Half a century and beyond of teaching
In his 55 years of teaching Science, Thys has had the opportunity to make an impact on thousands of young lives.
For many, the teaching profession is simply a job, for others it’s a passion – but for a very select few it’s a calling. And for someone like Thys Basson, who has been teaching for 55 years, his calling is his life’s purpose.
In his half-century of teaching Science, Thys believes he has had an impact on thousands of young lives.
“I am focused on releasing the potential every child holds within himself. Through this, I urge them to seek the will of God with all of their heart and then to pursue it with all of their might to ensure happiness and contentment,” he said.
Thys’ teaching journey started when he was approached by the TED (the former Transvaal Education Department) to do his BSc (Hon) at RAU (now the University of Johannesburg) in Chemistry. He completed the degree course cum laude. Subsequently, he was identified as one of the three top university/ technikon students to receive the James Moir Medal from the South African Chemical Institute. He went on to complete a Masters degree in organic chemistry, also cum laude. His field of study involved selective chemical transformations of carbohydrates, and led to the development of a powerful anticoagulant currently used in Intensive Care Units.
Thys has had an extremely varied teaching career. He has trained many of the science teachers on the West Rand, was appointed as Chief Marker of Grade 12 Physics examinations on the West Rand and Deputy Chief Marker of Grade 12 Chemistry papers in Gauteng, and hosted several winter schools for learners in danger of failing, as well as elite schools for those working towards science distinctions. The Tsebo Education Network asked him to train science teachers and Grade 12 science learners at five schools in Mpumalanga, and he also taught science learners from various Soweto schools at Wits University. He trained the laboratory staff of SA Oil Mills (Tiger Oats) in Randfontein in things like Analytical Chemistry as well. As if that wasn’t enough, he became involved in ABETS (Adult Basic Education and Training) for working adults too.
In addition, Thys worked with Professor A Wiechers, the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry at Pretoria University, doing research on the biosynthesis of alkaloids, and developed a comprehensive file of notes and worksheets together with eight hours of DVD presentations as integrated media, which was used in many schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Thys was also Deputy Principal at Town View High School for 10 years, prior to going on pension at 65. He didn’t stop there though, and now teaches Science at St. Ursula’s School in Krugersdorp, He aims to assist these children until he draws his last breath.
Thys considers his achievements as just a small fraction of a drop in the bucket inspired by a childlike submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit of God, and concluded his interview with the words “Soli Deo gloria”, which is Latin for “Glory to God alone”.
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