Ask any South African who their favourite comedians are and the name Mark Lottering will surely come up. But Lottering became a comedian by chance. Marianne Thamm, his landlady when he worked as project manager at an advertising company, convinced him that he could be a good raconteur. The rest is history.
Today Lottering has become an institution with shows that are invaribly sold out well in advance. He is often a guest at high-profile events and has won several prestigious awards.
How old are you?
Forty.
How do you earn your living?
I’m a full-time comedian.
Where did you grow up?
I’m a Capetonian. I grew up in Retreat, on the Cape Flats.
Which schools and university did you attend?
I attended Square Hill Primary School in Retreat from 1973. Thereafter, from 1980, I attended ÂÂHeathfield High School up until standard nine.
I failed standard nine, left school, and worked as a files delivery boy for three years. I then went back to school (Boston House College), where I matriculated in 1989.
Did you have a favourite teacher/s?
My favourite teacher at Square Hill Primary was Merlin Malan. She was the art teacher and I would look forward to seeing her because everything about her was fun and fabulous.
My favourite teachers at Heathfield High were Mrs Murphy (English), Pat Jones (history) and Pamela Steyn (drama – extramural). Mrs Murphy made me fall in love with reading. Jones showed herself to be a real person and Steyn made me believe that I was Oscar material.
My favourite teacher at Boston House College was Suzy Brokensha (English) because, in a very cool way, she carried with her the notion that dreams can come true.
How did he/she/they influence you?
A combination of all four teachers mentioned above contributed a great deal toward my not shying away from the creative side of my brain, ultimately bringing home to me the idea that there was more to life than leaping into a job which offered medical aid and a 13th cheque.
Do you still have contact with them? How?
We are not in touch but I do bump into them occasionally at sexy events like book launches, arts festivals and theatre productions.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
I loved English and cared little for anything else. I was never the brightest crayon in the box, but English provided me with the opportunity to escape from the world through ÂÂmy writing.
What are the qualities of a good teacher?
A good teacher continues to impact upon your life long after you’ve left the classroom. More than likely, a good teacher impacts upon your life forever.
What are the things a teacher should never do/say?
My worst teacher was undoubtedly a particular male teacher who exercised corporal punishment to an inexplicable demonic extent. No human being should do that. I also think that it’s very unhealthy to publicly single out learners who score low marks. Personally, the memories linger…
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
The future of the world is in your hands, daily. Life cannot happen without you. You are more precious than gold.