Kwa-Thema – Born and bred in Kwa-Thema, George Ngoma, principal of Qedusizi Primary School, is dedicated to equipping learners with technological skills and knowledge.
Ngoma describes himself as a local boy who grew up in the very community he now serves. After completing primary school at Qedusizi, he progressed through high school, where he became fully immersed in debating and public speaking.
His journey began long before he became an educator. As a learner at Nkumbulo Secondary School, he and his close friends developed a love for politics and for speaking English.
“People referred to us as the Englishmen because in Grade 10 we actively decided that we would speak English every day, no matter how strange we might have sounded.
“Our philosophy was simple: if we did not jump into the pond, we would never learn to swim, and if we did not speak English, we would never master it. That playful determination carried us into debating, politics and school leadership,” he said.
His interest in politics started early. In matric, he was elected to the School Governing Body (SGB) at a time when governance structures were still new in South African schools.
George Ngoma drives innovation and discipline in township school. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
He was also involved in early engagements when SADTU was launched in 1990. After matric, Ngoma hoped to study law but financial limitations forced a change of direction.
“I wanted to become an attorney, but I could not afford law school. I then decided to enrol at Eastern College in 1995, determined not to sit at home.
“I completed my practical training in 1998 and, with employment still out of reach, I worked at Telkom, where my fluency in English, Afrikaans and isiZulu helped me secure a job.
“But teaching was always calling me back. In 2000, a principal encouraged me to apply for an upcoming vacancy. I started teaching at Qedusizi on July 1, 2001, after attempts at business did not succeed.”
Teaching, he said, gave him the platform he had always wanted – a chance to speak, guide, stand in front of people and influence growth.
Within four years he returned to the SGB, initiating projects like revamping the library, upgrading the fence and improving the overall look and feel of the school.
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After eight years as a teacher, he became deputy principal, a role in which his leadership qualities stood out. He gained influence, guided educators, supported the principal and reshaped union relations at the school. When the principal at the time fell ill, Ngoma served as acting principal. Strong support from senior staff – many of whom had once been his superiors – encouraged him to apply for the position.
“Their confidence pushed me to apply for principalship, which I successfully secured. From that moment, my leadership became defined by innovation, discipline and transformation. One of my biggest contributions has been integrating ICT into a township school setting.”
His mission to transform the school is showing results. Teachers now have laptops for lesson preparation, administrators have both laptops and desktops, the SGB has its own laptop, Grade Seven learners use tablets and smartboards are being introduced in classrooms.
“I believe that because children are exposed to technology at home, schools must match that environment to maintain their interest. Attendance, concentration and academic performance have improved significantly.
“The school, built for 960 learners, now accommodates more than 1,160. Parents insist on enrolling their children because of our culture, discipline and strong academic reputation,” he said.
Ngoma’s goal is for the school to transition into an English-medium institution by 2030. He noted that many parents spend money transporting their children to town schools because they believe English instruction is better.
George Ngoma is a principal with a vision for the future. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“My vision is to offer the same quality education locally, creating a school that mirrors the academic and cultural standards of urban schools. This includes phasing out traditional textbooks and shifting to digital resources as tablets become available across grades,” he said.
He believes this will lower costs, reduce damage to books and create a modern learning experience. Robotics and coding have already become part of the school’s identity, with learners from Grade One to Seven participating and winning competitions. Earlier this year Ngoma was honoured as best principal after learners wrote heartfelt letters describing his impact.
“The school has earned sports trophies in cricket and soccer, as well as academic achievements – something I consider meaningful rewards. I pride myself on running a school that does not close during protests or disruptions.
“With water tanks, solar systems and contingency plans in place, the school continues operating even when neighbouring schools cannot,” he said.
Ngoma concluded by expressing pride in how far the school has come and how firmly it now stands in the community. His greatest satisfaction comes from offering learners stability, structure and opportunities he never had.
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