From the depths of poverty to a prosperous principal

RISING above adversity, Richem Secondary School principal, Dr Sibusiso Mthethwa has recently graduated with his PhD and continues to be an inspiration to youth, especially those in disadvantaged circumstances.

Responsible for the overall smooth running of the school, Dr Mthethwa was appointed as principal in 2011 and tasked with the challenge of starting a new school.

‘I remember being the only person here in the beginning, capturing data, registering pupils, handling admissions and even overseeing construction work!’ he said.

‘It was extremely challenging, there was nothing at this school except my laptop and I, hoping to plan and budget adequately to match the standard of so called ‘privileged’ schools,’ he chuckled.

Despite setbacks, Dr Mthethwa says he is grateful for the forward looking and supportive School Governing Body and staff who are teaching and learning orientated.

Growing up

Born into a poor family on the outskirts of Vryheid, Dr Mthethwa recalls an eviction in the early 1970s.

‘Rules stipulated that children of farm workers also had to work and instead, we were at school. The farmer reprimanded my grandfather but he refused to have us leave school so we were evicted.’

Finding refuge at a nearby rural area, Dr Mthethwa matriculated in 1988.

‘It was tough times. I remember feeding off orange peels to satisfy my hunger, borrowing books to make notes and complete my homework and oftentimes not being able to study at night because we were running low on candles.

‘I then got an after school job as a ‘garden boy’ to help sustain my family, which in hindsight helped my language skills because my Afrikaans and English improved so dramatically, I was the top student for two years.’

After school, Mthethwa was approached by his then principal to assist at the school for a stipend of R400.

‘I saved every cent and enrolled at the eSikhawini College of Education and completed a three year diploma while I continued to teach mathematics.

‘Khula High School had a vacant post thereafter and I was appointed. It is because of that school, I am the teacher I am today,’ he said.

Dr Mthethwa went on to teach mathematics and science at Khula High School from 1993 to 2011. During that time he was promoted to Head of Department and later, Deputy Principal.

While teaching, he enrolled at the University of Zululand and completed his BA Education degree, later at the then Natal University for his Honours in Mathematics and Science and soon after enrolled at the University of the North West where he completed his Masters and later his Doctorate in Public Management and Development.

Furthermore, Dr Mthethwa graduated cum laude in ACE Leadership and School Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and later completed his studies in Theology.

A loving husband, proud father and ordained Priest, Dr Mthethwa believes his purpose in life is to serve his community.

‘Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves; what have we done to make this world a better place?’