A well-known publisher attributes that his passion for the noble profession of teaching was inspired in him by one of his former teachers.
Trevor Mokeyane stated that Bosoji Morule defines the saying that a good teacher can inspire hope, and instil a love of learning.
The impact has proven overwhelmingly true. In celebration of World Teachers’ Month during October, he paid Morule a special visit. This visit was highly motivated by the fact that Mokeyane still has his Standard 2 (Gr. 4) report in his possession.
The report is among the important documents kept safe at his residence.
Mokeyane said presenting his report to Morule during the special visit on 4 October was a moment worth treasuring.
He said Morule, who taught him in the ’70s, further instilled the fundamental lessons he had been receiving from his parents, John Tilo and Nomagqesha Mokeyane, who were both teachers.
“Both my parents were teachers, but as you can imagine, to me they were just my mother and father. Of course they instilled my love for reading and education.
“But with Mistress (as we called female teachers) Bojosi Morule, it is where the love for the noble profession was instilled at a young age. She was knowledgeable on all fronts as we did 11 subjects and she presented them with such skill and passion,” said Mokeyane.
“I visited her at her place to thank her for her immense contribution in my life. I got position four overall out of 64 learners then,” said Mokeyane, recalling his school years.
Morule taught Mokeyane while attending at the Marang Primary School, before she was appointed in the position of principal at the Bochabela Primary School.
He said Morule’s teaching ability extended to teaching lifelong life skills needed at any home.
“Even at handwork (‘Tiro ya Diatla’) and gardening, she was a pro. We were always in awe of her and I always strove to please her by working hard and achieving good results.
“One thing I need to mention is that we were taught these subjects in the mother tongue.
“We did ‘Thutapalo’ (Mathematics), ‘Tikologo’ (Environment), ‘Boitekanelo’ (Hygiene practice), ‘Mokwalo’ (Good writing) and ‘Bodumedi’ (Religious education), in addition to English and Afrikaans languages.
“So, to contribute to the debate I strongly believe in mother tongue instruction at a younger age,” said Mokeyane.
“Interestingly enough, I was taught Setswana in matric by Morule’s younger brother, Itumeleng Ditaunyane. I also helped publish his book titled Botshelo Jo Mangaung,” he said.
Mokeyane said the passion for teaching saw him working as a teacher at the Ikaelelo Secondary School for nine years.
“I was also a teacher librarian and then following the librarianship, I ended up being a publisher. I always wanted to be a social worker but the love of books led me to pursue the librarianship and publishing careers,” said Mokeyane.
