Pinetown school helps cleaner reach teaching potential
Mthokozisi Makhanya worked his way up from working as a general cleaner at John Wesley School to a qualified teacher.
LIFE circumstances can drive you in different directions but not losing yourself in the process, having a goal and working hard, can open many doors.
This, Mthokozisi Makhanya proved when he worked his way up from general cleaner to teacher.
In 2006, Makhanya started working at John Wesley School as a general cleaner and eventually became the deputy hostel master.
Now, 12 years later, Makhanya is a fully qualified teacher.
Being a pastor for a small congregation, God’s Own Church International, Makhanya could not support his family.
“I had to find a job and earn a salary. I was informed by a friend that John Wesley School was looking for someone who would be a role model to the children in the hostel and help them with their homework.”
“The opportunity was ideal for me as it was a Christian school. When I began working, I realised that there was more to the job, which included cleaning around the hostel, as children had to be surrounded by a clean environment,” said Makhanya.
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As a pastor, Makhanya did not speak much about the kind of job he did outside of the church, as people had perceptions and would not fully accept his authority.
“However, I was never ashamed of it as I am the kind of person who believes that if you are given a job, you should apply yourself fully and do it to the best of your ability. I knew that my job did not define my abilities and that I was capable of doing so much more,” he said.
It was during a visit to a staff member who had lost a husband that the then principal, Helen Birchall, was captivated by Makhanya’s wisdom as he was sharing a scripture with the family.
“Helen Birchall asked me if I would be interested in sharing a scripture during assembly from time to time and I happily agreed to do so. After a while, she asked me if I would be interested in following a career in teaching. She spoke to the board of governors of the school who agreed to sponsor my studies, as I had passed my matric with an exemption.”
As English is the medium of instruction and the first language at the school, Makhanya had to do a bridging course first, before beginning his course through UNISA.
He said it was difficult and challenging, “I would go to bed at 1am as I was working full-time during the day, assisting children with homework in the afternoons, had a family who also needed my attention, was leading a congregation and also had to hand in my assignments on time.”
Makhanya’s dream after finishing matric in 1998 was to study counselling psychology, “at that time opportunities were not as available as nowadays, and I did not have money to further my studies.”
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Although this journey has had challenges, Makhanya sighed and said it is a relief that his studies are now complete.
He modestly admits that he obtained distinctions in many of his subjects.
“I am still overwhelmed, but hard work pays off. People should be patient, maintain a positive attitude and never let negative circumstances persuade them that things will never improve.”
“During hard times, it is very important that one does not lose focus, always maintains a positive mindset and refuse to think negatively.”
He said that the children’s spiritual grounding and biblical values are important to him.
“God has been a pillar of my strength throughout my life. I have great faith in him,” he said.
Makhanya currently teaches Computers, Life Skills and Maths. He expressed his sincere appreciation to Helen Birchall who saw potential in him, the current principal, Darron Tarr, the school’s management and the staff who supported him and his beautiful family through a long and arduous process.
“The children have also warmly welcomed me as their teacher; I used to be their ‘malume’ (uncle).”
Tarr said they are immensely proud of Mr Makhanya and his achievement.
“We know that he will excel as a teacher, just as he has in all of the other positions he has occupied at the school.”
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