I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE FIRE

GRATEFUL FOR SUPPORT FROM STAFF

MY WORLD turned upside down when I was unprocedurally suspended from work.

I went through stages of denial, anger, fear, disappointment, disgrace, shame, disillusionment, depression, shock, hurt and betrayal.

All these in one day. Finally acceptance of the reality sank in.

I’m the principal of Khulabebuka Secondary School in rural Umbumbulu.

I produced the best results in the area, my pupils were on scholarships studying locally and overseas, we had an almost 100% pass rate and we held a successful Mandela Day programme a few days prior to my suspension. Just when everything looked bright for the children this happened.

They were dark days. At times I would burst out crying. I could not understand why this was happening. My faith and belief in the truth kept me going. The support of my neighbours, colleagues, family and strangers kept me motivated and strong as they never doubted my integrity.

I had not set a foot wrong, nor did anything dishonest and I have never been tempted to do so because I enjoy what I do and get so much joy working with this rural community. I do it because it is my calling.

I was blackmailed and threatened that if I did not accept another school in an Indian area then they would make my life a misery. I was charged, by the admission of the director, based on an anonymous letter he received.

During my hearing, department witnesses’ memory failed them into contradicting themselves and lying under oath.

I had the truth on my side, so I never for a moment faltered. Children and teachers refused to go to class.

They wrote songs about me and kept their spirits high by singing from their hearts in their fight against corruption, against reverse racism, and against injustice. Some said the walls were weeping without me and that even the grass refused to grow without me there.

Pupils were shot at with live bullets, the cartridges of which we still have. My children were harmless but bore the brunt of everything.

The National Teachers’ Union (NATU) provided me with a lawyer who tackled every charge with confidence. It emerged that all the charges were baseless, unfounded and were a personal attack on me.

I knew the truth would be revealed.

Every person I met saluted me and gave me more strength to stand up tall and face the world. There were times when darkness descended upon me, but always light would triumph in the end and before the day was out, my support system would kick in and take over.

I'm convinced there were times when the Lord carried me like a baby in the safety of his palms. There is no other way I could have come out this positive, this optimistic, unscathed and this refreshed to face every challenge.

I vow to continue my work with this rural community, to improve the results this year though it is a tough task.

I need to complete two classrooms by finishing off the floor, putting in chalkboards and getting furniture in because we don't have a lab, nor a library. Our teachers are dedicated, hardworking and committed, coming as early as 6am to start work. I have been through the fire and emerged triumphant. I thank the Lord for my success. I thank NATU for everything they did to ensure justice was served.

I’m grateful for the unwavering support from my colleagues. I’m so blessed for such a great staff who believed in me, even though they had to endure the toughest time in their teaching career, but never did any of them give up in their belief that I would be back.

I thank the SGB who acted by the mandate given to them by the community and Indunas. I don't feel bitterness, anger or hatred for any of those who caused this problem because my heart is so filled with love, that there simply is no space for any hatred or anger. When my suspension was lifted in December 2012, the roads were closed as celebrations began in earnest.

I was taken out of my car, carried on the shoulders of the ululating, shouting, happy, joyful crowds of school children, parents, community members, indunas, SGB, teachers, union members and neighbouring school teachers, and given a heroine's welcome back to school. They emerged victorious. They achieved their objective of fighting corruption.

I went through a complete metamorphosis. I searched for an uncorrupted sanctuary to escape to, and I made my voyage to a spiritual realm where I remain, exhilarated, ever upwards on a golden spiral.

What is important is that we work with sincerity and without expecting anything in return.

With God as our pivot, everything else can crumble but we will remain upheld.

– PREMILLA DEONATH