Amanzimtoti High School teacher bids farewell
Thandeka Mhlongo, who retired after teaching for 48 years, plans to visit her daughter in Belgium later this year.
AMANZIMTOTI High School’s Zulu teacher, Thandeka Mhlongo, bids farewell as she heads into retirement after 16 years at the school and 48 years in education.
After graduating at the University of Zululand with a B.Paed degree and obtaining her BA Honours degree at the Umlazi campus, she began her teaching journey at Hubhushe Higher Primary School.
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“It’s a school for above-average learners, where two grades are completed in one year. I was honoured to be apart of this experimental school,” she said.
Her passion and dedication to teaching would later lead her to become a deputy principal. When she turned 60, she retired. During this time, she had a chance to travel internationally.
Not long after her retirement, she took up a school governing body (SGB) post at Amanzimtoti High School as an isiZulu educator.
“I love teaching, and the end product makes it worthwhile. I teach the learners that their future is in their hands. I feel a great sense of satisfaction when a learner who can’t speak or read isiZulu gets a distinction by the end of their matric year,” said Thandeka.
Outside of her professional endeavours, she enjoys travelling, shopping, leisurely walks on the beach and singing.
As she enters retirement, she said she plans to relax and take care of her vegetable and flower garden. Later this year, she also plans to visit her daughter in Belgium.
In bidding farewell to Toti High, Thandeka extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents for their trust and to the school for providing a platform for her to flourish. To the Class of 2023, she expressed deep appreciation for the touching farewell gestures, which will remain cherished memories.
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