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IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Celebrating the legacy of Mrs Sarmah or "Mummy" to her pupils: a guiding light in education
Shameena Sarmah, right, with her best friends and colleagues from the last three decades, from left, Nadeera Bhugwandass (principal) and Shona Singh. Image: Supplied Shameena Sarmah, a teacher at Isnembe Secondary, recently retired after 31 years. A former pupil, Dr Niksha Rajaram, who is now based in Germany, pays tribute to her. AS THE month of May drew to a close at Isnembe Secondary School, the air was tinged with both celebration and a touch of sadness. This year, we said goodbye to a pillar of our school community — the beloved Mrs Shameena Sarmah — who retired after an extraordinary 31 year career in education. Her departure marks the end of a deeply meaningful chapter in the life of the school and in the lives of those lucky enough to be taught by her. Mrs Sarmah's story is not just one of dedication to teaching, but of personal perseverance and inspiration. Before stepping into the classroom, she was a full-time housewife, a devoted mother and partner. But her aspirations didn't end there. With quiet determination, she pursued higher education later in life, earning her qualifications and proving that it's never too late to follow your dreams. Her journey from homemaker to highly-respected educator makes her a role-model for young women everywhere — a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of reinvention. Shameena Sarmah signed out for the last time on May 30. Image: Supplied Born in Chatsworth, Mrs Sarmah married Mr Tukal Sarmah and raised two daughters, while balancing her studies and her growing passion for teaching. She would go on to dedicate her professional life to Isnembe Secondary, where she taught English, technology, and Economic and Management Sciences with depth, warmth, and a motherly touch that endeared her to generations of pupils. I had the privilege of being one of those students from 2001 to 2008. During those years, Mrs Sarmah wasn't just my form teacher — she was a safe place, a guiding hand, and a nurturing presence. We affectionately called her 'Mummy,' and the name suited her perfectly. She stood by us fiercely and lovingly, never letting a child feel unseen or unheard. Her classroom was a sanctuary of calm in the often-chaotic world of was never one to raise her voice; or command respect through fear. Her strength was quieter, deeper — built on kindness, fairness, and genuine care. Even those children who struggled felt capable under her gentle guidance. She believed in us when we didn't yet believe in ourselves. Now a grandmother to four, Mrs Sarmah continues to nurture and care with that same unwavering tenderness. When she's not spending time with her family, you'll find her tending to her beloved roses — flowers that, like her, bloom with grace and resilience.I echo the sentiments of the principal, the SGB, staff and pupils of Isnembe Secondary when I say, she will be missed dearly. But her legacy of motherhood, mentorship, and empowerment will live on in every child she encouraged, every young woman she inspired, and every life she touched. Thank you, Mrs Sarmah. Thank you for being more than a teacher. Thank you for being our 'Mummy,' our guide, and our example of what it means to lead with love. THE POST
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Claims of death threats, job scams investigated at Benoni school – department says no proof exists
Claims of death threats, job scams investigated at Benoni school – department says no proof exists Despite several claims regarding teachers receiving death threats while one was murdered in April last year, as well as money paid to secure employment at the school and parents paying to access their children's report cards at Unity Secondary School in Benoni, official investigations have not resulted in uncovering any proof. Allegations of death threats The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that several teachers from Unity Secondary temporarily relocated to the district office in late 2024 following allegations of death threats. In April 2024, the Benoni City Times reported that some teachers disclosed during the memorial service of Seraka Mogoswane (a teacher at Unity Secondary who was murdered) that unknown men had followed and intimidated them in the months leading up to his death. Mogoswane was shot and killed on April 5 while sitting in a parked car in Daveyton. Although their concerns were regarded as serious, the department instructed the teachers to return to the school in 2025 because of a lack of supporting evidence. Jobs for sale allegations Adding to the school's woes, the department also investigated allegations that teaching posts were being sold. According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, they received a complaint in November 2024 from an applicant who claimed she had to deposit R17 000 into a teacher's bank account for employment. 'The implicated teacher denied involvement, and with no further cooperation from the complainant, the matter was closed because of a lack of evidence,' said Mabona. Voluntary donations by parents allowed Financial governance issues have also come under scrutiny, with allegations that parents had to pay a R450 annual contribution to access their children's report cards. However, Mabona clarified the department did not receive formal complaints. 