‘Malume’ Ennos proud of his work at school

POLOKWANE – Ennos Sehlapelo has been working at Ivy Park Primary School for over four decades.

He started working as a gardener when he was only 14 years old and because of his hard work and dedication he was later promoted to school bus driver.

Today Sehlapelo still takes care of the garden and drives the children around on school trips.

When he started working at the school, Ivy Park consisted only of plots and farms.

He explained that the learners who attended school during that time were from the farms and plots around the school.

He said even though it was during the Apartheid era and he dealt with only white children, the issue of colour did not bother him.

“The school only consisted of white learners and teachers, and I was the only black person at the school but colour didn’t change the love I have for children.

“When the first black child came to the school, I taught him Afrikaans until he was able to communicate with others,” he revealed.

He further mused that whenever he looks at the trees that he planted around the school, he remembers where he came from, all the struggles and how he conquered them.

“I planted the trees at the school, although I use to water them using a bucket which was difficult.

“When I look at the trees today I feel proud because trees symbolise life,” he said.

He added he has a good relationship with all the learners and they call him Malume, meaning uncle.

“Many of the young learners who grew up in front of me are now owners and managers of big companies.

“Whenever they see me they smile and some even bring me gifts, which I appreciate,” he explained.

At the age of 54, he still drives the school bus. He firmly believes children play an important role in people’s lives.

“To work closely with children, you need to be caring, safe and loving.”

Sehlapelo himself is the father of five children who reside near Mankweng.

He said he might not be educated or have any qualifications but the lessons he learned from the white farmers are lifetime lessons that he will remember forever.

“I am who I am today because they taught me to stand up for myself and they trained me in various work.

“It was difficult during those times but I thank them now,” he concluded.