WATCH: Teacher Bella retires after 42 years of shaping lives at Randeor School
After more than four decades of dedicated service, Isabela “Bella” de Klerk leaves behind a legacy of compassion, discipline and unwavering commitment to learners with special needs.
Isabela de Klerk, affectionately known as Bella, has retired after an extraordinary 42 years of dedicated service at Randeor School in Winchester Hills.
Born and raised in the south of Johannesburg, she attended Turffontein Primary School before continuing her high school journey at Die Fakkel High School. She often describes her school years as some of the happiest of her life.
“School was always my safe and happy place,” she shared. “I was fortunate to have wonderful teachers who shaped me, especially my sewing, English and Afrikaans teachers.”
One memory remained especially close to her heart. “My Afrikaans teacher, Mrs Potgieter, also taught me practical life skills. Every Friday, she would hand me bread and fillings and tell me to prepare sandwiches. That is where my love for cooking began. I always say, never trust a skinny cook,” she added.
Her mother also played an active role in her school life, helping arrange tables and decorate halls for school events and athletics days.
After matriculating, she studied teaching at the former Goudstad Onderwyskollege in Johannesburg, now part of the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus.
@southern.courier Born and raised in the south of Johannesburg, she attended Turffontein Primary School before continuing her high school journey at Die Fakkel High School. She often describes her school years as some of the happiest of her life. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
♬ original sound – Southern Courier
“I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved studying and I loved learning,” she said.
At just 22, she began her first teaching post. At the time, she lived in Turf Club in the south of Johannesburg and could not yet drive. Her parents encouraged her to find work closer to home, which led her into special education.
A home at Randeor School
Her first role in special education began at a special school in Rotunda Park, where she taught needlework.
“I started as the youngest staff member, teaching needlework, which I absolutely loved. The other teachers were very supportive and helped me settle in,” she added.
Before she learnt to drive, she would walk around 3-4 km to work each day. “It was not easy, but I never minded. I knew I was doing what I loved.”
She remained at Rotunda Park for about seven years before moving to Randeor School, where she would stay for more than four decades.
At Randeor School, Teacher Bella continued teaching needlework and later expanded into several subjects, including Afrikaans Second Language, mathematics, and economic and management sciences.
Her willingness to grow led her into many roles over the years. About 10 years ago, she was encouraged by her former principal, Mr Nel, to take on cooking classes.
For eight years, she arrived at school at 05:45 and often left only at 18:00.
@southern.courier Isabela de Klerk, affectionately known as Bella, has retired after an extraordinary 42 years of dedicated service at Randeor School in Winchester Hills. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
♬ original sound – Southern Courier
“I truly enjoyed it,” she said. “Especially when we prepared extra food for meetings or sports events. It was hard work, but very rewarding.”
In her final years, she taught Arts and Crafts, which brought her great joy. “I loved seeing learners express themselves creatively,” she said.
Teaching with purpose and belief in equality
Bella’s approach to teaching was shaped deeply by her belief in fairness and dignity for all learners, especially those with special needs.
“The sun shines for everyone,” she often reminded her learners. “It does not matter who you are or what you do in life.”
She explained it further with a simple example: “We cannot drive on roads if they were not built by skilled workers. Every role matters, and every person has value.”
Her time in special education was driven by compassion. “I love working with special children because they are often overlooked. They deserve the same opportunities as everyone else, and that is what I dedicated my life to.”
She was also known for her discipline. “I was strict because I wanted learners to believe in themselves and not give up simply because they were different.”
She also shared with pride that some of her former learners went on to become chefs and hairdressers, with a few of them even working in Australia.
Colleagues and friendships
Throughout her career, she often spoke warmly of her colleagues and leadership team.
She expressed deep gratitude to principal Ronwyn Morgan-Rhodes, describing her as both a colleague and close friend.
Randeor School marked her retirement with a special celebration attended by staff, former colleagues, friends, and family. The event honoured her long service, her energy and the lasting mark she left on generations of learners.
Life after teaching
Now retired, Teacher Bella continues to enjoy her time at the Alberton Retirement Village, where she says she has found peace and a warm community.
She looks forward to dancing, needlework, arts and crafts, and even teaching small classes again to share her skills.
Most importantly, she is excited to spend more time with her children, family, and friends, many of whom supported her throughout her teaching journey.
Looking back, Bella hopes her life’s work will continue to make a difference.
She often ends with her favourite saying, “Die lewe is ’n lied” – life is a song.
“For me, life should be lived with joy and gratitude,” she said. “And I hope that is what I have passed on to my learners.”
