Beloved principal Khandela retires

The recent farewell function of the principal of Patrick Ramaano Secondary School, Vho-Mavhungu Khandela (64), was a joyous celebration of the successes which the school had achieved under his leadership.

During the event, several speakers and well-wishers emphasised the outgoing principal's dedication and good leadership skills, which saw the school grooming pupils to become pillars of their communities.

“Vho-Khandela was also instrumental in guiding and encouraging learners to develop other talents which are beyond academic excellence,” said Lucky Tshilimandila, a former pupil.

Vho-Khandela became principal of the school in 1987, when the school had an enrolment of 620 learners. In that year, the school had only 15 classes, 25 teachers and 123 Grade12 pupils. The school grew and developed dramatically under his leadership, with scholars who excelled academically, socially and culturally.

The school's Grade 12s were in the top 30 for the first time in 2012. Last year, they performed well and obtained a 95% pass rate. They were fifth in the province and were announced as the top school in Vhembe District. “A Grade 12 pupil in the 2013 class, Miss Khuthadzo Tshiovhe, made history for the school by becoming the first pupil to obtain distinctions in all her subjects,” Tshilimandila said.

Vho-Khandela thanked all the colleagues, former pupils and members of the community for believing in his leadership. “I also urge other teachers to work harder and unite themselves at the school in one purpose of grooming learners into responsible individuals who respect one another and love their nation,” he said.

Representing the former pupils, Mr Humbulani Musandiwa said that Vho-Khandela's leadership skills remained unmatched. “We believe that Vho-Khandela will continue serving the school as an adviser whenever he is requested to do so,” Musandiwa said.

Vho-Khandela is leaving the school which has now grown to 31 classes, 2 198 pupils and 69 teachers. He is retiring after after spending 27 years at the helm of the school.

News - Date: 15 August 2014

Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.

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