Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
Thursday morning broke with a hazy weather consisting of constantly disappearing sun, increasing breezing, and not-so-coldness. Could this have been a symbol of emotional changes felt by the Grade 2C at Milton Junior School?
At the same time that the young gentlemen were enthusiastic about a joint birthday and farewell celebration they had arranged for their teacher, Mrs H Sibanda, the prospect of saying goodbye was indescribable.
For the first time in years, the school’s first room, tucked away at the rear of all blocks, glowed with vibrant hues. The lads were exempted from wearing the traditional grey shorts, sky blue shirts not forgetting the striped navy blue and grey ties.
While the infants sat in a curve in the heavily decorated classroom that would eventually contain a void at 2pm, balloons tied to window bars swung calmly in the air, signalling and inviting celebration. The aroma of good food filled the entire room.
When she acquired their pure brains that had graduated for Early Childhood Development (ECD B), she trained them to be gentlemen and exposed them to the real world of study. All they knew was painting and solving puzzles but now the boys can take you through Sunrise Readers Book 7 with no hesitation or stammering.
Their last class together was a lively one with learners demonstrating their mastery of the subject by shouting responses in unison.
They called her H which is the abbreviation of her first name, Happiness. Just like her name, she is a jovial character.
She had become a mother not only to 2Cs but to the entire school at large. The boys in the school knew that when H is around, a boy had to “behave like a gentlemen” as the school motto mandated.
Her scornful hand has produced gentlemen who will blend and seamlessly integrate perfectly into society and in the development of communities that are suitable for all.
Sibanda is not only a teacher, but one of the country’s icons who are commemorated every August for the brave fight she, along with others, fought against colonialism, imperialism to gain democracy, self-rule, and equality in Zimbabwe.
She joined the liberation struggle at the age of 14 and acquired the name Kunzima Ekhaya. Sibanda is member of the Light Machine Gun (LMG) choir that was set up by the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo to motivate freedom fighters during the protracted war of liberation. She was one of the many who joyfully witnessed Prince Charles lowering the Union Jack, symbolising the success of their struggles.
Sibanda continues to promote her cause by performing freedom songs. Her songs are played frequently to commemorate the country’s struggle for independence.
Despite the fact that she resigned as a teacher at the age of 57, she has ascribed her decision to her commitment to full-time farming and politics.
A compound of many talents!
Saturday Leisure joined the 2Cs in commemorating October 28. When asked about her resignation, Sibanda stated that she was in immense anguish in her heart.
“It’s very painful because my retirement is an early one, whereby I am saying I have to forge ahead with my other programmes and projects. As I look at these innocent boys, I see that they still need me. It’s not easy to part with my children especially when they keep singing and dancing for me like this, my heart breaks.
“I’ve taught this class since last year when they were coming in for Grade one and now they are almost like my own biological children because the experiences that I share with them every day have bonded us.
“It also pains me that I have to burden other teachers by leaving without finishing the syllabus, but there’s nothing I can do. I am into politics and now that they require my commitment, I have to leave my job. I’ve recently been appointed as the War Veteran Finance Secretary for Matabeleland North and since I’ve been promoted, I’m sure there are things that I’ll have to do which cannot settle for divided attention. I’m now a step ahead in politics,” she said.
Sibanda said she is also committing herself to farming.
“From here, I am committing myself to farming. I’m going to grow different crops and also venture into pig ranching at my farm in Nyamandlovu. I started teaching in 1999, which means I have been teaching for 22 years. The first school that I taught at was Chithekani Primary and I taught there for one term only.
“I was transferred to Robert Sinyoka and taught for one term then from there I came to Milton and have been here ever since. I think destiny led me here since I was transferred from other schools after just a term of teaching,” Sibanda said.
Colleagues present to bid farewell to Sibanda said she was their mentor.
“When I came to Milton, I had experience in teaching ECD only. I had never taught Grade One but H took me under her wing and mentored me to be who I am today. She taught me how to go about the reading, writing and discipline in general because here at school, the boys know that when she is around, everyone has to change the way they behave. It is not going to be easy, she has become a sister to me, someone who can easily notice that something is bothering me without even telling her anything.
“She has also given us advice on projects, work stuff and also, spiritually, she was everything to us — a mother, sister and aunt. We had grown so fond of her that is why we are hurt to say goodbye to her. We wish her all the best as she widens her ambitions,” said Mrs Siduduzile Masimu, a colleague.
Talking on behalf of parents Mrs Phayi Moyo said H had done a great job in teaching their children as they can see their progression in studies.
“We are hurt because she was more than a teacher to our children. She was a mother and grandmother as well.
Grade ones and twos need teachers with patience who can groom them who are also able to withstand the pressure of starting teaching the basics such as the vowels, to writing their names until they’re finally able to read and write meaningful things. I was inspired because the children who could not read can now read a full text for you. It is quite impressive.
“At home, children could even recall what they learnt. It was quite visible that they understood what they were being taught because they insisted on doing homework on their own. Milton has been robbed of a teacher of a rare calibre.
I am sure that this day will occupy the hearts of the young ones for quite a long time because they loved her so much they loved going to school,” said Mrs Moyo.
To show their gratitude, parents presented H with equipment to use at her farm as well as other presents in kind. – @SeehYvonne
Online Reporter