Pat Kolobe, the Lifalethu Primary School principal, is retiring after 35 years of service in teaching. Kolobe began his teaching career at the same school in 1989.
He was later promoted to head of the department and then to the position of deputy principal. When the then principal retired, Kolobe was promoted to the school headmaster in 2012.
He obtained a diploma in primary school teaching from the Madadeni College of Education, a higher diploma of education from Unisa, a certificate in pubic finance management from the University of Stellenbosch University and a Bachelor of Education Honours from the University of Natal.
Since he took over as the principal, Kolobe worked hard at the school’s development initiatives and needs without relying on the Education Department for funding.
He engaged with different stakeholders such as businesses and organisations to contribute to his school’s development. Private donors contributed to the building of a school hall, a science laboratory, mobile classes and other school needs.
Kolobe said what contributed to achieve all his school wishes is the good relationship between him and his staff.
“I always value my subordinates’ input and implement what we agreed upon. I am an empathetic and encouraging person to my school management team (SMT) and the entire staff.
“As a school principal, you need to believe in the freedom of expression as an imperative tool for success by allowing all individuals to air their personal views and inputs,” said Kolobe.
Kolobe is one of the 32 authors of the Real Life and Business Minds book that was launched early this year in eMbalenhle. Kolobe’s last day at school was December 14.
