Tembisa teacher breaks boundaries

By Tumelo Mthethwa

At a time where the spotlight in South Africa is shining brightly on women, their strength and achievements, Dorcas Malatjie is one such woman.

She is proof that one can never be too young to accomplish any goal they set their mind to achieve. In fact, she is also living proof that one’s background and upbringing cannot limit the heights they can reach with great determination and hard work.

Malatjie holds a BEd degree Senior Phase, BEd Honours Assessment and Quality Assurance in education and this year is completing her final year Masters in Curriculum Design and Development. She obtained her degree Cum Laude and hopes to also complete her PhD.

Malatjie is the daughter of renowned actor Oupa ‘China’ Malatjie. Working with children makes her happy and that’s why she chose to become a teacher.

“In the classroom is where I meet our future presidents, doctors, nurses etc. Working with children is amazing. It is in teaching where I am able to motivate those children. To tell them that they can be whatever they want. Those children spend more time with us than with their parents. I spend time with children who have different challenges and experiences. It is very hard sometimes. But God gives me wisdom,” she said.

“Seeing the children changing their behaviour, getting good grades and loving what they do makes me happy.

“They’re innocent. Even the children who are classified as ‘naughty’ make me happy. You see a child’s mind is like a blank paper. Whatever you write on it stays. So I am happy to work with them because I always ask God to help me speak good things to them. I know that if I can be patient and believe in them, then they will do good. I love the smile I always see on their faces when I tell them I’m proud of them. Being there to support them when they need me makes me happy.”

Growing up, Malatjie said she was blessed to have good teachers at school who loved their work and who believed in her. “It was their love for education that caused me to follow this career path.”

Not only is she an educator, but she is also a dancer and choreographer, as well as a netball player and coach.

“I am a girl from Tembisa who loves people. I am a teacher by profession and completed my education degree at the University of Pretoria. Above all, I love God,” she described herself.

She is very athletic and her favourite sport is netball.

“I love netball with all my heart. Netball helps me develop strategic thinking skills. It is a fast game that needs you to be strategic and think quickly at all times. Plus it keeps me fit, physically and mentally,” she explained.

The 26-year-old wants to complete her PhD and then focus on her purpose in life, which she says is helping the less fortunate.

“Growing up, life was very challenging but through other people’s motivations and teachings, I was able to focus, work hard and become what I wanted to be. That is also my goal, to see myself inspiring young people, motivating them to achieve great things and helping those who are in need.”

She pointed out that she wished she could have a kitchen where she could cook breakfast for kids before they went to school and lunch when they returned, as well as help them with their school work.

Malatjie currently goes to different schools motivating Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners.

“I encourage them to study and focus so that they can get good grades at the end. I also share my story of how I grew up, the challenges I’ve faced and how I’ve overcome them. I give study tips and support where I can,” she enthusiastically explained.

Malatjie is a mathematics whiz and is working on registering a company so she can open a Saturday tutorial school for mathematics.

“I want to open that ASAP,” she adds.

She cannot stop raving about her love for the field of education.

“It’s amazing. I want to be remembered as someone who loved and enjoyed education, who believed that the sky is not the limit. As someone who was dedicated, loving, passionate about education and who believed in each and every individual. And also as someone who relied on God, because without Him, I am nothing.”

Her advice to young people is to love themselves, to be disciplined and to have big goals, to trust in the Lord, commit all to Him and He will direct them. She also advised them to go to school and obtain a degree.

“It does not matter where you come from. Whether you’re from a poor family or a wealthy one, it does not matter. Just be confident, your confidence will take you far. Don’t copy others. Be unique and work at your own pace. No pressure.

“Another thing, have the guts to try. Don’t allow the world to define you. Stay true to yourself and don’t let negative talks distract you and choose your friends wisely. If you have failed its fine, we learn from our failures. Get up, pull yourself together and work.”