Matjatji Dankuru remains a dedicated educator, after serving as a teacher at Mapudithomo Primary School in the Mankweng area of the Limpopo Province. With a teaching career spanning over three decades, Dankuru – now retired – has been instrumental in shaping the minds of young learners, particularly in the fields of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Dankuru’s commitment to nurturing young talent extends beyond the classroom. For the past 18 years, Dankuru has actively participated in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, serving as the shadow Regional Science Fair Director (RSFD) and Treasurer for the Eskom Expo Capricorn Region. Her contributions include judging at regional expos and the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), as well as convening and co-convening regional expos and the ISF.
“I began volunteering at the Expo with the aim of expanding my knowledge, honing my skills, and gaining clarity, rather than remaining a passive educator. Motivated by a strong desire to contribute more to the Expo and fuelled by a passion for inspiring others, I also took on the responsibility of disseminating information about the Expo to students and fellow educators,” she says.
Dankuru’s passion lies in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers in South Africa. Through her involvement in Eskom Expo, she exposes learners to various activities that ignite their interest in science and technology. She often goes above and beyond to motivate, mentor, and guide learners, instilling in them a love for all things science, while empowering them to pursue careers in engineering and science.
Due to Dankuru’s dedication to fostering young talent, she has earned acknowledgement and various honours, including being selected as the delegation leader to accompany five Eskom Expo learners to the prestigious Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) in China in 2018. Additionally, she had the opportunity to accompany six students to the Wits University Tshimologong workshop for Eskom Expo ISF award-winning students in 2020.
Dankuru’s passion for her work stems from her desire to continually improve and make a difference. She believes in going the extra mile and coming up with innovative ideas to inspire her students. Working with like-minded individuals and leading teams to success fuels her drive to create positive change in her community and beyond.
“In my efforts to effect change in my country, I am actively engaged in mentoring, motivating, guiding, and inspiring students, youth, and fellow educators. By leading by example, I aim to instil a sense of responsibility and initiative in others, encouraging them to take positive action and contribute to societal progress. Furthermore, in my quest to make the world a better place, I prioritise recognising the humanity of all people and respecting their dignity. Through empathy, compassion, and understanding, I strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect, thereby promoting harmony and unity in our diverse global community,” she says.
Dankuru’s favourite saying, “Knowledge is power,” encapsulates her belief in the transformative power of education. Her unwavering dedication to developing young scientists, and her tireless efforts to inspire future generations make her a true asset to the Eskom Expo and the educational landscape of South Africa.
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