33 years of friendly and excellent service
For 33 years Betty Chauke has been a constant friendly face at Laerskool Pietersburg (PLS) and an integral part of the school family
POLOKWANE – Betty is the tea lady at the school and has been a part of the school for more than three decades.
She joined the school after the death of her husband, the only breadwinner, and she had to find employment to provide for her children.
“I had to fill in for a friend of mine who was a domestic worker. When I arrived at the house, the employer said he loved how dedicated I am to my work and he suggested that I come work for the school,” she recalls.
She says she has stayed at the school for so long as she feels like part of the family, and she is happy with what she does.
I am treated extremely well, I love the fact that everyone gets along here and there is no discrimination.
When one of her children died, she says the school showed immense compassion and support.
“I went through a very difficult time, but I knew that I will be alright because God is always on my side and my family at the school supports me.”
Although she is of retirement age, retirement is not something she is overly excited about. She attributes this to the close relationship she has with the entire school.
“I don’t want to retire even though I know that I have to. Even the principal requested that I stay on a little bit longer. The school has a loving and friendly atmosphere that I treasure. Even when I go on leave I miss everyone a lot,” Betty explains.
PLS spokesperson and public relations manager, Charlotte van der Bergh, says Betty is a close friend and an invaluable asset to the school.
“She has been with us for a long time and we are very fond of her, we thank God for blessing us with her. She is extremely hard working and one of the most genuine people I know,” says Van der Bergh.
