Hendrina — After three decades in education, former Alex Benjamin Secondary School principal Sakhile Farewell Mokoena officially bids farewell to her leadership role at a celebration held in KwaZamokuhle on 13 February 2026. But her work in the community is far from over.
“My current focus is on developing initiatives aimed at supporting the youth affected by substance abuse in the streets of KwaZamokuhle and Hendrina,” she said.
Before leading Alex Benjamin Secondary School, she served as Deputy Principal at KwaZamokuhle High School and later stepped up as Acting Principal.
In 2007, she took the initiative to establish Alex Benjamin School. Under her leadership, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in its first matric class in 2022. This was followed by 97,6% in 2023 and 98,3% in 2024.
Known as a strict but committed leader, Mokoena built her reputation on discipline, academic performance and learner support.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, along with qualifications in School Management and Education — credentials that shaped her leadership approach.
While academic performance defined part of her leadership, community members say her influence extended far beyond school grounds.
“She’s more than just a teacher; she’s a nurturing mother, a generous soul, and a committed community advocate,” expressed Gugulethu Mabena, a local resident. “I know many children in need who benefit from her financial support and access to food. While I’m saddened to see her leave her role as principal, I take comfort in knowing she won’t stop her work for the community of KwaZamokuhle.”
Among the programmes introduced during her tenure were a breakfast initiative for learners and support systems for disadvantaged pupils.
Former learner Zinhle, now a qualified chemical engineer, said: “We remember the incredible opportunities she provided, ensuring that every learner could experience transformative moments, like the life-changing trip to the High Court in Nelspruit in 2011, regardless of their financial situation. She also introduced a breakfast programme that allowed us to learn with dignity and focus, and she fostered a safe, nurturing environment where we could ask teachers for anything we needed, including sanitary pads for the girls and food during the school holidays,” she said.
Winnie Sibeko, now a medical doctor, echoed the same sentiment. “She established programmes that helped us build our self-esteem, such as the debates we held at local radio station Greater Middelburg FM every Thursday.”
Mokoena’s influence has also extended into civic leadership. Priscilla Malinga, EFF Ward 3 councillor, said Mokoena played a pivotal role in shaping her journey. “She motivated me to embrace my role as an active citizen and ignited my political awareness. With her moral support, financial backing, and invaluable guidance, I was able to achieve my goal of becoming a councillor,” she said.
David Mashiloane, speaking on behalf of the Steve Tshwete 2 Circuit, praised Mokoena's commitment to education. “You've impacted so many lives. Your legacy will resonate for generations. Everything you've done for this community has not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your dedication,” he said.
In 2024, Mokoena was selected as a speaker at the Mpumalanga Female Leadership Management Conference, highlighting her role in women’s leadership development.
Describing herself as deeply spiritual, she shared that her motivation has always been grounded in service. “Without my love for teaching, I wouldn’t have reached this point in my journey. My aspiration has always been to empower individuals through education, and in the last decade, I’ve seen that vision materialise. I hope to inspire other educators to embrace this mission as well,” she said.
