“Hidden menace on our roads” was the title of the comprehension test I was giving. I immediately recalled an incident involving my former mathematics teacher Mulalo (not his real name). He taught me in 1984 while I was in standard four (now grade six). I admired his commitment and passion as a teacher.
I liked the comprehension passage because it highlighted sleep deprivation as one of the worst causes of accidents on our roads. Most drivers do not rest, let alone get enough sleep. As a result, they can doze off at crucial moments while behind the wheel.
My observation is that our traffic officers do not seem to pay close enough attention to this as they look for other traffic violations such as speed, drivers’ and car licences and roadworthiness.
It is not only on our roads but elsewhere that people who do not sleep enough fail to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. I find it particularly inexcusable when people deny themselves time to sleep as a result of spending too much time drinking or socialising until the wee hours of the morning. And Mulalo was one such person.
His mastery of mathematics coupled with his commitment endeared him to most learners and staff, but he developed a habit of sleeping in class. I gathered the reason for this was that he used to drink a lot until very late at night, leaving little time for sleep.
He would enter the classroom and give us work, sit on his chair and pretend to be marking our books.
Within five minutes, he would be snoring. At first, we were embarrassed by this behaviour but, with time, we got used to it. Some of the learners even went so far as to report him to the principal but the headmaster could not act because she needed evidence.
Then, one day, an opportunity for evidence presented itself. The principal, without being alerted by anyone, arrived just at the time when Mulalo was fast asleep. We were all taken aback and eagerly waited to see what was going to happen.
By some stroke of luck, Mulalo picked up the scent of the principal’s perfume before she could come close enough to see for herself that he was asleep. With presence of mind, Mulalo started praying.
I still remember the prayer, which went something like this: “Lord who art in heaven, I pray for the development of our school. Help us to execute our duties loyally and responsibly.
“I pray for our educators and our dedicated principal for strength and wisdom to sustain good governance of our school, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
What a powerful prayer it was! When Mulalo opened his eyes, the principal was standing close by with a radiant smile on her face.
“It is good to have teachers who care for their school and its leadership,” said the visibly impressed woman. “Thank you very much. A secret of success is in prayer,” she smiled.
What I learnt from this experience — and this is something I always tell my learners — is the importance of having enough rest, particularly sleep. Not having enough rest or sleep may have serious consequences just as Mulalo nearly got himself into trouble. Fortunately for him, all it took to avert this was the scent of perfume and a short prayer!
Livhuani Doboro teaches at Godide High School in Thulamahashe, Mpumalanga