HIGH school teacher Selinah Mabutla was awarded a certificate for being the best teacher of 2013 at VP Manthatha High School in Mogodi, Bochum recently.
In 2012, the department of education awarded Mabutla with a certificate after her gr. 12 class obtained a 100% pass rate.
Mabutla said she she was committed to teaching, as it enabled her to help learners who were from disadvantaged backgrounds and she was happy her school recognised what she was doing.
Besides helping the learners with their lessons, her home is open to learners who have nowhere to live. She also helps them to apply for scholarships and bursaries. “One of the students is studying law in Johannesburg now,” she said proudly.
Doing good work within her community was something close to her heart, she said. “I like helping people and expect nothing in return,” she said.
Besides her time, Mabutla also donates food and clothes to her community. She especially has a soft spot for the local crèche. “When it is time for pre-school graduations, I go and decorate, cook and organise entertainment for them,” she said.
One of the learners she helps is Lerato Malete, who said she was grateful for what Mabutla was doing for her. “Not everyone can do what she does and I am happy the school has recognised the good work she does,” she said.
Local resident Rosina Hlapa said: “Since my husband died, Mabutla has been very helpful; she is everything to me and my family. I do piece jobs in her home and what she gives me, makes a difference to my family. I am very grateful to have someone like her in my community. I wish we could all learn something from her,” she said.
