NEW Germany resident, Thokozani Mhlophe, retired from teaching recently after 39 years of service at Mariannhill Junior Primary School.
She grew up in KwaNgcolosi but her family later moved to KwaNdengezi. Mhlophe (62) loves laughter and building people up, especially children, which made teaching Grade 1 so easy for her.
“I have always admired teaching, from seeing the way my teachers at school and used to conduct themselves in class,” she said. She studied to be an educator at Coastal KZN College, Appelsbosch Campus (Ozwatini).
Mhlophe as a young girl used to look forward to going home, because that is when she would be able to imitate her teachers by teaching the walls of her home.
“I enjoyed being a teacher, Its amazing to see a child come in at the beginning of he year not knowing much and having the opportunity to watch them grow and learn,” she said.
Mhlophe said as a teacher you become a social worker, you get to know the background of each child.
One of the things she said she will miss the most about being a teacher at Mariannhill Junior Primary is conducting prayers at assembly and she will miss the children very much.
Since she retired, Mhlophe said she will use this opportunity to rest and take time for herself, and will venture into other things at a later stage.
She said she would like the pupils of Mariannhill Primary School to use the opportunity given to them by their parents to go to school and remember that with rights come responsibilities.
“Teachers should also at all times pass on love to pupils as they would if they were their own children,” said Mhlophe.
The school host a farewell function for Mrs Mhlophe, where different school principals, staff, subject matter experts and other guests will be present on Thursday, 9 June at the St Joseph’s Hall (near St Mary’s Hospital).
