Retired KwaDukuza principal believes management and passion leads to quality schooling

A pillar of wisdom and strength in the KwaDukuza schooling community Abednego Khumalo has had a remarkable career in education spanning 35 years.

He has twice acted as principal of Zilungisele Primary School and been promoted to acting deputy chief education specialist in the Stanger Circuit, all the while continuing to advocate for quality education that puts pupils’ needs first.

Recently retired, Khumalo is excited to share his decades of educational experience and know-how through his new role as a mentor, where he’ll be coaching principals on school management to add value to both learners and educators from five MRP Foundation Schools in low income areas in KwaDukuza.

When Zilungisele Primary School joined the MRP Foundation Schools programme in 2010 Khumalo immediately embraced the holistic education model that focuses on pupil and educator development.

As part of the programme pupils have the opportunity to explore arts and culture, technology-based learning and physical education while teachers receive regular support through training and mentorship.

With Khumalo’s enthusiastic attitude combined with sustained and strategic support from the MRP Foundation Schools programme the low-income school now shines as a beacon of hope on KwaDukuza’s rolling hills, demonstrating how solid management and a passion for education can lead to a quality schooling.malo explained: “I’ve seen a tremendous improvement in the schools. Before the programme started at Zilungisele Primary School we couldn’t use computers but now everything, including daily preparation, is done using computers. The pupils use it for maths, science and research. Technology in schools has changed the lives of pupils.

“The MRP Foundation Schools programme also re-skilled the teachers in their learning areas, particularly maths and English, which has improved classroom practice tremendously.

“Now teachers are arriving to class with pride, better equipped to deliver lessons. In future, we will have empowered pupils who are critical thinkers instead of learners that just regurgitate knowledge.”

Khumalo is eager to explore his new role as a MRP Foundation Schools mentor where he believes he’ll have the chance to reach his full potential.

“Partnering with the MRP Foundation has given me new challenges and I feel I’m already contributing positively to the five MRP Foundation schools.”

Respected in the community the family man has also found time over the years to explore his other passions including playing soccer on a semi-professional level, achieving a green belt in karate and recording seven gospel albums.

“My dream is to transform these schools to be well managed by principals so that they lead their schools in the right direction. I can contribute to the betterment of our education and reignite the love of the teaching profession despite the fact that there are challenges. A school can be poor in terms of infrastructure but if it’s strong with curriculum delivery then that school is successful.”

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