George Ledwaba Retires after 40 years of Service as Educator and Deputy Principal

by Admin · March 2, 2022

By Makgotho Selby – A founder of the Knights of Da Gama in the diocese of Polokwane, George Manana Ledwaba, received a hero’s send-off at an emotional farewell function at Pax College on Monday, after spending 40 years as a teacher at the school.

Mr Ledwaba, the deputy principal of the Catholic school, reached the retirement age of 65 years on February 28.

Flanked by his wife, Makgabo — principal of Motse Maria Girls Catholic School — and family members, he was praised by the Church, the Knights of Da Gama, his community of Doornspruit, and the Limpopo Department of Education for serving the institution professionally and with dedication over the years.

Mr Ledwaba joined the teaching profession in 1982 and his past pupils include lawyers, priests, medical doctors, engineers, accountants, and teachers, Most of the latter are in the leadership and management of the provincial education department.

Bishop Jeremiah Masela, who celebrated the Holy Mass in Mr Ledwaba’s honour, described the veteran teacher as a reliable tree that has weathered all the storms.

Bishop Masela, who was supported by his priests from the various parishes in his diocese, praised Mr Ledwaba for providing leadership and support to the school over the years.

“Pax is no ordinary school. It is a religious school that strives on Catholic ethos and practices. We have marvelled at seeing Mr Ledwaba steering and pioneering this ethos among our children. He taught these Christian values which he himself believed in,” the bishop said.

“I want to challenge the staff and students to emulate Mr Ledwaba’s example,” the bishop said, adding that Mr Ledwaba goes into retirement “with his shoulders high and his integrity intact, for he was a good teacher and role model to many of us.”

Fr Bernard Madiba, speaking on behalf of the clergy, also sang praises. He wished Mr Ledwaba well into retirement and also thanked him for the selfless service he rendered to the school and the community over the years.

Speaking on behalf of the Limpopo Department of Education, circuit manager Frans Mokwatlo said it was pleasing that in the 40 years of Mr Ledwaba’s service to the department, there had not been a single complaint about him.

“The principal never came to our offices to complain about Mr Ledwaba. Mr Ledwaba was a man of honour and integrity. He prepared well for his classes and was, more importantly, always punctual at school. I have worked with Mr Ledwaba earlier in our careers and he was my senior. He treated us with respect, dignity, and often willing and available for advice,” Mr Mokwatlo said.

Echoing the circuit manager’s sentiments was Meisie Pitjeng, the regional manager for the Catholic Institute of Education, who praised Mr Ledwaba’s leadership and involvement in Catholic education affairs.

Pax Brothers’ superior, Br Pasco Chola, said Mr Ledwaba carried the ethos and values of the Catholic school with distinction.

“We are so thankful to you, Mr Ledwaba, and we wish God to look after you in retirement. I can assure you that we will keep knocking at your household to ask for advice, guidance and assistance,” Br Pasco said.

Also in attendance were retired school teachers at Pax College who came to wish Mr Ledwaba well and welcome him into retirement.