ZWELETHEMBA – The School Governing Body (SGB) of Vusisizwe Secondary School announced the appointment of Mlungisi Bushwana as new curator principal at a meeting with parents and educators on Sunday, 21 July. Having retired earlier this year as principal of Van Cutsem Combined School in De Doorns, he will now oversee a school where he began as a clerk in the 1980s.
Bushwana brings more than three decades of experience in education to this new role. He began teaching at Vusisizwe Secondary School in 1994 after completing his initial teaching qualification in Canada. During his tenure at Van Cutsem he played a pivotal role in transforming the school into a hub of academic excellence and innovation. SGB chairperson Mandisa Tani expressed optimism about Bushwana’s appointment.
“He brings extensive experience from over three decades in education,” she said. “I don’t want us to miss this opportunity while he is still here; let us get as much out of him as we can.”
The SGB praised his appointment as a strategic move towards revitalising the school, ensuring quality education and preparing students for success in a changing world.
The appointment of Bushwana comes at a critical time for Vusisizwe, which has been facing significant governance and academic-performance challenges. These concerns include allegations of misappropriation of school funds, failure to implement codes of conduct for learners and teachers, lack of transparency and honesty, and neglect in addressing issues such as the late coming of learners and untidiness of school premises. “With just two weeks in tenure we are seeing change,” an educator said.
Bushwana has already shown a strong commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment at Vusisizwe. In just two weeks since taking office he has focused on tackling immediate challenges facing the school such as late coming. Bushwana aims to drive positive change, focusing on administrative efficiency and improving the curriculum.
The announcement of Bushwana’s appointment has been met with optimism and hope from the community of Zwelethemba.
“This appointment is a great fit for the community, given the principal’s familiarity with the local context,” said Sinethemba Sikwatha, “which will allow him to connect with learners and support our fellow teachers more effectively.”
Parents and educators are looking forward to the positive changes.
His experience, proven leadership and dedication to both education and community development position him as a key figure in steering Vusisizwe Secondary School towards a brighter future.
As it navigates through its current challenges the appointment of Bushwana as curator principal offers hope.
With a focus on administrative efficiency, curriculum improvement and community engagement, Bushwana is poised to lead the school towards renewed academic excellence and stability. The school community eagerly awaits the positive transformations that his leadership is expected to bring.
At the meeting Zamhi Mtwazi, former acting principal of the school, painted a sad picture of the mid-year results, urging parents to work together with educators. He identified absenteeism and late coming as major causes of the decline in academic performance, stressing the need for a collective effort.
