The new acting principal of DD Siwisa Primary School is determined to prove the other teachers wrong, as she sets an example to women who may be fearful of leadership roles.
The new acting principal of DD Siwisa Primary School is determined to prove the other teachers wrong, as she sets an example to women who may be fearful of leadership roles.
When the principal of DD Siwisa Primary School, Zolani Gosani, elected Nomfusi Tshuku as the acting principal during Women's Month, she did not hesitate to accept the offer.
“It is an honour to have been given this opportunity in my last year of teaching,” said Tshuku, who will be retiring in December.
“I feel that this will be my way of leaving a legacy for the other teachers who are still young.”
Gosani's initiative was to acknowledge that women are as capable of earning the same respect as men, doing the same job.
“It has been my dream to recognise women for the contribution that they make in society and this was my way of appreciating what they do,” he said.
“I also feel that society likes to give more recognition to men than women, and I want to change that view even if it is in a small way.”
Controversial selection
She has been a teacher for 35 years and previously taught at Mdeni Primary School in Fort Beaufort before being posted to Grahamstown. Her experience makes her the ideal candidate.
“I selected five women who have been with the school since its inception, and of the women chosen, she showed a willingness to lead,” said Gosani.
However, the announcement was met with mixed reactions from the other staff members who questioned Tshuku’s ability to lead.
“Some of the teachers also took it as a joke because they think that I am too old to cope with the responsibilities of the job,” said Tshuku.
Goal is set
Tshuku says that she is determined to prove them wrong.
“I want them to see the difference that I am going to make years after I have left,” she said.
“I may not be brilliant but I am a hard worker and that is the quality I want to show when doing my duties.”
She also hopes that she will serve as an example to other women who may be fearful of assuming leadership roles.
“They [women]should have the confidence to make things happen for themselves.”
“Men also need to support them so that we could have a better society.”
After her retirement, she plans to hopes to open her own crèche.
