Today, we are privileged as educators to be part of a ceremony organized by Nongoma Local Municipality to honour and pay tribute to the matric students who contributed towards excellent results of the Class of 2020.

We cherish this day for many reasons.

Firstly, this event took place weeks after planting of His Majesty – King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.

Secondly, as I was addressing dignitaries on behalf learners and educators, I remembered a sombre mood which engulfed Nongoma where palaces of His Majesty are located.

His untimely departure is a story that has filled our hearts with anguish and deep pain.

As educators we continue to talk with learners and parents about the impact His Majesty made in our lives as a Father.

Each passing day, we share stories of unbelievable love and human kindness displayed by our King.

Today’s event has inspired many of us to sustain his teachings and promote his deep love for education.

We fully understand that His Majesty was a direct descendant of the Zulu kings who fought colonial wars. He often pointed out that his forefathers used spears to fight wars. He was quick to point out that because we now live in a free society - under a democratic government, we must pens and computers to fight for a prosperous future for all.

On this important day, we wish to make an undertaking as teachers that we will double our efforts to produce excellent results from our schools.

This is in line with the teachings of our departed King.

We will continue to work with our seniors in the department of education to improve the performance of schools in Nongoma.

We will work with community leaders and community structures including traditional leaders and religious leaders.

Importantly, at all times, we will work with the Nongoma Local Municipality to produce learners that will one day come back to develop Nongoma.

In addition, we will continue to work harder in science subject, especially in maths and physical science. 

These subjects are the springboard for a future career in science. This is a critical field in today’s world. 

As teachers we believe that a modern economy demands workforce that is numerically and scientifically literate.

Therefore, we commit to work hard to ensure that our education system creates a supply of learners who are knowleddable in maths and science.

We will also work hard to make learners understand the rich history of Nongoma.

The Kings of the Zulu nations are planted in the Zululand – making ours a district with rich history.

We have therefore made an undertaking to produce learners that will become our ambassadors.

We want to produce learners that will tell the story of Nongoma and ensure that we attract tourists. 

As teachers we believe that tourism is important in creating job opportunities for the local economy.

Importantly, we salute our municipality for awarding learners with bursaries that will assist them to further their studies.

We thank inspectors and all officials from the Department of Educaton in this district who are assigned to monitor the performance of our schools.

Though there are challenges around the provision of adequate infrastructure, we value their efforts to turn around the situation.

We are encouraged by the partnership involving the municipality, department of education, educators and communities.

It should be remembered that on the 11th July 2011, the King delivered a speech during the inauguration of Council of Nongoma Local Municipality.

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of partnership involving all spheres of government and communities.

On matters of education, we have a responsibility to work together to create an environment where there is excitement about learning, personal growth, performance and service excellence.  

We must create environments where learning is accessible and happens both in the formal setting of a classroom but also at work through mentoring and coaching.   

We must create environments that promote learning, self development and growth.  

We must create environments where people take responsibility for their own development.  

We must create environments where each individual takes the responsibility for the development of the other.

This approach will ensure that we create a united and powerful nation. This will be a fitting tribute to our departed Kingy.

Written by Mrs Sphesihle Mkhize. Mkhize is the School Principal at Prince Ndabuko High School. She write in her personal capacity