Cleaner works hard and becomes a teacher
The Daveyton resident, who formerly was a cleaner at Unity Secondary School, now teaches at the school.
What seemed like an impossible dream for Gugu Solomon turned into a reality when she qualified as a teacher from being a cleaner.
The Daveyton resident, who formerly was a cleaner at Unity Secondary School, now teaches at the school.
However, Gugu is waiting for a teaching post.
She graduated from the University of South Africa (Unisa) with a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (SFET) on October 2.
The 39-year-old was a cleaner at the school when one of the teachers saw her matric certificate and encouraged her to study further.
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“At the time I wasn’t thinking of studying further due to financial constraint and I didn’t see myself teaching as I wanted to be a mechanical engineer or a train operator,” said Gugu.
She started working as a cleaner at the school in 2004 and in 2007 she registered at Unisa.
“I registered for a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development: Foundation Phase) because I wasn’t aware that with this course I won’t be able to teach high school learners.
She later changed the course to study for a Bachelor of Education SFET.
Gugu said the journey wasn’t easy.
“I sold Tupperware so I can raise money for my fees as the money I earned wasn’t enough.
“At times I felt like giving up because I had outstanding fees and I had to buy textbooks which cost about R500,” she said.
“However, the support I got from the teachers, principal, my husband, Thabo Kadiaka, and my mother-in-law, Maureen Hlongwane, kept me going.”
“They’ve all made a difference and I don’t know how I will ever thank them.”
In 2012, Gugu was given a chance to teach geography, isiZulu and life orientation at the school.
“The principal, Wandile Makhubu, believed in me and gave me this opportunity.
I also appreciate the support I got from Mam’Sampa and Mam’Ntuli for their guidance on these two subjects (isiZulu and life orientation),” said Solomon.
Makhubu said he gives everyone who works with him a chance to develop themselves.
“With Gugu, I believed in her because I saw potential. She was patient and determined,” said Makhubu.
“I know some of the difficulties she went through and at times I had to encourage her not to give up.”
Makhubu said they gave Gugu an opportunity to teach while she was still studying. They had to arrange with Unisa so she can do her practical at the school.
“I believed with the training she got here, she is well groomed and ready to be a successful educator,” he said.
He added there are other cleaners, gardeners and general workers who have made something of themselves as he gave them an opportunity and encouraged them to dream beyond their situation.
Gugu thanked the teachers and learners for accepting and treating her with respect, as well as community member Mr Dantyi for telling her about the cleaning position.
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