BEACONHILLS COLLEGE year 11 students were recently treated to an entertaining and thought provoking presentation by a man who grew up in apartheid-era South Africa.

Valanga Khoza taught students about prejudice and racism by sharing his experiences in South Africa and the need to flee his homeland.

Mr Khoza spent his youth in Alexandra, a black township in Johannesburg, and in rural Transvaal before making a new life in Australia.

He captured students’ attention by opening his presentation with a traditional musical performance. His presentation was devoid of bitterness yet subtly highlighted the inequity of opportunity, the unreasonableness of prejudice, the strength of human spirit and the lack of prejudice that gave him a better life in Australia.

Mr Khoza has become a regular performer at Victorian schools where he brings Africa to life through stories, song and dance.

He also speaks to senior students about apartheid-era South Africa and the changes that have occurred there in recent years.