POLOKWANE – The education community in the city is mourning the passing of respected Nirvana Primary School principal Lucas Mmatlou Mothata, who died on April 1.

Born in November 1972 in Chebeng village, Mothata began his schooling at Mahlodumela Primary School and later attended Hosea Ntsanwisi Primary School before completing matric at Manane Secondary School.

He pursued a career in education, obtaining a diploma in teaching from the Bochum College of Education. He later advanced his academic qualifications with an honours degree from Unisa and a master’s degree from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Mothata began his teaching career at Manamela Primary School and went on to serve as head of department at Mamolapo Primary School. He later held a leadership role as vice deputy principal at Vent Primary School before being appointed principal at Feke Primary School and Kgwaredi Primary School.

On April 1, 2021, he was appointed principal of Nirvana Primary School, where he is credited with bringing significant improvements until his passing exactly five years later.

Learners and staff at the school expressed shock and sadness following the news of his death. Gr 6 prefect Tshegofatso Matshela said he struggled to come to terms with the loss of a principal he admired.

Mothata was widely described as a man of strong principles and values, whose leadership left a lasting impact on the school community.

Family, friends and education officials, including the Pietersburg circuit manager, gathered to honour his life and share memories.

His brother, Elias Mothata, said the family was deeply affected by the loss. “We are broken as a family, but we trust that God will give us strength during this difficult time,” he said.