Soweto school bids farewell to educator after 35 years of service
Pule Hlahane, an educator at Emshukantambo Secondary School shared that the 35 years have been driven by a passion of making a difference in childrens lives.
Emshukantambo Secondary School (ESS) in Pimville, Soweto bid farewell to an educator after 35 years of serving the community on April 8.
An emotional farewell ceremony was held as the learners, colleagues and community members came out in numbers to celebrate Pule Hlahane who has been with the school as an English educatorsince 1991.
He reminisced on his career as an educator, sharing that he started off with the school was literally non- existent as it was not yet built and would hop from one school within the community to the other for lessons.
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“This is an end of an era however I pride myself in the fact that sir Hlahane has been with the school for years and has produced great results.
“It is only normal that we are so emotional because we have built a bond and, in this school, we are more than just colleagues but we are family,” said Richard Masemola, principal of ESS.
The school choir rendered songs while colleagues and partners of the school shared emotional speeches about Hlahane and their journey with him. Some adding that he was more than just an educator but managed to get learners opportunities to experience the world as exchange students.
Emotional Hlahane took upon the stage to show his appreciation for the gesture telling everyone present how this has been an emotional period for him.
‘’Today my service is being recognized and celebrated. Seeing the guard of honor by the learners and my colleagues at the gate as I drove towards the school gate made me extremely emotional.
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“I did not know how difficult this would be. What I want to leave my colleagues with is that can they please continue to treat these children as their own, no matter how tough it is because they rely on us,” he said.
A colleague, Mpho Molapo closed off by thanking Hlahane’s passion for both students and them; colleagues sharing that he has always been a mentor and his lively spirit will be missed by all.
