THE many years Bongumuzi Philip Hlophe spent at Pinetown Boys’ High School inspired him to lead a healthy lifestyle as he ran the Comrades Marathon for eight years in a row.
Hlophe has been part of the school for 47 years.
He started working at the Pinetown High School before it was divided into two schools and he moved with the boys to a new school (PBHS) while the girls remained at the original school.
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“I was a cleaner for eight years until the acting principal at that time, Mr Bailey, told me that there was a printing job vacancy.”
The 65-year-old Hlophe said he was sceptical of applying for that job as he felt he could not do it.
“I told Bailey that I cannot take up that vacancy as I am uneducated. But he encouraged me and said this is not about how educated a person is, but about learning a skill.”
He said he has enjoyed his job, “educators give me their work, I make copies and print for them.” Hlophe revealed that his favourite thing at the school was the sport offered and watching the boys playing sport.
“I even copied them.The cross country inspired me to take part in the Comrades Marathon. In the eight years I ran the Comrades, I earned one silver medal and seven bronze medals,” said the proud father.
The humble Hlophe said he will be having a relaxed time at his home in Hammarsdale. “I will just sit and think about things I have been wanting to do as I will have more ‘me time’ now.”
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