Newly appointed Selpark Primary School principal Faith Nobantu Njenge is determined to build a culture of success, discipline and growth at the school after officially taking up the position in August 2025.

Njenge described her appointment as both a personal and professional milestone after years of working in education and school management.

Born and raised in Kwa-Thema, Njenge shared that she prides herself on success and wants to see her learners thrive.

Her teaching career started in 1995 in Mpumalanga, where she taught Business Economics and Accounting at Kwazamokuhle High School in Hendrina.

After years in the classroom, she moved into district leadership roles, working as a senior education specialist responsible for teacher development programmes, performance management, quality management systems and recruitment initiatives encouraging matriculants to enter the teaching profession.

Njenge returned to Springs and joined the Gauteng East District in 2021, where she served as senior education specialist and before coming to the school, she was the acting integrated district support official.

She said her move to Selpark Primary was driven by a desire for growth and transformation.

“What attracted me was the transformation and the growth. I also wanted an opportunity to impart my leadership skills to the staff and the community at large,” she explained.

One of her key priorities is improving the school’s infrastructure to ensure learners have a safe and supportive environment.

She highlighted upgrades already underway, including the installation of a new hall sound system and plans to rubberise playground areas to reduce injuries among younger learners.

“We want to ensure that our learners do not get injured. When a child gets injured at school, the school becomes responsible, so learner safety is important,” she said.

Njenge also stressed the importance of learner discipline and academic performance, saying the two go hand in hand.

She said the school follows alternative disciplinary measures in line with the Bela Act, including behaviour management systems, disciplinary hearings and parental involvement.

During break times, teachers monitor playgrounds to maintain order and ensure learners interact peacefully.

The principal also emphasised the school’s anti-bullying initiatives during No Bullying Week, encouraging learners to report incidents to teachers instead of resorting to violence.

According to Njenge, parents and the wider community play a major role in the success of the school.

The school also works closely with community stakeholders, including the CPF, healthcare workers and environmental health officials, especially during health outbreaks affecting learners.

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Njenge said teacher development and motivation are equally important. She encourages staff members to pursue promotions and further studies while also ensuring they understand departmental policies and professional expectations.

“I always tell them that ignorance is not an excuse. Teachers need to know policies and continue growing themselves professionally,” she said.

Beyond academics, Njenge hopes to strengthen extracurricular activities to ensure every learner has an opportunity to excel.

The school already offers soccer, netball, chess and choir, and she plans to introduce table tennis and majorettes in future.

A former national table tennis champion herself, Njenge hopes the new activities will help learners discover their talents and build confidence.

As she begins her new chapter at Selpark Primary, Njenge has one message for learners, teachers and parents.

“Nothing succeeds like success. We all need to work hard. Teachers must teach quality lessons, learners must commit themselves and parents must be hands-on with their children’s education,” she said.

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