Tommies bid Mr Mohale farewell after 16 years
Last week Technical High School Tom Naudé bid farewell to Christopher Mohale who is looking forward to his retirement and spending time on his farm.
POLOKWANE- For the past 16 years and six months, Christopher Mohale served as a loyal and dedicated teacher at Technical High School Tom Naudé, but at the end of May, he bid the school, teachers and learners farewell as a new chapter in his life awaits.
Mr Mohale, as learners refer to him, says the best part by far of being a teacher, is the prerogative to work with learners.
“We always try to turn them into responsible adults and good citizens.”
Mohale started his teaching career at Kgoke Secondary School in Matlata where he was appointed in a temporary position.
He applied to study teaching at Kwena Moloto College in Seshego, and in 1996, completed an honours degree in industrial psychology through Unisa.
He remembers how he taught at primary school level, where he needed to teach all subjects across the board.
When he moved to THS Tom Naudé he was in front of the Sepedi class, and this later changed to maths.
Toward the end of his career, he was responsible for life orientation and social sciences.
“A big challenge as a teacher is to walk the extra mile or two for learners. We offer extra lessons, extra classes and extra time. Being a teacher is a 24-hour job. If you do not take work home, you will fall behind.”
Luckily for Mohale his wife, Manoko, is also a teacher and understands the daily struggles. They have three daughters and one grandchild.
“I loved the school environment at Tom Naudé. We are a unity and we work together to achieve success. We pull together into the same direction. If there is one thing that I will not miss, it will be the marking, especially in exam times,” he told Review. Mohale looks forward to his retirement, saying he will spend a lot of time on his farm where he has some cattle and goats. Principal Vanessa Kachelhoffer, in bidding him farewell, says she fondly remembers one habit Mr Mohale had.
“I remember early in 2013, when Mr Mohale moved to room 48, I really got to know him as a colleague and friend. I will never forget how he would, during every break, leave the premises to buy delicious and healthy food outside the school yard.”
The school wishes him well in his retirement, she added.
