The selfless acts of Mr James Phahlela Maswanganyi, legendary founding principal of M'tititi High School in the Malamulele District, have not gone unnoticed. To prove this, the school's first Grade 8 (Form 1) class of 1974 have regrouped to organise an event to honour the man who had changed their lives 48 years ago. The event is to take place at the school on Friday, 29 July, starting at 08:00.
Mr George Maluleke, the secretary of the preparatory committee, called M'tititi Class of Maswanganyi, said that this event was long overdue. "We have parted with him more than 40 years ago, with his products having pursued different careers, but when we look back, we feel there is something we did not do: give credit where it is due, and tell him we are thankful for the role he played in our lives," said Maluleke, who is a retired school principal himself.
He said that, when some of the learners dropped out of school, Maswanganyi personally went to their homes and persuaded them to finish their secondary schooling, offering to pay their fees from his own pocket. "Many of those learners became professional people later in their lives."
The legendary school principal had indeed produced many people who have distinguished themselves in different career fields, such as well-known broadcaster Mr Sydney Baloyi, retired magistrate Mr Daniel Maluleke, journalist Mr Benson Ntlemo, former Thulamela senior manager Mr Ndengeza Masangu and the late Mr Rodgers Ngobeni, once the mayor of Levubu-Shingwedzi Transitional Local Council. Some, including Dr Jabulani Happy Nukeri, Dr Anna Mathye and Dr Jackie Moyane, went so far as to obtain their PhDs.
Mr Ernest Khosa, who is an author and the chairperson of the National Student Aid Scheme Board, will be the guest speaker, while the National Education Collaboration Trust will be donating some books to the Read to Lead campaign. Well-known author and retired news reader for Munghana Lone FM Mr Freddie Rikhotso has also confirmed that he will attend the event.