FACE 2 FACE

Q What do you do?

A I am principal at Southbourne Primary School.

What do you enjoy about it?

Everything! The ahaa! moments. When teachers and pupils are empowered to reach their full potential.

Who was your favourite teacher in school and why?

Mr Greeff. He acknowledged me for who I am, motivated me to become the best person I could be.

If you were not a teacher what career would you have pursued?

I would have been a veterinarian, a ranger or child psychologist.

What did you do while you were on extended vacation because of the lockdown?

I was planning to get the school ready for our teachers and pupils to come back to a Covid19 safe environment. Our school had to adjust from traditional teaching and learning to Google for

“education ”. I had a lot of virtual meetings with my staff to prepare our school readiness and to make sure that all our pupils are not left behind. I was also doing research for my Masters in Education.

Do you feel prepared for the reopening of schools and what are some of the things you are doing to keep safe?

Yes, we are more than prepared. We worked through lockdown to keep pupils on track. We made sure our Covid-19 policy is compliant with the department of health. Our Covid-19 team made sure our PPE is in order. Branding the school with Covid-19 awareness - wearing a mask, sanitising/washing of hands and cleaning our feet, keeping social distance and enjoying the new norm. How do you think we have been handling the crisis as a country?

I have total respect for our honourable president Ramaphosa and Dr Zweli Mkhize. The first lockdown went very well and was efficient.

As they changed the levels, fellow South Africans disappointed me as they went on as if we were Covid-19 free. We don t respect the regulations

’ that are put in place and now we are putting everyone in danger. They say there is a silver lining to everything. What positive can you draw from the current experience?

To be with my family. I'm always trying to attract positive energy. I believe in dark times the norm is to look up and see the stars; meaning able to see new opportunities. What also filled my heart was seeing both teachers and learners empowered and ready for 4IR. Our school shared a jars of hope with the less fortunate communities, through this process I realised people cannot see the stars because they lost hope. As Southbourne Primary school we are privileged to have parents that support us hence we feel the need to assist other Komani schools and learners. What book are you reading right now?

I am currently reading Kaffir Boy by Mark Matabane. It s a book

’ based on a true story of a boy who grew up during the apartheid regime. What is the best thing about Komani?

Comradeship! Helping hands, most people in Komani have giving hearts and seeing communities coming together and working together during this time of this pandemic warmed my heart. And I believe God created this time to remind us of Ubuntu.