Education is the key to success, says Dirkie Uys principal
Nduduzo Mhlongo hopes his commitment and dedication to his studies will inspire the young learners at Dirkie Uys.
EDUCATION is the great engine of personal development for Dirkie Uys Primary School’s principal, Nduduzo Mhlongo, who recently obtained his master’s degree in educational management from the University of South Africa (Unisa).
His study investigated the implementation of employment equity at former ‘Model C schools’ in KwaZulu-Natal.
His topic was inspired by previous newspaper reports that noted the former Model C schools still lagged in the employment of the previously disadvantaged groups.
“The study has relevance in the new South Africa because this situation is contrary to the transformative legislation of post-apartheid South Africa,” he said.
Mhlongo also holds an honours in education, a bachelor of arts degree as well as a teacher’s diploma.
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“Education liberates the mind, an educated person is mentally liberated. I learnt this from my high school principal at KwaMgaga High School, Vuma Mfeka, who used to motivate us as learners. Education is important to me since it has enabled me to live life as a mentally free person. Former President Mandela summarised the importance of education for me when he said: ‘ It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine’,” said Mhlongo.
He hopes his commitment and dedication to his studies will inspire the young Dirkie Uys learners to aspire to greatness as they navigate through life.
He said: “As a young person, you may not have what you need at this time. You may be at home without the job that you qualify for. But, you must pride yourself on your youth because it can still afford you the opportunity and the potential to overcome your challenges. You are not a visionary whose dreams are being threatened by old age. Use what you have to get what you don’t have. As a young person, you have the opportunity to make yourself a better person.
“Some of the people who have not made it in life once had opportunities. Make the best use of the opportunities that others make available to you because an opportunity may only come once. If you miss it, you miss it for a lifetime,” he said.
