After 40 years in the teaching profession and a decade later after her retirement 71-year old Mrs Popi Mawela the former principal of Tshipi-Noto Primary School received her long overdue farewell function from her former colleagues, peers, family, and some of the new staff members of Tshipi-Noto Primary School on the 26th of April 2024 at Lapeng Village, Daveyton.
While this farewell celebration arrived a decade later than deserved, it served as a testament to the enduring legacy that Mawela built.
Mawela was appointed the first principal of Tshipi-Noto Primary School in 1994 when the school was established. Tshipi-Noto started platooning at George Mbilase with only 14 educators as there was no erected building for the new school. They then moved to a temporary structure (Emazozweni) and later moved to an unfinished building at Emaphupheni where Mrs Mawela served as the Principal for 20 years with 35 dedicated staff members.
It was said that Mawela had been a pillar of strength to many. She offered an ethical leadership style that created a safe working environment.
“Mrs Mawela used and strongly believed in the participatory style which encouraged the subordinates to take part in decision-making and consequently learn to take responsibility. She also utilized consultations to help subordinates to work more independently to build their confidence,” said a representative of the staff.
“Working with Ousi Popi has been a pleasure. She deserves to smell her roses while she is still alive. She made us grow. We are who we are because of her,” she added.
“For years, she has served as the beacon of guidance, the epitome of dedication, and the heart of the Etwatwa community. Today we reflect on the countless lives she has touched and the profound impact she has had.
“To my mother, Your unwavering commitment to the betterment of Etwatwa has been nothing short of inspiring. Through your tireless efforts, you have nurtured generations of young minds, shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow. As a family, we are immensely proud of all that you have accomplished,” noted Mawela’s daughter, Amanda.
She continued to say, “We rejoice in the opportunity to honor you while you are still with us, to express our gratitude for your selflessness, and to shower you with the love and appreciation you so rightfully deserve, thank you for being the guiding light, the pillar of strength, and the epitome of love. We love you, Mom.”
Former HOD and Deputy Principal of Tshipi-Noto Busisiwe Twala nee Mogotsi shared her journey with the former principal.
“What I liked about Mawela was her work ethic. We had two sessions of attendance. The first one was in the morning till noon then from 12 pm till 4 pm. She gave me all the powers, and it is where I have acquired all the leadership skills. We pushed together and I also got the opportunity of working with her in unity as the top management while we were growing the numbers of our school.
“Working as a team we achieved a lot. We were able to make very strong decisions, decisions that would take the community to another level, and our school being one of the top schools back then because of our reputation,” exclaimed Twala nee Mogotsi
Working together with Mawela they were able to manage the school teachers and HOD’s.
“Our work ethic made us attract sponsors that helped us to build more classes, a library, sports facilities, and a hall. We acquired all these by ourselves and the sponsors we received, we were not helped by the government. Our working relationship with Mawela grew stronger and made us sisters to date. We are pensioners that are still goal-driven,” she ended.
Because of Mawela’s leadership ethic, Tshipi Noto was one of the best schools in the district, which the IDSO would always use as the perfect model school which was run smoothly with every audit feedback of unqualified report. Due to the smooth running of the school and audits the Gauteng M.EC Mrs M Metcalf once visited the school.
The district nominated two schools from Etwatwa to travel to the UK to observe the management and administration of how the schools are run that side (something like an abroad exchange programme). Some of the schools visited abroad came to Tshipi Noto and donated a few things which Mrs P.E Mawela feels she gained a lot of knowledge from the experience abroad.
Giving her remarks, Mawela gave special thanks to the Entertainment committee, the former principal M. Mbhele, Former SGB chairperson P. Phangela, Former Deputy Principal Mr V. Nxumalo, Former Deputy Principal Mr N. Zwane, Former Deputy Principal Mr A. Mabena, and the Former Deputy Principal Ms B. Twala nee Mogotsi.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
