Befitting send-off for principal
The school and the community will also remember Mhlanga for the love she had for needy learners which she showed through the school's breakfast kitchen which provides breakfast for needy learners each morning.
NHLAZATSHE – One of the loyal and long-time serving teachers in the province received a send-off fit for a queen after spending 37 years in the profession.
Ms Nomsa Mavis Mhlanga, who started her career at Tenteleni Primary from 1978 to 1981, moved to Siyeta Primary in Nhlazatshe from 1981 to 2006 and finally to LaMagadlela Primary School where she was principal until her retirement. She shed tears of joy as she and her husband, Mr Joseph Mhlanga, also a recently retired principal of Mkhomazana Primary School, together with their family members and friends were welcomed by a convoy of LaMagadlela Primary School’s drum majorettes escorted by traffic officers who lead them from the main road to the well-decorated venue at the school.
Songs, praise and poetry composed by teachers and learners highlighted how Mhlanga’s dedication and hard work contributed to take the school from zero to hero in the nine years she spent at this school.
It was heard how Mhlanga – working hand in hand with the School Governing Body (SGB) – scouted and successfully secured sponsors from local businesses for the improvement of the school’s facilities such as the fence, gates, the building of new toilets, a preschool, a library, a kitchen, a car shelter and an assembly square, and an admin block, to name a few.
“She was an innovator and visionary for the school. Through her leadership we became one of the schools that are environmentally friendly. We even cater to learners living with disabilities, as we built ramps for wheelchairs. We also have adequate furniture for our learners and even extras to use for large events,” explained Ms Kate Masina, the SGB chairperson.
“We also have computers and laptops in this school,” she added. Teacher after teacher described Mhlanga as a good communicator who strove to create unity and love among her employees and didn’t tolerate any form of gossip. It was also heard that she had instilled faith among her colleagues as she began morning prayer sessions at the school, where she urged teachers never to cease to do good.
The school and the community will also remember Mhlanga for the love she had for needy learners which she showed through the school’s breakfast kitchen which provides breakfast for needy learners each morning. “Teachers contribute as little as R50 per month to ensure that breakfast is available for the needy learners each morning,” added Masina. “She even volunteered to cook for those learners during teachers’ strikes, because she loves the school and treat it like her own home,” she said.
It was heard that she also raked in former learners to fully support the project and bought needy learners school uniforms and Christmas presents. The Badplaas circuit manager Mr MJ Sibeko congratulated Mhlanga whom she called “Memory Stick” for having worked tirelessly up to her retirement.
“Uyajabula wena osengapho!” he said. “She ran a good race and played her part, we are happy for her although the department is not happy in losing principals of her calibre. She was an agent for change, she was a visionary and influential leader. She listened and motivated and was a merciful leader. This school even received a prize as the best performing school in this circuit. We are very proud of her and wish her and her family all the best for the future,” said Sibeko.
The event was graced by a number of pastors of different churches who motivated and shared words of wisdom from the scriptures.
In her speech of acknowledgement Mhlanga profusely thanked the management of Badplaas circuit for seeing the potential in her that she could be the head of a school. She also thanked the support she had received from parents, teachers, the SGB members and the community at large.
“I am happy that I have no grudge with anyone and I will continue to support needy learners from this school,” she said. Mhlanga also urged other businesses and individuals to donate in whatever way to assist needy kids at the school.
Mhlanga and her husband are considering to enjoy their retirement by writing about their life’s journey and their 34 years of a happy marriage.
