Kingsway High School’s crossing guard ‘lollipop man’, Johannes Dlamini (45) has been keeping pupils safe for over 17 years.
Johannes, who is also the school’s handyman and gardener, joined Kingsway in August 1999.
“When I started at the school, there were three of us doing safety duty. But after the other two guys died, I’ve been doing it on my own in the morning and afternoon,” he said. “I can’t remember for how long, but it’s been too long.”
Johannes was born in Umbumbulu and did his schooling there. He now lives in Illovo.
“I enjoy doing it, but on Friday afternoons it’s hectic. Fortunately, the drivers and children listen to me.”
When Johannes first started, he received training from the school’s two safety guards and a ‘crash course’ from Metro Police.
On his off-time, he enjoys church and watching sports like cricket and rugby, which he picked up from working at the school on weekends, and soccer.
He has been married to Prudence “for a long time” and they have three children.
“I has seen so many children come and go over the years,” said Johannes. “Sometimes I see them all grown up, driving cars and they remember me. Often when I walk in the mall, they or their parents will recognise and greet me.
I enjoy working at the school – it’s my life.”
