Veteran local educators and community leaders were honoured for their decades of service at a ceremony hosted by the Hlanganani North Circuit, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and UNESCO. The event, held on Thursday, 22 May, at Vhembe TVET College in Ha-Mashamba, brought together learners, education officials, traditional leaders and residents.
The gathering formed part of Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Reginah Mhaule's oversight and school-monitoring visit, accompanied by Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.
Held under the theme Education as a Societal Issue: Recognising the Contribution of Retired Educators and Community Members in the Advancement of Education, the event celebrated retired educators, traditional authorities and education stakeholders for their lifelong commitment to learning and community upliftment.
While recognising past contributions, the event also spotlighted ongoing challenges. Ndalamo Secondary School, which operates with just three teachers but continues to perform well, was cited as a striking example of how educator shortages are affecting rural schools. An NGO assisting the school was commended for stepping in where the system has struggled.
MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya emphasised the need for improved teacher-learner ratios. "When teacher numbers are low, teachers must cover many subjects. We thank the NPO which assisted the school, and as we always say — education is a societal matter," she said.
MTN donated laptops to ten schools, the NGO, and top-performing learner Muhlayisi Maluleke from Tshiitwa Secondary School. "In bad situations, God did, and when things seemed impossible, God did. This laptop will assist me, and I thank MTN for that," said Maluleke.
Also honoured with certificates were educators Mrs Tendani Mbedzi, Mr Matipane Ramusilei, Mr Philip Mbedzi and Mr Mahamba Raswiswi, who were part of the 2024 New York University Visit Champions programme.
A segment titled The Hand that Rocks the Cradle paid tribute to the families behind community leaders, including Mr and Mrs Mulaudzi, Mrs Mihloti Ntuli and Mrs Molly Ramathuba.
Former athlete Mr Gumbani Mashele and community leaders Dr Silas Mashau, Professor Murembiwa Mukhola and Mr Mbulaheni Frans Rambau were recognised as the Shoulders of Giants. Thovhele Nndweleni Mashamba encouraged learners to "work hard to create a better society".