Dr Razia Ghanchi-Badasie (49) is the principal of Brenthurst Primary School. The Benoni resident has been at the helm of the local school since 2006. Razia is married to Pav (50) and the couple has two children, Sameer (14) and Saahil (12).
• Provide a brief description of your career history.
I started teaching at William Hills High School, in Actonville, Benoni.
I taught biology up to matric level as well as natural and physical sciences.
I got a double promotion to deputy principal at Malvern High school, where I also acted as principal.
Seeking a new challenge, I accepted a deputy principal post at the prestigious Parktown High School for Girls.
In total, I served as a deputy principal for seven years.
In 2006, I accepted the position of principal at Brenthurst Primary School.
• What inspired you to become a school principal?
I never consciously set a goal to be a principal.
However, my work ethic, people skills and natural leadership flair resulted in me constantly widening my sphere of influence.
• How would your learners describe you?
I am a strict disciplinarian. However, I am perceived as a fun and fair person.
Let me share what a Grade Seven learner, Sharon Dumba, said about me: “Dear Dr Ghanchi-Badasie, I have been to four schools so far but there is no other principal as fun as you.
“You dance with us, you do the NS quiz and math challenge and you do special assemblies, and we all maintain our respect for you.
“You are an angel from above.
“May God bless you!”
• When you were in school what subject provided the best learning experience for you?
English.
Through the use of words I am able to motivate, inspire, encourage, comfort and confront with care.
These are essential leadership tools.
• What do you like most about your job?
I get to be with children daily, playing the essential role of building the next generation of South Africans.
I enjoy developing teachers to reach and exceed my high expectations for the benefit of the children.
• Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your chosen career?
Novice teachers need to adopt an enthusiastic and professional learning approach.
They need to be receptive to feedback and commit to overcoming the many challenges they will face.
• What do you see on the horizon for your line of work?
I am ready for the next chapter of my life in this profession.
I see myself playing a leading role in a secondary school or being a lecturer in tertiary education for prospective teachers.
• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I dance daily.
• Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by strong women, like my mom and sister, who are teachers and community healers, and strong men, like my husband, who are present in their family’s lives, raising them with strict values.
• What do you feel you have bragging rights to?
Personally, becoming a principal before I turned 40 and achieving a PhD without a single day of study leave.
Professionally, developing my staff to the extent that we can boast many National Teacher awards: seven first positions in the district and cluster, five top three positions in the province and one second position in the country.
• What is your favourite thing about Brakpan?
Friendly service at the stores I frequent.
