Mabitsela a disciplinarian who sought excellent results
Beyond work, Bra Styles was easy-going and loved jazz
Born: December 6 1948 Died: July 12 Funeral: Tomorrow at the Mohlakeng Catholic Church, on the West Rand, from 7am Burial: Greenhills Cemetery
William Mabitsela, who has died at the age of 69, was a passionate educator par excellence.
The former principal of Phahama Senior Secondary School in Mohlakeng, Randfontein (1979-1993), qualified as a teacher from the University of the North in 1972.
Under his 14-year leadership as principal, Phahama carved a reputation of discipline and excellence, making it a school of choice for parents who wanted top-class results for their children.
Despite Mabitsela’s admired penchant for discipline, there were other who felt that his no-holds-barred attitude towards authority was too intense to be good.
However, the overwhelming feeling – especially by those who went on to make the most of their lives – is that Bra Style, as Mabitsela was also known, contributed a lot to their progress.
Some of the most celebrated products of Phahama include Daniel “Mecro” Ramarutsi, who went on to become a football hero playing for Durban Bush Bucks.
During his time at a helm, Phahama attracted celebrated expert teachers in various subjects, adding to the school’s reputation for quality education. The results spoke volumes; during Mabitsela tenure, the school produced top students in the district year after year.
His aura as a headmaster was also felt beyond the school’s grounds, as he commanded respect in the community at large.
After leaving Phahama, he went on to become a circuit inspector of schools and the di- rector of education in Limpopo. Beyond his BA degree from the University of the North, he also held a BEd (honours) degree from University of Witwatersrand, a master’s of education, also from Wits, and an LLB law degree from Unisa.
He was already in retirement when he graduated with the LLB, pointing to his insatiable love for education and study.
Beyond his strict demeanour in his professional conduct, Mabitsela was a courteous, easy-going and friendly gentleman.
Bra Styles was also an ardent fan of jazz music.
Mabitsela is survived by a sister and 10 children.