A final bell for Reiger Park Secondary’s Tekana after 30 years of shaping lives

Reiger Park Secondary principal Raymond Tekana has closed a chapter that was about far more than teaching, it was about becoming part of the community he called home.

17 minutes ago

Zamantolo Fakude 2 minutes read

Man in a white suite standing next to a woman in a white blouse. Learners with red school uniform surrounding them. — Principal Raymond Tekana and his wife, Antoinette.

Reiger Park Secondary School bid an emotional farewell to its principal, Raymond Tekana, on August 28, as educators and learners gathered to celebrate his 30-year teaching career and wish him well in his retirement.

Boksburg Advertiser attended the send-off, where colleagues and learners reflected on the impact Tekana had made during his years at the school and in the wider Reiger Park community.

Born and bred in Reiger Park, Tekana spent three decades teaching in the area.

Man in a white suit pointing at a poster. — Reiger Park Secondary principal Raymond Tekana reflects on his 30-year teaching journey as he prepares for retirement. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

His career included time at Oosrand Secondary School before he joined Reiger Park Secondary School, where he spent the remainder of his teaching career.

For many educators, Tekana was remembered as a principal who could be strict, but who was equally dedicated to the people around him.

Olehile Segoneco, one of the educators who worked alongside him, described Tekana as a leader who was not afraid to get things done.

Man with short hair and adidas jacket — Educator shares a moment during the retirement send-off for Reiger Park Secondary School principal, Olehile Segoneco. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

“He was a leader and he had his flaws; we rubbed each other up the wrong way at times, but he was a leader that made things happen,” said Segoneco.

Learners also had their own fond memories of the principal, particularly his familiar catchphrases, like “Don’t make a mockery of our school” and “Hello, hello, go to class.”

Two girls in school uniform — Learners Lwethu Makhaula and Maliquen van Rooyen reflect on their favourite memories of their principal during his retirement send-off. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

For some educators, Tekana’s legacy was also about allowing others to grow within the school.

“I was a learner and am now an educator at this school, which is amazing to me,” said Robelene Costa.

Colleague Anchen Pretorius described Tekana as a principal who led with discipline and compassion.

“He was very strict but loving. He led us with dedication and gave a listening ear. The position and power have never changed him.”

Lady with black hair and white tshirt — Educators at Reiger Park Secondary School bid farewell to principal Robelene Costa after three decades in education. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

Lady smiling wearing a black cap, white tshirt, and jean jacket — Educators at Reiger Park Secondary School bid farewell to principal Robelene Costa after three decades in education. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

As he reflected on his retirement, Tekana said the school had become much more than a workplace.

“This was not just a school to me but became a part of who I am. There were happy days, difficult days and memorable days. Through all these days, it remained the centre of my life,” he said.

His message to the educators and learners he leaves behind was one of encouragement.

“To educators, remember you are not just teaching, but you are shaping lives, and to learners, your circumstances don’t always define where you’ll end up.”