WATCH: Zimeleni Special School bids farewell to its founder and driver
“When I started this school, I wanted its destiny to be bright and today I am convinced that it is bright.”
Zimeleni Special School (ZSS) teachers, learners, SGB members and Stewarts & Lloyds employees gathered to bid farewell to the school’s founder and a driver, while also welcoming the new principal.
The farewell event was held at ZSS in Mapanga section, Katlehong, on March 25.
The founder, Alina Elephant, and the driver, Philemon Shabalala, were celebrated for their contribution to the community.
They were surprised with a cake. The pair retired late last year.
Shabalala and Elephant, with other teachers, were spoiled with a weekend trip to Durban. Elephant said she would miss ‘bana ba sechaba’(children of the nation), thus the learners of the school.
“When I started this school, I wanted its destiny to be bright, and today I am convinced that it is bright because I have touched the lives of many learners, and I have created jobs for people in our communities.
WATCH: Learners perform for Alina Elephant and Philemon Shabalala during their farewell event in Katlehong.
“I will miss the great working relationship we have built with the staff, even the parents of my learners were are like family here,” said Elephant.
Elephant congratulated her successor, Mafolo Bogopa, and the school for implementing some of the plans she suggested before her retirement.
The newly appointed principal thanked Stewarts & Lloyds and other contributors, including teachers, the SGB and parents, on behalf of the school for affording Elephant and Shabalala a wonderful day and a beautiful farewell.
When asked what he expects on his new journey as the new principal of the school, Bogopa explained that Elephant laid a very good foundation and the aim is to take the school to greater heights.
“Remember, this is an LSEN school. Our short-term plan is to establish an occupational therapy department that will work with the learners to ensure they benefit. We want to make sure we have qualified and trained staff,” said Bogopa.
Donation from Stewarts & Lloyds
Byron Mansfield of Stewarts & Lloyds in Alrode South said the company has undertaken to support the school with care packages to thank the teachers for their continued service during the pandemic.
The teachers received Stewarts & Lloyds goodies bags consisting of branded items and the learners were spoiled with hand-made Easter chocolates and biscuits.
