Xolani “Shilisi” Langa, a traditional maskandi musician, mustered the bravery this year at the age of 38 to enrol as a Grade 11 student at Bongumenzi High School in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal. Due to his age, the Education Department has ordered him to attend night school instead.
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TOO OLD FOR SCHOOL?
According to the Daily Sun, the maskandi artist, who claims to be quite popular at his school, dropped out of school in the 1990s to pursue his music career. However, he decided that it was time to further his education this year and enrolled at the institution.
He bought his stationery and uniform when the school year began, and he began attending courses.
“I’m the oldest in the school and these kids are excited to have a maskandi celebrity among them,” he told the publication.
Despite his peers’ delight, he has since been ejected by the Education Department, claiming his age as the reason. Shilisi was urged to instead attend night school.
‘I AM OFFENDED’: MASKANDI ARTIST, XOLANI ‘SHILISI’ LANGA
The expelled student, according to the publication, is upset by the decision because he claims he was taking his schooling seriously.
The maskandi artist explained his decision to attend that particular institution by stating that it made sense to him because of the distance.
“I am offended because I did not go back to school to play and I was enjoying being behind the desk. I chose to go to a day school with kids because it was closer to home.”
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WHAT OPTIONS DOES THE MASKANDI ARTIST NOW HAVE?
Shilisi isn’t the only musician to return to school after a long absence. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, a jazz legend, finished his secondary education at the age of 60.
Night sessions are available at some ABET-approved centers for adults who have families to care for and work during the day. According to Fundi Connect, this is the case.
Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) sessions are held after school hours in several primary schools. Adult learners aged 21 and up who want to receive a matric certificate after finishing ABET Level Four (Grade 9) should enroll in a senior certificate program. This enables students to receive a matriculation equivalency.
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