Former student pays tribute to educator’s lasting legacy

BLOEMFONTEIN: Prof. Itumeleng Mosala has paid a special tribute to Bloemfontein’s recently departed teacher, the astute Selelo Jonathan Steve Vinger. The educator, affectionately known as “Oom Steve,” was laid to rest on 25 July. He lived long enough to reach 90 years.

Mosala is one of South Africa’s renowned academics, and is one of the outstanding persons Vinger taught in Std.5 and Std.6 (now Gr.7 and Gr.8) in 1963 and 1964 at the Marang Primary School.

Mosala holds the strong view that Vinger’s legacy as a true teacher is distinguished by the knowledge he imparted to his students, who themselves progressed to reach great heights in the field of education.

He is of the opinion that the late teacher’s legacy is measured by the calibre of learners who are making a positive impact, in different ways, in their respective communities and place of work.

According to Mosala, Vinger’s nurturing and shaping of their lives became evident in the critical phase of the education during 1963 and 1964.

“It was during the time when Std.6 was a national external examination when the principal, Thomas Matlhape, felt that the teachers should move up with the learners to the next standard.

“This was in preparation for the external national Std.6 examination,” said Mosala.

Inspired by the masterful teachings of Vinger, Mosala said he was grateful that he excelled in his academic career.

He went on to teach at top academic institutions in South Africa and internationally. He worked in Botswana, Cambridge, California and Argentina.

Mosala said he learnt great lessons on life from Vinger.

“Mr Vinger used to drink a pint of milk every day, and I once asked why he did that.”

He said he found out that later in life Vinger once contracted TB.

“And that could have been one of the reasons he drank a pint of milk every day. Vinger would put the bottle on the windowsill, ready for drinking during break time,” said Mosala.