Getting to know Dudu Malapane

Dudu Malapane, the founder of the new primary school Divine Montessori, has always been a passionate teacher and fond of children. In 2020, she finally made her dream come true and opened her own school.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Kwa-Thema. I lived with my parents in Duduza for a few years during primary school but always spent holidays with my grandparents in Kwa-Thema.
I am a strong-willed, self-motivated and God-fearing mother of three children and married to Benny.
What do you love about teaching?
I have a soft spot for children and have always wanted to create a safe space where they can explore their God-given talents. Teaching gives me that opportunity to see their gifts unravel.
Was it a dream come true having to own a school?
Yes, it’s always been my dream especially after having my own kids.

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What drove you to open your own school?
Many reasons drove me to go back to school, study, and also pursue my dream. Sadly, there is the idea that children that are good at maths and science are the intelligent ones. This is not true. They were getting the limelight and were given more attention than the creative children.
As a creative child, I’ve always thought I’m average until I discovered my creative gifts as an adult. That led me to research and become eager to help children who aren’t excelling academically but can do a lot with their hands, such as those talented as writers, singers, dancers, and who can do magic with their hands such as myself.
These are children who don’t see themselves as doctors and accountants but who are in a creative space. I wanted them to gain confidence and excel in their talents.
Was it challenging to open your own school?
It was the worst I’ve ever experienced. I was on a verge of giving up.
I knocked on so many doors. No one could hear me or even listen as soon as I mentioned education or opening a school.
It was as if I was just a township girl dreaming. No one believes that a black woman can dream so big. I was promised callbacks to no avail.
Some people in power would make me feel so uncomfortable by asking for meetings in awkward places. Others flirt and if you don’t flirt back, you’ll never receive a callback.

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How long did the process take?
Approximately two years. I started with my tiny Wendy house that I built during lockdown to assist children with extra English lessons, and those who couldn’t read or write.
Then when my husband got promoted, he saved up and we applied for the building that we prayed for. It was fortunate that we got the place and with the savings, we started the process of converting the place into a school.
We plan to extend it to a primary school in 2023 at different premises not far from where we are now.
Which school did you attend?
The Modern Montessori Teachers College High School and Nigel Secondary School.
Drawing from your own childhood experience, why is it important to nurture learners who are talented creatively instead of pushing everyone to do maths and science?
I see it with my own kids. They have taken after me and are doing so well.
I looked for schools that would nurture them accordingly to their talents and they are doing amazing things. They’re more confident and independent, which for me is the best gift a parent can give their children.
There are so many extraordinary career choices that make successful adults that communities need and if my parents knew that from an early age, I probably would have excelled even more than where I am now.

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