Shock passing of LHS teacher

Mrs Cele was a one-of-a-kind teacher who achieved many firsts in her career, most notably being the first black teacher employed at LHS.
But more importantly than achieving such an academic milestone, she was a mother to all the pupils she taught, a confidant and a friend – a truly caring soul in a sea of educational formality.

Mrs Cele passed away on Wednesday morning at her home in the arms of her family after suffering a suspected stroke / heart attack.
Staff and pupils at Ladysmith High School were clearly devastated by this sudden loss.
The school’s flag flew at half-mast, a fitting tribute to a teacher who did so much to bring life to the spirit of the “Rainbow Nation” at the school.
Gladiness Sindi Cele was more than an IsiZulu teacher at Ladysmith High School, she was a mother to all and a shining light – a beacon of hope for those in need.

Always with a smile on her face, she greeted each day as an opportunity to teach, share, worship and love…
She was appointed as the first IsiZulu teacher at Ladysmith High School on January 15, 2007, by then principal Dr Liversage.
Her academic credentials were beyond reproach…

Classed by the education department as a “Master Teacher”, she was always striving to improve her qualifications, achieving a Bachelor of Education Honours in 2003 and an Advanced Certificate in Education from the University of Johannesburg in 2006.
She started each morning at home with a praise worship…

She took an active interest in all her students’ lives and was known to pitch up unannounced at house parties to lead estranged pupils home with a strong lecture… There was no pulling the wool over her eyes.
But as strict as she could be when required, her heart would melt at the suffering of those in need.

She fostered several children and took care of many more behind the scenes, asking for nothing…
She leaves behind a larger-than-life family of children, both hers and those she directly and indirectly touched.
Go with God, Mrs Cele – you have earned your place at His side.