Tsakani – After years of unwavering dedication, inspiring leadership, and a deep commitment to education, principal Lindiwe Vilakazi now steps into a well-earned retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape lives for generations.
Her final day as a principal was on March 26. Her educational journey was not planned. She mentioned that she did not intend to become a teacher in the 80s.
“I was honestly directed towards teaching by the universe. I had been accepted to varsity for a degree in Medical Technology. Unfortunately, life happened, and I could not go to varsity that year.
“A friend of mine convinced me to apply to the new teachers’ college in Kwa Thema with her, and I did,” she explained.
She was accepted, but the friend was not. Vilakazi added that she remains grateful for that friend’s advice and encouragement.
“Technically, I was training to teach high school; however, my first appointment was at a primary school, which was the biggest blessing,” she said.
Vilakazi became deputy principal at Michael Zulu in 1996 and remained in the position for over 15 years.
When the former principal of the school decided to retire in 2012, it was a seamless transition for her into the principal role, as most of the school’s systems were created under her supervision.
“I began with a transition of the school uniform from plain black and white to turquoise, purple and blue and subsequently followed that up with a culture shift towards accountability and excellence.
“Even though we are a township school with obvious socio-economic barriers, I did not want the staff and subsequently the learners to use that as an excuse for average performance,” mentioned Vilakazi.
She explained that her main aim was to improve facilities and structures to ensure excellence was the only acceptable standard.
Over the years, this vision translated into tangible developments within the school. The introduction of JoJo tanks improved water security, while efforts to expand solar energy ensured uninterrupted learning.
The school also embraced digital transformation. Classrooms were gradually equipped with interactive smart boards, while lower grades benefited from smart TVs.
Lindiwe Vilakazi retires after transforming township education. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Through a partnership with Click Learning, learners gained access to supplementary Mathematics and English lessons using tablets, each with individual login details.
“We had to move from chalkboards to smart learning. I could not wait for the department to act because that delay cripples our children in terms of skills development for the 21st century,” she said.
These efforts were recognised when the school received the Best ICT Infrastructure Award for a Primary School in the District in 2025.
Most challenges that Vilakazi faced when transitioning from deputy to Principal were normal clashes with the staff.
“Most of the challenges I faced were with senior staff members who were older than me and had not fully adapted to the changes being implemented.
“I had to establish firm boundaries and clearly communicate that any form of insubordination would result in swift disciplinary action.
“I also emphasised that, above all, our primary focus during working hours is the children and their well-being,” she stated.
Her leadership journey was not without difficult decisions.
She recalls moments that tested her resolve, including disputes over school land and financial constraints.
An area of the school premises had been allocated elsewhere, and she led efforts to reclaim it for learners’ benefit.
In another instance, when a contractor failed to complete new classrooms, she redirected resources and mobilised fundraising efforts to ensure the project was finished.
Today, those classrooms are fully operational, increasing capacity for learners.
“Funding is and always will be one of the biggest challenges in township schools,” she noted.
“Sometimes you have to be proactive and innovative to ensure that the children still receive quality education.”
She also dealt with serious learner challenges over the years, including a group of boys struggling with alcohol abuse, an issue that required intervention, guidance, and strong support systems.
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Vilakazi highly believes that her strength came from faith.
“Through God, prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we found strength. When things got tough, we would come together with pastors and members of the school governing body to pray with staff and learners,” she shared.
For Vilakazi, education has always been about more than academics. She said it has been about shaping confident, capable human beings.
“The learners are why we are here. Our job is to help them reach the entirety of their potential.
“I love and respect my learners, and it is my main responsibility to give them the confidence and courage to enter the world knowing that they are not inferior in any way because of where they come from,” she said.
Her words reveal a philosophy grounded in dignity and identity.
Vilakazi speaks proudly of how she nurtures self-worth among her learners, often referring to them in ways that affirm their value.
“I call them my princes and princesses because we are royalty. As Zulu is a royal clan, we must carry ourselves with pride and purpose,” she explains.
Vilakazi believes that this standard must be upheld by everyone within the school environment.
She said educators and support staff are not just employees but role models who shape children’s daily experiences.
“My teachers and support staff are mentors and guides. They must reflect the standard we expect from our learners,” she added.
Central to her leadership has also been a strong focus on workplace emotional well-being.
She has consistently encouraged openness and support among staff, recognising the impact of personal challenges on professional responsibilities.
“I do not allow teachers into classrooms when they are overwhelmed by personal issues. As they say, ‘hurt people hurt people,’” Vilakazi said.
“I have an open-door policy and encourage staff to come to me whenever they are facing difficulties.”Lindiwe vilakazi
For Vilakazi, the classroom should always remain a safe and nurturing space.
“Stepping into a classroom must never feel like stepping into the devil’s den. It should always be a place of warmth, encouragement, and growth,” she emphasised.
Her leadership was guided by strong values of accountability, recognition, and continuous improvement.
As she prepares to leave, Vilakazi reflects proudly on the learners she has helped shape.
“They are confident, clean, and proud of who they are. They believe they can achieve their dreams through hard work and determination,” she added.
She highlighted that her legacy is rooted in resilience and innovation.
“The school must have strong systems that can withstand challenges and continue to evolve. The umbrella must already be there when it starts raining,” she highlighted.
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She describes the school as a place that must attract opportunity.
“A flower attracts bees, and bees sustain life. In the same way, the school must attract partners and sponsors by maintaining excellence, transparency, and strong systems,” Vilakazi said.
Even in her final reflections, her purpose remains unchanged.
“The child is the entire reason we are here. Everything else we do is to serve that purpose,” she said.
As she steps into retirement, Vilakazi looks forward to something she has long sacrificed time for.
“Time is such an underappreciated gift. I now look forward to spending time with my family, my grandchildren, travelling, and embracing whatever life has to offer,” she concluded.
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