'Upon inquiry, it was confirmed the contribution was a voluntary donation agreed upon at the school's AGM, with flexibility for parents to contribute what they could afford,' he explained. The department stated this practice was in line with Section 37(1) of the South African Schools Act, 1996, which allows school governing bodies (SGBs) to supplement state funding. Concerns about transparency in the SGB's financial records prompted the department to conduct governance training on April 1, followed by a workshop led by the National Department of Basic Education on April 15. Following these interventions, Mabona stated that all SGB members had access to the school's financial statements, and they strengthened the communication structures to enhance accountability. Interventions launched to stop academic delince Regarding academic performance, Unity Secondary has experienced a notable decline in matric results, dropping from a 98% pass rate in 2020 to 86% in 2024. Mabona said the department launched a series of interventions to support both teachers and learners. 'These include the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), targeted training in critical subjects, curriculum support from subject advisors, and ongoing development through the Provincial Just-in-Time (JIT) training programme. 'Learners also receive support through Saturday and holiday programmes under the Secondary School Intervention Programme (SSIP), including residential camps,' Mabona added. Mabona indicated that the school currently has two vacant departmental head (DH) posts and one deputy principal position. The DH posts were advertised in Vacancy Circular Two of 2025, with appointments expected by August 1. The deputy principal position will be advertised later this year. The department also confirmed that it reviewed the school principal's qualifications and found them to be valid, and that he did not require any disciplinary action. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng education responds to school scandals
Complaints about the SGB's financial practices prompted a governance intervention in April The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has addressed a series of concerns involving Unity Secondary School in Daveyton, a fire incident at Riverlea High School, and challenges in funding for Schools of Specialisation (SoS). The department on Monday acknowledged allegations that teaching posts were being sold at Unity Secondary School. The case dates back to a 2024 complaint alleging that a R17 000 deposit was made into a teacher's account in exchange for employment. 'The implicated teacher denied any involvement, and with no further cooperation from the complainant, the matter was closed due to a lack of evidence,' the GDE said. The department also responded to claims that parents were forced to pay R450 for student report cards. It said this was 'a voluntary donation, agreed upon at the Annual General Meeting', which aligns with Section 37(1) of the South African Schools Act. Complaints about the School Governing Body's (SGB) financial practices prompted a governance intervention in April. 'All SGB members were granted access to the school's financial statements, and communication structures were strengthened,' said the GDE. ALSO READ: Education minister calls on all roleplayers to help kids' kids bullying Decline in pass rates and staffing shortages The department acknowledged a decrease in the school's matric pass rate from 98% in 2020 to 86% in 2024. In response, it has rolled out teacher development programmes and learner support through the Secondary School Intervention Programme (SSIP). Staffing shortages remain an issue. 'The school currently has two vacant departmental head (DH) posts and one vacant deputy principal post,' the statement confirmed. A mid-year appointment is expected for the deputy principal position. ALSO READ: Discipline and learning collapse at Wordsworth High School Riverlea High fire under investigation Riverlea High School sustained significant infrastructure damage after a fire broke out on 27 April. Investigations by the South African Police Service (Saps) forensic unit are ongoing. While five mobile classrooms were delivered to reduce disruptions, the department confirmed that 'no expenditures to report at this time' for the R2.5 million repair plan. The school had limited fire safety infrastructure, and the last fire safety inspection was not recorded before the incident. Fire blankets and basic firefighting training were introduced after the fire, and further collaboration with emergency services is planned for later this year. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Second blaze destroys 11 Riverlea High School classrooms Specialisation schools face budget constraints Funding for SoS schools has been reduced due to broader budgetary constraints. However, the department said it 'continues to pay salaries for all state-employed educators and supports infrastructure costs, excluding minor maintenance.' The GDE reiterated that schools can supplement resources through fundraising. 'Any additional needs are to be addressed through the school's fundraising initiatives,' the statement read. The department urged collaboration with SGBs and stakeholders to improve accountability and learning outcomes. 'These issues are being attended to with the necessary diligence,' it said. NOW READ: School in south of Joburg rocked by sexual harassment claims
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Shock as rape allegations surface at Estcourt school
