Malefu Mphatane has all the attributes that typify an African matriarch — grey hair, quiet confidence, warmth and a homely and spontaneous smile.
She has also led a full and interesting life, which on Thursday October 29 culminated in being named the winner of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2009 edition of the department of education’s National Teaching Awards (NTA).
Mphatane was once a domestic worker because she did not have money to study after school. But her husband kept nagging her to venture into the teaching profession. That was 32 years ago and she has never looked back.
“When my husband proposed I take up teaching, it was as if he read my mind. I always had this burning desire to be a teacher,” she says.
“I am glad that we shared the same passion.”
So when an opportunity presented itself, Mphatane registered for a junior certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet). That marked the first steps of her journey into the “exciting” world of teaching. She then enrolled with the former Mphohadi College of Education in the Free State, the province where she grew up.
Upon completion of her training she taught as a foundation phase remedial teacher. She then went to Meloding Secondary School in Virginia (Lejweleputswa) in the Free State to teach seSotho. She went on to hold the positions of head of department, deputy-principal and then finally she became principal. She has scaled down her classroom duties but still teaches media and library studies to all grades with the intention of setting up a well-stocked and fully functional library.
Under her leadership Meloding Secondary initiated several projects, including introducing Grade 12 extra classes during weekends and holidays. She also solicited sponsorship from some NGOs to provide meals to the learners during these sessions.
She set up a vegetable garden to provide jobs and food to unemployed parents as well as to help orphans and vulnerable children. Some of the vegetables are sold to generate income and once a week a ration is given to orphans and vulnerable children.
Cell C has erected a mast in the school grounds and pays an amount as rentals.
Mphatane believes education is the lifeblood of any country. “For every country to develop, have long-term peace and stability it must have a strong and dynamic teaching force.”