The fourteen people who keep this school running.

A principal, a deputy, eight class teachers, three subject leads and a learner-support educator. Most have been here longer than the youngest learners have been alive.

Principal LEFIFI Mmadikeledi Agnes, a woman in her fifties wearing a navy blazer.

Mrs M.A. LEFIFI

Principal

28 years in education · B.Ed (Hons) UNISA

“A school is a promise the community makes to its children. Every day we keep it.”

Deputy Principal Mr Tumelo Motsepe, a man in his forties in a grey shirt and tie.

Mr T. Motsepe

Deputy Principal · Curriculum

19 years · B.Ed North-West University

“Plan the lesson; then plan for the child who can’t follow it.”

Mrs Boitumelo Sefadi, a woman in her thirties with short locs and a warm smile.

Mrs B. Sefadi

Head of Foundation Phase

12 years · ACE Foundation Phase, Tshwane Univ.

“Get the first three years right and the rest of school becomes possible.”

Mr Sipho Mahlangu, a man in his late twenties with glasses, in a maroon school polo.

Mr S. Mahlangu

Head of Languages · Drama Coach

7 years · B.Ed Languages, UJ

“Reading is freedom. Speaking your mind is freedom kept.”

Mr Karabo Tshabalala, an older man in a tweed jacket with a kind expression.

Mr K. Tshabalala

Head of Mathematics

23 years · B.Sc Maths, UFS · ACE Mathematics

“If a learner can explain the problem in their own language, they understand it.”

Ms Lerato Bopape, a young woman in a yellow blouse holding a sketchbook.

Ms L. Bopape

Lead Creative Arts Educator

5 years · B.A. Fine Arts, TUT · PGCE

“There is no such thing as a learner who can’t draw — only one who hasn’t been listened to yet.”

Mr Thabang Mokoena, a man in his fifties in a grey shirt with a small tie.

Mr T. Mokoena

Lead Music Educator · Choirmaster

18 years · ACE Music Education

“Every child has a voice — our job is to help them find the courage to use it.”

Mrs Naledi Phakathi, a woman in her forties in a printed dress, smiling.

Mrs N. Phakathi

Grade 1 Class Teacher

15 years · Diploma in Education, Vista

“The first day of Grade 1 should feel like a hug, not a test.”

Ms Zinhle Dlamini, a young woman with braided hair in a navy blouse.

Ms Z. Dlamini

Grade 2 Class Teacher

3 years · B.Ed Foundation, Wits

“Phonics is patience set to music.”

Mr Daniel Pretorius, a man in his thirties of mixed heritage with short curly hair.

Mr D. Pretorius

Grade 3 Class Teacher

9 years · B.Ed Intermediate, NWU

“By the end of Grade 3 a child should love a story enough to fight for the last page.”

Mr Bonginkosi Nkosi, a young man with a beard wearing a school polo.

Mr B. Nkosi

Grade 4 Class Teacher · Robotics Lead

4 years · B.Ed Senior Phase, UJ

“Curious children become brave adults — give them tools and step back.”

Mrs Palesa Ramatsui, a woman in her forties wearing a doek and a denim shirt.

Mrs P. Ramatsui

Grade 5 Class Teacher · Garden Coordinator

14 years · ACE Senior Phase Sciences

“If you can grow a tomato you can solve almost anything.”

Mrs Lindiwe Khumalo, a woman in her thirties with locs and a friendly smile.

Mrs L. Khumalo

Grade 6 Class Teacher · Reading Lead

10 years · B.Ed Languages, UNISA

“Read aloud, every day. The child you are reaching is always listening.”

Ms Priya Naidoo, a learner-support educator of South African Indian heritage in a blue cardigan.

Ms P. Naidoo

Learner Support Educator (LSE)

8 years · B.Ed Inclusive Education, UKZN

“Every learner deserves to be met where they are. Then, walked forward gently.”