Young Pinetown teacher fulfills his dream

SIYABONGA Zondi, a Grade 5 educator at John Wesley Primary School, said the employment of his mother as a cleaner at the institution changed his life for the better.

Growing up in an impoverished home at Savannah Park area, outside Pinetown, Zondi never pictured himself attending a multi-racial school. But, when his mother, Mumsy Alphina Zondi, was employed at the school in 1998, that is when his dream came true.

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Speaking to Highway Mail about his journey, the 28-year-old teacher revealed that his parents did not have enough funds to pay for his enrollment at the school.

“It was always my dream to learn at this elite institution, but I was aware of the fact that my parents could not afford the fees.

“What made it all possible for me to be accepted at the school, was the discount of fees given to the staff. My mother also benefited from the discount and that how I got in,” said Zondi.

This humble teacher, who obtained his Bachelor of Science and PGCE at University of KwaZulu-Natal, said his hunger for success has kept him going since his childhood.

“I cannot say I was poor during childhood because I used to get the things I needed. My father was supportive and I drew my strength from my mother who is an amazing and outstanding woman of much substance and tenacity,” he said.

He lauded his parents for support and the school for giving him a bright future. Zondi said, “I am what I am today because of my parents, especially my mother. She defied all odds and always stood by my side in the most difficult conditions.”

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Zondi who matriculated at Ixopo High School, alluded that his dream was to become the best teacher and advice learners to set goals for their lives.

“I support not only the learners, but also the community. I want to change the mindset of many learners here. I also want to mention that we have a highly committed, experienced and lovely group of teachers at the school who continuously go the extra mile. I want to build on that,” he added.

The marketing manager at the school, Lilian Corden-Lloyd described Zondi as young motivated and humble teacher. “He has been part of our school since 1998, since he was five years old. He is now a Grade 5 educator, having fulfilled a dream of working at our school” she said.

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