Karabo Ntanzi
It was an auspicious occasion for Masiza Primary School staff members, parents, and some members of the School Management Team as they bid farewell to two beloved teachers, Kedisaletse affectionately known as Sale Moheta and Mam Thandi Khonkhobe on Friday, 17 May.
The intimate gathering was held at one of the old restaurants in Kimberley, which matched the nude and white color scheme. The principal complimented the organizers for selecting an elegant theme, emulating the lives of both retired teachers.
Both teachers were applauded for their wisdom, humanity, and neatness amongst other qualities.
Chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) Chairperson, Mr Selaletse, who is also an educator explained to colleagues that they vowed to impart knowledge and make a difference in the lives of the learners.
“Although there are challenges from both learners and parents, educators must focus on how they want to be remembered. ‘What type of legacy do you want to leave behind?’ he asked. Selaletse commended the two “pensioners” for being exemplary and urged them to have fun.
Mam Khonkhobe’s long-time colleague, Stella Ngwenza thanked Ma Khonkhobe’s husband for being a pillar of strength to the school. “She had a compassionate ear for everyone, from learners to educators. Her leaners imitated her, and she was always on point and well-behaved. A true educator, who went to the extent of buying stationery for her learners,” she remarked.
Mam Segole, a Grade 4 Educator shared her journey with her mentor, Mam Moheta. “I enjoy teaching learners who are molded by retired educators because all of them write like their former teachers, and all of them have the necessary stationery including portfolios that they carry over from the previous class,” stated Moheta.
Segole spoke passionately about Mam Moheta, mentioning how the retired teacher used to decorate the report envelopes, insert sweets, and hand out party packs in December.
Moheta, a staunch Catholic who teaches Catechist (teaching children) at church indicated that she draws her strength from a Catholic Priest who used to conduct Mass monthly while she was a student at Strydom Teachers College in Thaba Nchu. The Priest quoted from the parable of the sower of seeds that fell on stony ground, among thorns and fertile ground, and encouraged them not to measure their success with the seed that fell on the fertile ground, but to work hard and help those who are unable to bear fruit.
Ma Khonkhobe spoke strongly on unity and to speak or respond only when necessary, a trait she learned from her predecessors like the late Mam Mazwi, who inspired her dressing style.
Both pensioners have been teaching for over 30 years, although Moheta only started at Masiza in 2016, her teaching career began in Warrenton.
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