Tshepo Nsibande’s teaching skills at Thuto-Thebe honoured
“I enjoy helping the learners and giving directions so that they pass,” Mr Nsibande said.
Accolades are ringing out for the history teacher at Thuto-Thebe Secondary School in Standerton.
Mr Tshepo Nsibande recently walked to the podium at the Lekwa West Circuit Awards to receive the trophy as best teacher for both 2018 and 2019.
Ms Yasmeen Mahomed, circuit manager, mentioned the 37 learners with 19 achieving distinctions.
“I enjoy helping the learners and giving directions so that they pass,” Mr Nsibande said. It makes me happy.”
He admitted to teaching the first learner at Thuto-Thebe Secondary School to get a distinction in 2012 and this former learner’s academic future looks bright since a doctorate in political science is in the pipeline.
Tshepo did his tertiary education at the University of Zululand, taught at a school in Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal before deciding to test his entrepreneurial skills.
Then a call from the deputy principal at Thuto-Thebe, Mr Jabulani Twala, changed his history.
“I was recruited to join them and decided to give it a go,” he added.
A total of 88 Grade 12 learners in two classes is no daunting prospect for him.
“I have already identified their strengths and weaknesses.”
The Nsibandes moved to town in 2003 and his wife, Boni, teaches at Amersfoort Secondary School.
Their children Lesego, Thabang and Fezeka have a special place in Tshepo’s heart.
“The best thing that ever happened to me was watching my children grow.”
The disciplinarian in him extends to his fitness regime with clocking in 66km weekly, a route that takes him from early morning all over the town. He returns from his 12kms, shower and then it is off to school.
Tshepo has completed the Comrades Marathon five times and as proof, four bronze medals and one Robert Mtshali-medal are in his possession.
He said his mother influenced him with her unfailing support and advice, always asking how she could be of help and the reason why he needed help.
As an avid reader of newspapers, he keeps abreast of what is happening in the country and the world and would follow the progress of his soccer team, Kaiser Chiefs, closely.
A favourite dish, no question about it, is pap and meat and don’t forget the chakalaka.
The man, who is teaching at one of the good schools in Standerton, is committed to his learners.
“Here I am, still there,” Tshepo concluded.
