Teacher puts down her chalk after 40 years

Elizabeth Malan is retiring after 40 years of teaching.

Many have lauded the 65-year-old Afrikaans teacher for her dedication to her profession. Malan is an Afrikaans teacher at Newcastle High School, where she has been moulding young minds for well over 20 years.

“I have always known I wanted to teach. First, I wanted to be an actress, but I saw that wouldn’t work for me. Deep down though, my passion has always been education and the urge to change children’s lives,” she said, in an exclusive interview.

Malan began her teaching career in 1976 at the Hoër Handelskool in Pietersburg.

“I got married that same year, and two years later we moved around. At some point, we landed up in Ladysmith. I was at Ladysmith High School for five years. In 1988 we settled here in Newcastle, and I have been here at the school ever since.”

Her teaching career has had its ups and downs, she admitted.

“I have always believed any education should begin at home. Parents especially, need to be more involved in their children’s studies and teach them the basics. Be polite, greet, do your work and you will excel.”

She added teaching used to be a very respected job.

“Parents really believed in us. They still do, but back then there was more respect. Some parents become too lenient on their children and expect teachers to work miracles. We all need to do our part diligently. Really, without teachers there would be no doctors, no lawyers nor engineers.”

While for some people retirement might mean sleeping in, playing golf and spending time with their family, for others it may be a transition period that proves to be harder without family and constant social interaction.
Malan however said she is looking forward to retirement.

“I am actually looking forward to being at home. You know, I’ve been teaching for many years and you don’t really get to rest, because on weekends you find you still have to prepare school work. I am looking forward to gardening, something I really miss and I have neglected. I also miss knitting and baking.”

In 2015, Malan had a health scare and was grateful for all the support she received.

“In October 2015, I was diagnosed with cancer. That was one of the most scary and hardest times of my life. I had to go for chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

I am very lucky that I have a principal who is kind and understanding. I am very grateful for his support. I was able to stay away from work until I got better. My family was my rock. They were amazing, and their support meant I needed to fight and conquer this disease.

It was hard on the children and my husband; it was not that great of a period but we survived and we are blessed to still have each other.

I am grateful to everyone who was there as it meant a lot to be supported in such a way. I am now part of CANSA, and I advocate and speak about my experience.”

Newcastle High School principal, Manny Govender, said Malan’s departure will be a great loss for the school.

“Mrs Malan is a very dedicated, committed and hard working teacher. She’s given her all in this profession and even through all her trials, she still excelled.

To be honest, her leaving will be a huge loss for the school, as she is a highly skilled professional educator. We are, however, confident that she’s passed on her skills to other teachers, and made them better teachers. She will be sorely missed without a doubt, but we do understand that it is time.

We wish her all the best with her travels and everything she embarks on. I am sure she will enjoy her quality time with friends and family.”

Clearly emotional, Deputy School Principal, Muggie Liebenberg, said she has been fortunate to know Malan.

“Mrs Malan has been such a blessing to me and for this school. I can’t believe I am even this emotional just thinking about this. She is extremely kind and has committed herself completely to education. She will be very difficult to replace. She is meticulous in her work and has passion for her subject. Even through cancer, she persevered. I truly believe her faith carried her through.

“There is not a single day that we will not miss her once she has left.”

ALSO READ: Sibusiso Thabete’s star to rise in Dubai for Best Teacher Award

Contact us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

Make sure you follow us for constant updates: