “To all MOT Youth: You did not wake up and fight through all the challenges to survive only to be mediocre. Aim high and always live with courage. Let the MOT values guide you through life.”
The event concluded with a handover of MOT flags to the ten new schools, marking the start of their partnership with MOT.
This event highlighted the incredible potential of the MOT programme to strengthen educator-learner relationships, create mental resilience, and build leadership among young people. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our schools and communities.
Read more about our collaboration here:
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