SENOTLELO — As a quiet Grade 8 learner, Zandile Charity Mnguni preferred to stay away from the spotlight until her teacher, Mr Hadebe, saw something in her that she had yet to recognise in herself.

He entered her into debate and oral competitions, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and helping her discover a confidence she did not know she possessed.

Today, Mnguni is an educator at Molapalama Combined School in Dr JS Moroka Municipality, where she teaches English, Social Sciences and Creative Arts. She is also a subject head for Social Sciences and English, a GEC coordinator, Teachers’ CAN 2024 Fellow, 2026 Lead Multiplier and provincial moderator for Social Sciences.

“I was one quiet and observant learner who did all she could to avoid the spotlight,” Mnguni recalls.

Hadebe, however, saw her potential.

“When no one believed in me, this boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself as it evoked the potential I myself didn’t know I had,” she says.

Hadebe passed away while she was in Grade 9, but his influence remained. Mnguni promised herself that she would become a teacher in his honour and be to other children what he had been to her.

Since entering the profession in 2018, she has worked to create classrooms where learners actively participate in their education.

She has particularly worked to change perceptions around Social Sciences, with former learners going on to choose History and Geography in Grade 10. Mnguni also mentors several former learners who are now student teachers.

Her teaching approach is shaped by challenges such as learner discipline, disengagement and poor academic performance. In History, learners participate in role-playing and debates, while Geography is brought to life through fieldwork and excursions.

“I believe it lies in me knowing my subject content, being confident about it and selling the subject to my learners. I live my subject, walk my subject,” she says.

For Mnguni, every lesson carries a deeper responsibility.

“Whenever I go to class, I have an understanding that a certain family’s last hope is in that class, giving them the small wins is what makes them hungry for more success in life.”

One of her career highlights came in 2021 when she travelled with learner Mphofela Tshireletso to represent Mpumalanga at the National Inkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History Competition. The experience was particularly meaningful as Tshireletso presented research at national level and boarded a plane for the first time.

Mnguni’s commitment has since earned her recognition in the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category.

After being nominated by her principal, she prepared a presentation highlighting her work and its impact on learners.

At the district awards held at Witbank High School on 28 July, Mnguni took first place in her category against teachers from across the Nkangala Region.

On 28 August, she represented Nkangala at provincial level, competing against educators from Gert Sibande, Ehlanzeni and Bohlabela districts, and again emerged in first place. She has since presented before the national panel and is awaiting the final results.

For Mnguni, the recognition reflects the values that guide her as an educator.

“My work speaks for itself. I’m never too busy to assist whenever help is needed at my school,” she says.

She describes herself as someone willing to continue learning and adapting.

“I reserve the spirit of being teachable at all times.”

The recognition has also exposed her to different departments and opportunities she once never imagined.

“This nomination means the whole world to me. I believe that everything happens in God’s timing and that it’s finally my turn,” she says.

Despite the recognition, Mnguni remains focused on her learners and encourages them to believe in themselves.

“If someone can do it, you most definitely can do it too,” she says.

She also thanked her learners for embracing her teaching methods, her colleagues for their support and the Senotlelo community and Molapalama School Governing Body for trusting the school with their children.

“Thank you for trusting the school with your children. We promise to do our level best to see them elevated.”

From the quiet Grade 8 learner encouraged to step into the spotlight to an educator now helping others discover their potential, Mnguni’s journey reflects the lasting influence one teacher can have on another generation.