DESPATCH – After a combined 156 years of dedicated service, four beloved educators at Despatch Primary School are preparing to close the final chapter of their remarkable teaching careers, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped countless young lives across multiple generations.
With individual tenures spanning 39, 42, 41 and 34 years respectively, these exceptional teachers have witnessed the evolution of education first-hand, adapting to changing times whilst maintaining their unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds within the familiar halls they’ve called home for decades.
Despite the inevitable challenges that come with such extensive careers in education, each of these retiring educators shares a common sentiment that speaks to their profound love for their profession: they wouldn’t trade a single one of those years for anything, a testament to the deep fulfilment they’ve found in their calling to teach and inspire.
Sharing with UD Express, Athenia Campbell, who taught for 39 years at the school, said she has mixed feelings regarding her retirement.
“I have been teaching here for 39 years. I am very passionate about education. I never saw myself as anything else but a teacher. I am grateful that I could serve for as long as I did.”
She added that ever since she was a little girl, she has always wanted to be a teacher.
“Growing up, I used to play school every day, where I was the teacher. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wanted to do this. I am privileged to live out my dream. Even the former learners who are now teachers at this school give me hope for the future of education.”
When asked about one highlight out of the many at the school, Campbell said, of course the learners had a special place in her heart, but her colleagues have been an unforgettable highlight.
“All the highlights they mentioned are about the learners, which is why they are the true blessing. It was a privilege to work with them every day.”
Grant van Wyk, who taught for 42 years at the school, said it is a very emotional time for him.
“Leaving a career you have been in for four decades, you get so attached to the learners as a parent at school, replacing the parent at home. You deal with all that they go through: the pain, the struggles, disappointments and joy. As a rugby coach as well, it was also a pleasure to coach them. Some may not be academically strong, but some are gifted in sports. I taught in the apartheid era and post-apartheid, so I learnt a lot about education.”
When asked about the key difference between the two eras, Van Wyk said that the current generation struggles to read.
Nowadays, Grade 4s struggle to read with understanding, which is concerning, because it seems as if they don’t care about reading anymore.
He also said that the problem is not only reading books, but struggling to read prevents a learner from understanding an examination question, emphasising the importance of reading.
Van Wyk added that technology played a role in the learners’ desire not to prioritise reading.
“Learners used to go to libraries to sign out books, but now with technology, you don’t need to go and get a physical book because you can get it on your phone. Back then, even when I was in school, we were forced to go to the library.
“There need to be libraries at schools, not makeshift classrooms used as a library, but proper facilities that show the importance of reading.”
When asked about one highlight out of the many at the school, he said it is the learners who plough back to the school when they have become successful and seeing the success they made of themselves, picking out Aviwe Ngabom, an actor, as one example.
Ronwynne Meyer, who taught for 41 years at the school, said she is glad she got to teach at Despatch Primary School specifically.
“This place was part of my DNA; I was blessed to be here. Being on pension since June 2025, I am sad my time here has come to an end.”
Sharing why she was blessed to be at the school, she said, “God put me here when I asked him to put me in a school where I can do something good and assist learners in need.”
When asked about one highlight out of the many at the school, Meyer said it was the underprivileged learners: the ones with worn-out uniforms and shoes.
“The children who needed hugs; who were visibly glad to see you in the morning. Maybe that child grew up in hardship, but wanted to go to school because they wanted to see me, their teacher. Some learners did not have many opportunities, but with us, they felt seen. That stands out for me.”
Sharleen Da Costa, who taught for 34 years at the school, said that this year’s prize-giving was an emotional one, as it was her last at the school: her last exam invigilating and her last time marking papers.
“It is a great experience to teach here. The community, learners and parents have been so welcoming. They have become my family now. This year I thought to myself, ‘Can I stay and go another year or should I really leave?’ but I think I have reached my end.
“Like my colleague said, we taught during apartheid and post-apartheid; we have seen all the different curricula and it has been a journey that I would not trade for anything.”
When asked about one highlight out of the many at the school, Da Costa mentioned the choir.
“Seeing our choir excel in national competitions like the ATKV was incredible to see. Taking our learners out of the Eastern Cape — who have never been outside of it — to sleep at hotels for the first time was special. Seeing their excitement, running in corridors, knocking on people’s doors, having to run after them; that is a moment that stands out for me.
“Showing our learners that there is more to the world than just what they know in Despatch.”
Collectively, the teachers reflected on the options they had post-matric.
They said that during that time, the only options were to become a nurse, teacher or police officer.
They were glad they decided to teach.
When asked about their plans for retirement, the teachers said they cannot wait to spend time with family, travel and not be woken up by an alarm daily.
The teachers shared that they would like to see three things change in the future of education: to see South Africa in the top 50 world rankings when it comes to mathematics; make Grade R compulsory for all learners; see more social workers in schools and more special needs schools; and for there to be harmony amongst School Governing Body (SGB) members and government staff and for all to know the role they play.
Former head boy at the school, Aviwe Ngabom, shared, “Each of these teachers has played a significant role in shaping my early years. As these remarkable educators begin their well-deserved retirement, I wish them abundant joy, love and blessings.
“May they be blessed with time to cherish with their families and enjoy the fruits of their labour. They’ve dedicated their lives to shaping generations of students, and we’re all better for it.”
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