POLOKWANE – For Vuyelwa Sethene, teaching is about more than textbooks and exams: It is about inspiring young people to become curious, confident and lifelong learners.

As a life sciences teacher at Northern Academy, she believes every learner has the potential to succeed when given the right support and encouragement.

A childhood rooted in learning

Sethene said she was raised between KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga and grew up in a family that valued education. Her parents encouraged her to read regularly and develop critical thinking skills from an early age.

Outside the classroom, she was passionate about sport, particularly hockey, while also enjoying soccer and swimming.

‘Teaching came into my life by chance’

Although teaching was not the career she initially planned, it soon became her calling.

“Teaching came into my life by chance, but what keeps me here is the opportunity to share scientific knowledge and help learners discover what they are capable of,” she said.

Sethene has dedicated herself to creating a classroom where learners feel valued and confident enough to participate. She believes meaningful learning begins with strong relationships.

“Every learner is different. If I feel that I am not connecting with my class, I change my teaching approach and create an environment where learners feel safe to ask questions and express themselves,” she said.

Patience and emotional intelligence matter

For Sethene, the classroom is a place where both learners and teachers continue to grow. She said one of the greatest lessons her career has taught her is the importance of patience and emotional intelligence.

“You cannot teach every learner in the same way. Being patient, understanding and willing to adapt can make all the difference in a learner’s academic journey,” she said.

Beyond the classroom

Sethene’s commitment to education has also been recognised beyond the classroom. In 2025, she served as a regional judge for the Eskom Science Expo, celebrating innovation and scientific excellence among young people. She was also appointed head coach of the Limpopo Blue Bulls senior women’s team.

Despite these achievements, Sethene said her proudest moments come from watching her learners improve and gain confidence in their abilities.

“There is no greater reward than seeing learners believe in themselves and realise that they can achieve more than they ever imagined,” she said.

Looking ahead

Looking to the future, Sethene’s goal is to help her learners achieve a 100% pass rate in life sciences while inspiring them to become critical thinkers and responsible citizens.