A dedicated and hardworking teacher, Sister Nelida Romero of De Montfort Catholic School in Louis Trichardt, finally retired after 26 years´ unbroken service.

During her long-term teaching career, Romero has produced a long chain of doctors, civil engineers, politicians, entrepreneurs and geologists, to name but a few.

During her farewell function, which took place at the school last Friday, the principal, Mr John Tamakloe, urged teachers to work very hard in their profession as well as to further their studies. He is also one of her former pupils. “Teachers should be proud of their profession and the work they are doing in order to restore the dignity of their profession,” he said.

He described Romero as a hardworking, dedicated and visionary leader, who played a meaningful role in the development of education. "She was always cooperative, readily available and carried out instructions professionally. As a disciplined educator, she worked hard without constant supervision because to her, teaching was not just a career but a way of life."

He said Romero’s exemplary life should serve as a motivation to young teachers. "Everyone can see that she was a great soldier in the teaching profession, and I hope the young teachers will pick up the spear from where she left off. We wish her more health and a deserved rest after such hard work."

Romero said she succeeded over the 26 years through her spirit of cooperation with different stakeholders. "I have finally arrived here because of the support from the Department of Education, community members, fellow educators and friends. I would have been wrong to say that this is a one-man battle because in education, we need each other’s support to succeed. We can only succeed through hard work, unity and dedication."