Long serving principal of Upper Cabazana Primary School, Mr Lungisani Wiseman Mnyaka popularly known as Master, has retired from the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
A final bell has rung for the beloved school principal. Mr Mnyaka also the owner of Master Eleven Football Club in Kokstad has served the Department of Education with an unbroken service of 38 years. Mr Mnyaka started teaching at Tolweni High School in Ntabankulu in 1987. In 1990 he transferred to Gofela JSS in Mount Ayliff. In the same 1990 he was appointed as Deputy Principal of Upper Cabazana JSS in Mount Ayliff. In 1993 he was appointed as principal of Upper Cabazana JSS.
Mr Mnyaka always loved young people in sport and education to develop young minds and keep them on the right track. Mr Mnyaka said entering the teaching profession fulfilled a lifelong family vision. He said it was a dream of his parents that six of their children should become teachers. Reflecting on his early teaching days he fondly recalls academic and sporting triumphs. He however acknowledged how the educational landscape has shifted over four decades. He said during those years schools had better disciplined learners with clear goals in life. He said discipline in our public schools has deteriorated to the extent that many good teachers want to leave the teaching profession.
Under his leadership he built strong school partnerships, hosting career workshops hosted by Ikhwezi Project. Over the years the school has produced people who were recognized in the fields like musician Mr Mdumiseni Ndzimande popularly known as Dumi Mkokstad. On leaving Mr Mnyaka offered heartfelt advice to the school community. He told his staff to maintain that passion for imparting knowledge and keep that team spirit. He told the new principal, Mr Kolisile that he is inheriting a hardworking staff. He said respect, accept and love them, they will give you their best.
Speakers at the farewell included former leaner and now Kokstad farmer Miss Juqu, Councillor Monwabisi Tuku, Mrs Nonkuthazo Kumbaca on behalf of colleagues. A message of the Office of The Cluster Chief Director Mr Monwabisi Mbangeni was read at the event who wished Mr Mnyaka well on his retirement. Mr Z Gwaii the CMC manager for Mount Ayliff spoke on behalf of Department of Education. Guest speaker at the ceremony was Mr Ngidi from Alfred Nzo West Department of Education. Reverend S Tukute of the Anglican Church blessed the event.