Principal leads by his example
EMPANGENI High School (EHS) principal Sizwe Zwane believes the position is not decided on by people, but is a placement by God.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer after graduating with a Master of Education (Education Management) with merit from the University of Zululand earlier this month, Zwane said he also believes there is room for the education curriculum to be re-evaluated to stay relevant in the ever evolving digital world.
His achievement is one of a long list of qualifications Zwane has under his belt, yet he still has plans to further his studies.
‘I matriculated from Ezinikeleni Secondary School in Mpumalanga and was awarded a bursary to study a BSC in environmental management at the University of Zululand,' he recalled.
‘I then did my BSC honours in geography, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).’
‘I have also completed numerous short courses in data handling and statistics with UKZN, and I have now registered to study towards a PhD.'
Zwane has worked as a teacher and choir conductor at a number of schools, and joined EHS as departmental head of mathematical sciences and choir conductor in 2016.
Since being appointed as principal in 2018, Zwane has undertaken commendable work in transforming the school to a more innovative environment in which pupils can thrive in science, maths and the arts.
Zwane is highly passionate about education as a whole.
‘My drive is derived from my passion for education and for developing learners in science, the arts and mathematics.
'Being appointed as the principal of such a big institution like EHS, one needs to be knowledgeable and continuously upgrade themselves. ‘You cannot lead a school without being informed,’ he explained.
Zwane does not see himself leaving EHS anytime soon.
‘I believe principal positions are not decided by people, but you are placed there by God. In a school, you are entrusted with the future of a thousand learners.
'That does not require a person with intellectual capacity, but someone with wisdom, and wisdom comes from God.
'I do not plan to leave for a higher position, I love the school environment,’ he concluded.
I am passionate about education and developing learners in science, arts and maths