SASOLBURG – Afrikaanse Hoërskool Sasolburg, affectionately known as Affies, has officially appointed a new principal.

Telana Vorster, a seasoned professional and qualified educator within the Department of Basic Education, took the reins on July 1.

Vorster has served in various roles across the educational value chain, and for the past two years, she has been making a significant impact in her role as deputy principal at Affies.

Speaking to Ster, Vorster shared the story of her teaching career and how she looks forward to leading from the front.

“Never in my life have I imagined being an educator. At the beginning of my matric year, I thought of going overseas and studying something completely different. One day, we had an event at our church and I asked God for direction,” she said.

“Immediately when kids came in, something inside me said teaching, and I knew then that that’s the career I should follow, despite teaching not being flashy at that time like being a doctor, or being a lawyer,” she added.

Starting her teaching journey at the North-West University, Vorster said she wasn’t always the smartest until she started her expedition.

“I hated school; however, I excelled at university, and that showed me that this was meant for me.”

Sharing her experience and the schools she has uplifted with her talent, Vorster started teaching at a primary school.

“I started working at Laerskool Handhawer in 2011 until 2012 before moving to a high school in Boksburg. I didn’t have plans of teaching high school; I guess that was also God. After Hoërskool Voortrekker High, I came to Afrikaanse Hoërskool where I started as a deputy,” she said.

With several mentors on her side, Vorster said her journey was well paved as preparation for her current position.

“I had good mentors in my life who moulded me in all aspects of the teaching profession. From teaching to administration of the day-today things.”

Touching on her state of readiness, Vorster said she’s ready to hit the ground running.

“I’m willing to learn, and I’m sure there will be mistakes and challenges there and here; however, this is a way we learn. I’m happy to be the principal and look forward to great things and developing the school,” she said.

Congratulations were in order for the newly appointed headmaster, with dozens welcoming her in her new post.