Former principal remembered in Vosloorus

Dr Thamsanqa Hlongwane (76), who was the principal of Erasmus Monareng Secondary School when it was formed in 1988, was described as an epitome of education excellence and a disciplinarian by his former colleagues and learners during his memorial service at St Boniface Anglican Church in Vosloorus, on July 11.

The exceptional teacher and lecturer who shaped a lot of learners’ and teachers’ lives died at the hospital on July 5, after a short illness.

Hlongwane’s former colleague, Timothy Maleswena (65), said during an exclusive interview with Kathorus Mail his former colleague was a drum major in education and he always strived for excellence.

“I met Dr Hlongwane at Illinge High School in Vosloorus in 1979. I was a teacher there and we became good friends.

“I know him as a humble person who respected everyone. The career history path of my friend is as follows: he started teaching at Fortune Kunene Primary School in the 70’s in Vosloorus and then in 1979 he became a teacher at Illinge High School,” Maleswena explained.

He added that after a spell at Illinge High School, he moved to the then East Rand College where he became a lecturer in 1983.

“In 1988 he moved to Erasmus Monareng Secondary School where he became the first principal of the school.
“He left Erasmus Monareng Secondary School in 1996 to further his studies, and later graduated with a master’s degree in teaching at the University of South Africa (Unisa),” Maleswena said.

He said after obtaining his master’s degree, Hlongwane became a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

“As Hlongwane lectured at UJ, he studied further and attained his doctorate in education,” he added.

Sipho Latha, a former learner of Hlongwane, said his former teacher was a force to be reckoned with.

“I had a great relationship with the late Hlongwane. No one in our midst has seen God, but God shows himself through people and I believe Hlongwane was one of those people that God showed himself through.

“He touched many people’s lives and encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves. Even here in Vosloorus, we must emulate what people in Soweto are doing. People in Soweto celebrate their heroes and we must do the same here,” he expressed.

Latha mentioned that Hlongwane is one of the icons of Vosloorus and needs to be honoured and celebrated.
Hlongwane’s son Sifiso said his father during his last days alive called him his brother although he was his son.

“He encouraged me to take good care of my wife. I like to call him my commander-in-chief because that was exactly who he was to me.

“I appreciate all the time I had with him because he instilled good values in me. I was very close to my father. I shared a lot with my father and I will continue to cherish the good times we had,” he stated.

Hlongwane was buried in a befitting funeral on July 13.