Allegations of rape have emerged at one of Estcourt's schools, shocking the community. It is alleged that a female learner was raped by more than one boy after extra lessons on Wednesday (May 21). It was initially alleged that the girl was raped by two boys in the school toilets after extra classes. However, counter allegations say the girl was not raped and the sex was consensual. An investigation has been launched into the incident. This morning (May 23), delegations from various political parties were seen arriving at the school to meet with school management. One SGB member said that police are still investigating the matter, as there are a lot of contradictory reports. ANC Women's League member Phindile Strydom commented that after reading about the alleged rape on social media, they came to hear 'from the horse's mouth' what really transpired. 'The principal told us it was on Wednesday after school. Normally, after school, there are extra classes. Everybody will leave and only those attending the classes will stay, including the teachers who will be conducting those extra classes,' said Strydom. She went on to say that nobody can judge whether it was really a rape or consensual sex until the investigation is complete. Also read: Accused in taxi rank shooting appears in court The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party Youth League, who were also part of the meeting, agreed that police must continue with the investigation to find out if it was a rape or not. 'What will happen should the report say it was consensual sex, as there are already so many implications for the families of the boys who have been accused?' said league member Sakhile Mvune. Geshy Reddy of the Democratic Alliance Women's Network KZN Executive said the seriousness and sensitivity of the alleged events that occurred on the school property should not be undermined or speculated about. The DA Women's Network welcomes the SAPS investigation and encourages all parties to comply. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Soshanguve community members accused of assaulting pupils with sjamboks [VIDEO]
Police are investigating an incident in which pupils were allegedly beaten with sjamboks for arriving late, reportedly under instruction from the school. Police are investigating an incident at Soshanguve South Secondary School in Tshwane, where community members allegedly entered the school premises and assaulted pupils with sjamboks under the guise of enforcing discipline. A video made rounds on social media platforms on Tuesday showing an incident where two pupils are seen being hit by two people with sjamboks as they entered the school premises. In the early frames of the video, a pupil is shown flinching after two men, both holding sjamboks, hit his legs before he quickly ran away. Onlookers, who are out of frame, can be heard screaming 'Ah!' after the boy was hit. Pupils allegedly hit with sjamboks for being late A second boy is seen entering the frame, where he is hit twice by the first man at the back of his thighs and then again by the second man on his legs as he jumps. According to reports, the pupils were allegedly assaulted for arriving to school late. ALSO READ: Principal removed from Madisong High School following corporal punishment allegations Watch the video here: Barbarism happening at Soshanguve South High School must be stopped, learners were punished because the scholar transport arrived late. Heads must roll. — Koena (@ThabaKoena) May 20, 2025 Rise Mzansi Chief Organiser Makashule Gana posted the video on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that he received it on Tuesday morning. 'It is alleged that the principal and school governing body (SGB) called community members to administer corporal punishment on school learners who were late for school,' he said in the video. Gana claimed that he was told that this is a practice that is continuing and has been done before. Principal and SGB allegedly sanctioned corporal punishment The Member of Parliament (MPs) said he would take the issue up with Basic education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Gauteng Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane and Premier Panyaza Lesufi. 'Corporal punishment has been outlawed in South African schools, and there should be consequences for the principal and the SGB officials who sanctioned this punishment of learners who were late for school,' Gana said. ALSO READ: Teacher suspended after 'corporal punishment' video goes viral In response to Gana's video, Chiloane confirmed that the department was aware of the incident. The MEC said the matter is being handled with the urgency it demands. 'South African Police Service (Saps) is investigating. An assault case has been opened, and the school is opening a trespassing case,' Chiloane said. 'Affected learners have received medical attention and are receiving psychosocial support.' Police and internal investigation The MEC confirmed that an internal investigation into the matter is underway to establish how this happened. The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and parents have also requested that the principal and the SGB chairperson step aside while the matter is resolved. 'We are fully engaged and will remain so until all facts are established and a just and satisfactory resolution is reached,' the MEC concluded. NOW READ: Section27 corporal punishment case heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
