People with a great passion can make the impossible happen and Thomas Makhubele is one of those.
Makhubele is so passionate about Mathematics, he even turned his home garage into a classroom.
He was a mathematics teacher at Zivuko High School before quitting to offer mathematics classes at his home in Flora Park in Tzaneen.
During his teaching days he insisted on teaching three of his biological children, who have all achieved distinctions.
“If you can’t teach your biological children, how do you expect other parents to trust you with their children,” he said.
They are now at the University of Cape Town pursuing careers in medicine, actuary science and civil engineering. One of his daughter’s Khanyisa, was announced top matriculant in the province in 2015 after she achieved 100% in maths.
His initiative is called Songa Rigogo and he ensures that all pupils pass with distinctions.
“The aim for starting the extra lessons was a way of uplifting his community.
“When I wake up in the morning, I ask myself, how can I help my community,” said Makhubele.
Makhubele said when he joined Zivuko in 2010 their results were not impressive.
“I improved the results and Zivuko started beating all schools. I’m still friends with the school and still helping,” he said.
He said one of his secrets for success is working well with his colleagues.
“All maths teachers are my friends, even across Africa. Don’t undermine your colleague,” he said.
Makhubele offers extra lessons to learners from almost all schools in Tzaneen, some even travel from as far as Malamulele and Giyani.
He said the best way to achieve distinctions is to be their mentor and role model.
“Build a relationship,” added Makhubele.
A grade 11 pupil from DZJ Mtebule Secondary school, Miehleketo Mbedhli, said Makhubele has helped him a lot.
“I could not understand maths before I came to Songa Rigogo. But there is a noticeable change now,” he said.
As much as he is a soccer fan, for him to obtain distinctions it means he doesn’t attend soccer matches or watch TV.
His motto is: “The best way to learn is to teach.”
“Maths is a language and you must understand it as a language. To me it’s the simplest language, all learners in my classes pass maths with high marks compared to their home language,” added Makhubele.
He is busy with his LLB through the University of South Africa.
He also has an Honours in inclusive education specialising in learners support (Maths and English).
He said they are going to celebrate the matric results of 2017 on the first Saturday of 2018.
Also read:
Top grade 12 learner baffles officials with his 100% in Science Exam
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