Nationally acclaimed Primary School Leader of the Year for 2024, Principal Koliwe Doris Mbatha of Rippon Primary School in Clare Estate, says she is honoured by her achievement at the Department of Education’s National Teacher Awards held at Birchwood Hotel in Kempton Park, Gauteng, recently.
Principal Mbatha proudly represented both KwaZulu-Natal and Rippon Primary, winning first place in her category after previously securing the district and regional awards.
She explained that the awards aim to recognise and appreciate the vital work teachers and principals do. Other objectives include raising public awareness of the positive contributions of Basic Education, recognising and promoting excellence in teaching, honouring dedicated and effective teachers and schools, and encouraging best practices. The awards also highlight initiatives that improve the well-being of learners, focusing on removing barriers and building resilience, especially for disadvantaged groups.
Principal Mbatha, who took the reigns at Rippon Primary seven years ago, was motivated to enter the awards after overcoming significant challenges in her role. “Taking up the position at a school that had predominantly coloured leadership, as a Black principal, I faced racial and political discrimination. However, I didn’t take it personally; instead, I used it as motivation to push forward and prove myself,” said Mbatha.
Winning the award, she noted, not only affirmed her accomplishments but also reflected her perseverance. She recalled how, in her first few years, she felt unaccepted by some parents, staff, and learners and needed to implement strategies to address these issues.
“I kept my head up and let my leadership skills speak for me,” Mbatha emphasised. “I had to fight for acceptance, reduce behavioural issues, and ensure learning continued as it should. Some of my achievements since my first year here include reviving sports at the school, introducing robotics—a subject that wasn’t available before—and building strong relationships with staff, parents, and neighbouring schools,” she said. Today, she looks back and sees the goals she had set being realised.
Mbatha shared that she gave herself five years to achieve specific objectives, including creating a positive school culture. “I started with the staff by organising team-building activities, both in and out of school. I worked with various organisations and individuals to improve our environment. With the support of Mr. Mthembu, Mr. Qwabe, Mrs. Donnerly, and Mrs. Nxumalo, I also formed a functional school governing body,” she said.
Her belief that “if my staff is motivated, everything is achievable” helped foster a proactive and supportive teaching team. She encouraged her staff to engage in awareness programmes, workshops, and professional development. “Today, I’m proud to say that my staff can function perfectly in my absence, always willing to go the extra mile. This shows that my leadership approach has worked,” she said.
Since 2020, the school has excelled in academic, extramural, and cultural competitions. Among their achievements, they won the Durban University of Technology’s Jerusalema Challenge in 2020, securing a cash prize of R10,000, took the provincial quiz title in 2021, and won the Atrium Education Fair in 2023. This year, they also excelled in the provincial culture and poetry competition.
Despite her leadership role, Mbatha is also a mother and a student. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Education Honours in Leadership and Management, with hopes of moving on to her Master’s degree next year. “If I hadn’t equipped myself, I doubt I would have received this award. This award reflects the hard work I’ve invested in my leadership,” she said.
Looking to the future, Mbatha hopes to form a network with other local principals to share skills and inspire each other. She encourages fellow educators and principals to enter the National Teacher Awards and to believe in themselves, regardless of the challenges in their schools and communities.
“I understand that working with a diverse community like ours is challenging, but it’s possible. As a principal, you must collaborate with stakeholders—SAPS, the SGB, parents, and learners—to ensure quality education and encourage parents’ involvement in their children’s education,” she advised.
She thanked the National and Provincial Departments of Basic Education for the opportunity and looks forward to participating in the awards again next year, possibly in a different category.
