Taking Stock at 97: Mr Kona’s legacy lives in his learners

EMALAHLENI — Civic leaders, educators and former learners gathered at the Civic Hall in eMalahleni on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, to celebrate the 97th birthday of Mr Andrew Kona, former principal of Elukhanyisweni High School, whose legacy lives on through generations of professionals he mentored.

The event was organised by former learners who credit Mr Kona with shaping careers in medicine, law, education and the trades. Many of his learners have gone on to become doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians and artisans.

Among his former learners are Manfred Mabuza of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), former City of Mbombela Mayor Lacy Chiwayo and the late Minister Jackson Mthembu.

Mr Kona’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Africa between 1954 and 1956. He qualified as a teacher with a Bantu Teacher’s Diploma from Bantu Normal College in Mamelodi, Pretoria, in 1957, and later obtained additional qualifications in education management.

His teaching career started in 1958 at Emmarentia Boarding School in Settlers, Warmbaths, where he taught English, Afrikaans, Physics and History. After the school closed, he moved to Botshabelo Secondary School in Middelburg, teaching the same subjects.

In 1965, he was appointed principal of Elukhanyisweni High School in Witbank. Under his leadership, the school introduced its first matric class in 1972, opening opportunities for hundreds of learners to access higher education.

One of his former learners, Professor Charles Mampuru, paid tribute at the event.

“Under your leadership, Elukhanyisweni did not wait for resources to arrive before we produced results,” Mampuru said. “You reminded us every Monday at assembly: ‘Discipline is the bridge between dreams and delivery.’ You inspected our uniforms, yes, but more importantly you inspected our ambition. You chased away the spirit of mediocrity and told us that the world would not lower its standards for us, so we must raise ours.”

“At 97 years today, Tata Kona, your voice still echoes in our lecture halls, in our boardrooms and in the classrooms where your grandchildren now teach. The slogan ‘My School is Second to None’ was never about arrogance. It was about responsibility.”

Lawyer Jonas Sibanyoni of JB Sibanyoni Attorneys, also a former learner, said Mr Kona’s contribution to society was profound.

“Mr Kona produced many professionals, including myself,” Sibanyoni said. “His contribution to society was immense, and we thank him for the role he played.”

In 1982, Mr Kona was appointed inspector of schools by the Department of Education, where he served until his retirement under the Gauteng Department of Education in April 1995.

“Mr Kona taught us discipline, respect and the value of education when access was not easy,” said Grace Mampane, a former learner who is now a teacher. “He produced generations of professionals and gave this community hope.”

Beyond education, Mr Kona also served in local government. In June 1981, he became a councillor on the Witbank Community Council. In 1984, he was appointed to the newly established Local Authority and was later elected Mayor of the Town Council of KwaGuqa. Colleagues described him as “honest, just, diplomatic and competent”.

Since retiring, Mr Kona has pursued his passion for restoring vintage motor vehicles and spends time reading philosophy, religion and history.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Kona thanked his former learners for the honour.

“Education remains the key that opens doors,” he said. “Use it well, and serve your communities with honesty.”