Former educator (99) looks back on a remarkable teaching legacy
Gladys Radinne (99) who is a former primary school teacher said her teaching career was her calling, highlighting that she gained over 40 years of experience in the field.
Kwa-Thema – Gladys Radinne (99) is a former teacher with over 40 years of experience in teaching at primary school level.
Throughout her journey as a teacher, she managed to work in over 10 schools distributing love, care and respect.
She mentioned that she has always loved and enjoyed working with children, saying she believed that it was her passion and calling.
“I had a passion for teaching and I loved every minute of it. I loved imparting life lessons and basic school lessons to the children.
“I did not know that I would end up as an amazing teacher because growing up, I was not sure what I wanted to become,” she said.
Her teaching career started in Sophiatown, Johannesburg in 1946 at a nursery school. In 1950 she worked at Khotso Primary School in Paynville, Springs.
“I was a very strict teacher who also loved instilling discipline and manners. All the people that I have taught thank me for being the strict teacher that I was. They all managed to learn something from it.
“I formed good relationships with the learners’ parents as well. The parents loved and trusted me with their children.
“Neatness was the golden rule in my class. Even before retirement, none of my class learners were permitted to plait their hair. They all had to keep it short, neat and tidy,” she explained.
Radinne worked at Khwezi Primary School, now known as Fred Habedi Primary School, for 30 years. She highlighted that many who grew up under her care have managed to make big names for themselves and are wonderfully successful.
“That is heartwarming to witness. It pleases me so much.
“Apart from being a teacher, I loved netball but could not even play it. I went everywhere with netball teams, watched them play and envied the players.
“I loved music and was a music conductor at Khwezi Primary School since 1961. Under my leadership, my choir won an award for their excellence in music,” she said.
She was also a Scout who loved adventure, camps and recalls Scout camps as lifetime events with good memories.
“I loved every moment of camping. A memory that comes to mind and I laugh about it now is a day when we were sleeping in our tent and the wind collapsed it on us. That was a funny moment,” Radinne added.
Her son Kgomo Radinne said his mother enjoyed baking bread at home and was good at it, saying every time she baked, the bread was finished in one day.
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“She also enjoyed helping us with homework although there were occasional slaps here and there. My mother was also good with numbers.
“Her love for children also spread over to our children. Whenever I am with her in public, it feels as if I am walking with a celebrity.
“As a family, we are beyond happy to still have her in our lives. Her teachings have always been pure and intentional,” mentioned Kgomo.
Radinne concluded by citing that she does not regret choosing to become a teacher.
“I will forever be grateful for the work I have done in other people’s lives. All that I have done was to equip the next person. I did everything with love in my heart,” she concluded.
