Former Students, colleagues, family and friends honoured the life and career of educator and community builder Masechaba Kanye at the Emerald Resort and Casino recently.

Kanye, who has been in the teaching fraternity for decades, was given recognition by former students of Makapane Primary School and Tshirela Higher Primary. This is after they decided to honour Kanye for her exceptional service to education and the positive impact she had on their lives.

Director of Sedibeng Training Academy Richard Mothobi Nqhatsetseng says, “Mrs Kanye has rendered 34 years of uninterrupted distinguished service to Tshirela Higher Primary School. Her commitment to teaching, mentorship, and community development represents a standard of excellence to which we all should aspire. Her legacy is evident in the generations of learners whose lives she has shaped. On behalf of all her former students, we express our profound gratitude. We celebrate not only her longevity in service, but the quality and impact of that service.”

Kanye realised that teaching was a calling for her because of the immense satisfaction it brought her. She has always been committed to excellence, using high values and moral systems to improve the lives of her pupils.

She taught at various schools throughout her career, including Vaaldam Community School, Sasolburg Community School, and Tshirela Higher Primary School.

Kanye believes that education is important because it improves the quality of life, contributes to skills development and career advancement.

“Over time, the mechanisms of teaching have changed, but the original purpose of teaching, which includes managing, designing, supporting, developing, and mentoring, has remained the same and is still at the centre of what it means to be a teacher.”

Her proudest moment was in 1999, when she was appointed as a deputy principal at her school. A move that allowed her to use her voice to empower others. She is also grateful to parents, learners, colleagues and superiors for their unwavering support. Kanye is remembered as someone who has always had a way of cultivating pleasure to her learners through teaching.

Speaking to teachers who are still running the race, Kanye believes it is important that they invite God into everything they do. “Understand who you are so that you can be understood by your learners. Commit to your work.

”I want those who have come after me to remember that nothing in this life has meaning unless you give it meaning. Continue to be a ray of light in everything you touch.”

Talking about the event, Kanye expressed that she felt excited, honoured, and had a deep sense of gratitude to have people share memories they cherish about a life they have experienced with her.

“What made the ceremony at Emerald special was realising that I truly brought purpose and meaning to other people’s lives. I witnessed the true measure of a life lived in service, the powerful testament to the enduring nature of my influence, and the love and kindness I’ve shown to everyone I came across in my journey.”