Principal Phindile, she was born to lead

It was a bittersweet moment when colleagues, family, friends and students said farewell to Phindile Magubane, Principal of Amakhemfundo Primary School. She retired from her position after serving in the post for over 30 years, supporting the school and her colleagues during even the toughest of times.
Teachers from various schools, officials from the Department of Education, family, close friends and members of the community of Sithembile, where the school is based, packed the hall.
Best wishes were extended to this outstanding example of a lady, as she will soon be enjoying more time with her family, and without a hectic workload. She has walked the path of success and done well in her role, making sure the school ran smoothly and supporting those around her while doing so.
It is now the responsibility of those she leaves behind to follow in her footsteps, and continue with the good work she has done.
Those who delivered speeches emphasised the good qualities of Mrs Magubane: she was a great leader; she cared for others and always assisted where she could. Mrs Msimang, Deputy Principal of Sebenzakusakhanya Secondary School, mentioned that over the years she and Mrs Magubane built a good relationship between the schools. Mrs Magubane assisted them in many ways, including with the printing of exam papers in times of emergency. If there was a function she would provide cutlery and ensure the school hall was available. “She did all of this without ever complaining,” said Mrs Msimang.
Mrs Magubane was also a family-oriented person: she took care of her nine siblings when their parents passed away.
This journey has not been an easy one for Phindile, but she said she is thankful for all the support she received from her colleagues over the years, and asked that they respect whoever heads the school in the future as they did her.