Fellow teachers, members of the school governing body and learners bade farewell to Ms Rose Mbadaliga (65), a much-loved teacher at Harold Rudzani Primary, during a farewell function held on her behalf on Friday, 28 May, at Tshiozwi. Members of the community and her family also joined the occasion to wish her a peaceful retirement.

Mbadaliga holds a proud record of 43 years of uninterrupted service as teacher at various local schools. Mbadaliga started teaching at Tshamavhudzi Primary School way back in 1978. She joined Rabali Primary School in 1979 and proceeded to Mukhudwana Primary in 1980 (now Harold Rudzani Primary).

The principal of Harold Rudzani Primary, Mr Shaft Matumba, said Mbadaliga’s name would go down in history as one of the people who played a meaningful role in the development of education in Limpopo.  “She can be described as a good shepherd and loyalist who always made sure that she raised the standard of education and gave a smile to the learners she served,” he said.

“She is a great woman who always made sure that she raised our educational flag by making sure that she produced hundreds of professionals through her excellent teaching skills. We can all agree that she loved her work and went out an extra mile to fulfil her obligations.”

He added that, through Mbadaliga’s dedication, she inspired young teachers to love their work. “We wish young teachers could harvest her knowledge and follow in her footsteps to improve the state of education in our schools,” Matumba said.

Mbadaliga thanked the school governing body of Harold Rudzani Primary, the learners and the community stakeholders for giving her the opportunity to realize her potential as a teacher for 40 years at the same school. She said she did not regret becoming a teacher, because when she looked back, she saw the flowers of her hard labour blossoming. “There is nothing that makes me happier than meeting the doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers and other professionals that I have produced. I have really worked hard, and this is the perfect time for me to rest.”

Mbadaliga has a message for young teachers. “Work is not about money; it is about putting a smile on the face of the person you are assisting. When you go to class, you must be fully prepared. If you want to enjoy your work, love what you do and execute all your duties on time.”