Judy Makhanye looks back on a career spanning nearly 37 years at Stannies
The Department of Education chose Judy, as she was affectionately baptised at Stannies, to begin studying at Khula-Sakhile Secondary School and later on at the Standerton Hospital where classes in Adult Education were presented. Judy’s father, Mr Fanjan Tsotetsi, was the one who roped her in for a career at Laerskool Standerton.
Ms Judy Makhanye now draws a pension after a service record of 36 years and seven months at Laerskool Standerton.
Busisiwe Jubeth Makhanye has several certificates testifying to her accomplishments after completing Unisa’s Adult Examination in Mathematics and Communication in English respectively in 2005 and 2003.
Her graduation ceremony took place at the Ermelo Stadium in 2007.
The mother of Patricia, Sibusiso and Mathaosizi’s journey began at the age of 28 when she could not speak Afrikaans and was appointed as general worker at the primary school.
Judy gradually began helping in the office and ended up being a stalwart in the administration.
Instructions to take copies to teachers such as Ms Elize Hefer, Ms Wiets Butler, Ms Ronel Boer and Ms Martie Pretorius resulted in picking up Afrikaans and English, while fully mastering the duplicating machine.
“I jumped to have the copies ready in time for the ‘juffrouens’,” Judy said.
He was a general worker there and the whole family helped with cleaning when the school closed during holidays.
Since Judy’s husband, Jerry, passed away in 2013, she carried the brunt of caring for her family and she also has three grandchildren.
The taxi route from Phalama Section in the township was taken weekdays to report for duty and looking back at her career, the human element came into play.
“I enjoyed working there and I am going to miss them,” she concluded.
Laerskool Standerton paid a thoughtful tribute to her as well.
“We wish her a blessed pension and hope that she will be spared for the sake of her loved ones.”
