THE WB Tshume Primary School held a glittering function to bid farewell to their principal, Selby Vumile Madikane, in KwaZakhele on Friday, April 29.
The speakers lauded Madikane for his excellent service during his 32 years of teaching. Two educators, Nombuyiselo Vellem and Vuyokazi Mpofu, stated that Madikane displayed good leadership and management skills.
Algoa 2 circuit manager, Noluthando Kapela, stated that Madikane was one of the most disciplined and humble principals in her circuit.
Madikane grew up in Veeplaas, and lives in Motherwell NU 7.
He is married and has two daughters and a son.
He played rugby, soccer and volleyball, and he was an athlete.
When he was a child, he dreamed of becoming a radio newsreader, a teacher or a newspaper journalist.
Madikane obtained his Senior Primary Teachers’ diploma at Algoa College, specialising in mathematics and physical science, in 1989.
He obtained distinctions in physical science and mathematics.
He then obtained a BCom degree at Vista University (now called NMU Missionvale Campus) and was registered with Oxbridge College where he obtained public relations and advertising management diplomas. His teaching journey began at Inkqubela Primary School in KwaZakhele on January 22, 1990.
“I was a class teacher of Standard 4C, a class of more 70 learners, where I taught general science and mathematics.
“I also taught general science in five Standard 5 classes, with each having more than 70 learners. I enjoyed teaching general science. I also taught different subjects at Inkqubela Primary,” Madikane said.
“During those days, there was a green file in which the teachers were compelled to do daily preparation. I came to the classroom well-prepared and I could see the faces of the learners that they were so enthusiastic. If the teachers prepare properly, the outcomes will be good.
“Above all, the teachers are also learners themselves. Teachers must know everything about their learners. The teaching profession is the mother profession. I produced doctors, teachers, nurses, singers, radio newsreaders and many more.
“If you love the subject that you teach, your learners will also love your subject.”
In 2008, Madikane and other teachers at Inkqubela Primary School were deployed to Imbasa Primary School, during a time when people were being relocated from the flood plain areas.
Madikane taught many subjects in different grades, including Afrikaans in Grade 5, natural sciences and economic management sciences and technology.
He said, “I am very proud of myself. I introduced cross-country into the township schools, especially in KwaZakhele.
“Some of my athletes still take part in athletics. I was involved in coaching soccer, cricket, girls’ cricket and athletics. There are many sponsors and non-profit organisations that I roped in to help all the schools where I taught.
“Today, there are many challenges that our township schools are faced with. Teachers are robbed at gunpoint because our schools do not have security guards.
“Our schools are broken into, day in and out.
“If the government delays in addressing the schools’ challenges, our township schools will cease to exist one day.”
Madikane was Imbasa Primary School’s departmental head in Motherwell NU 12 from 2015 to 2017, Funimfundo Primary School’s deputy principal from 2017 to 2018, and WB Tshume Primary School’s principal from 2018 to 2022.
“I enjoyed being a teacher and conducted my duties with distinction,” concluded Madikane.
Madikane has also been a sports columnist for the PE Express for many years, and has won several awards for his reporting. The PE Express wishes him well in his retirement and is proud of having him as a contributor to the newspaper.
