By Mzukona Mantshontsho
THOMANI MULAUDZI was born in Venda, Limpopo, but raised in Thabo Mbeki Informal Settlement in Gauteng. His upbringing was humble, and like many families in disadvantaged communities, often faced financial challenges.
He refused to allow my circumstances to determine his future. Instead, he saw education as the bridge between where he was and where he believed God wanted him to be.
He became the first person in his family to complete Matric, a milestone that remains one of my proudest achievements. That accomplishment gave him hope that education could not only transform his own life but also redeem his family’s story and create opportunities for generations to come.
“Growing up in the township also exposed me to another reality. I witnessed many young people becoming victims of gangsterism, substance abuse, crime and hopelessness. What troubled me most was not simply the crime itself, but the loss of potential. I often wondered how many future doctors, engineers, teachers and leaders were never given the opportunity or encouragement to realise their purpose,” he says
“Those experiences planted a burden in my heart to become part of the solution rather than merely complain about the problems. That burden eventually led me into the teaching profession”.
“For me, teaching is not simply about delivering lessons. It is about helping young people discover their value, believe in themselves and realise that their background does not have to define their future. Every learner carries potential, and I see it as my responsibility to help them recognise it”.
Leadership began long before the Classroom
My passion for leadership began during my years at Kwena Molapo High School, where I had the privilege of serving as the President of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL). That role taught me that leadership is not about authority but about service. It gave me my first opportunity to advocate for others, encourage fellow learners and help create a positive school environment.
After completing school, I enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, where I obtained my Bachelor of Education degree. University was not only a place where I developed academically—it was also where my passion for mentoring young people grew even stronger.
While studying, I served as Chairperson of a student fellowship, where I worked alongside fellow students to encourage academic excellence while helping them develop a healthy relationship with God. Many students arrive at university feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and isolated. Walking alongside them, encouraging them to persevere and reminding them of their purpose became one of the most rewarding experiences of my student life.
Those experiences confirmed something I had already begun to realise: my life’s purpose is to help people discover and fulfil their God-given potential.
Faith and Purpose
My faith has played a significant role in shaping both my personal life and my approach to leadership.
Harvest for Christ Ministries has been instrumental in grounding me spiritually and developing my leadership. Today, I serve as a Youth Leader, where I continue to mentor young people, encourage spiritual growth and help them navigate the challenges they face in today’s society.
Whether I am standing in a classroom or ministering to young people at church, my mission remains the same—to inspire others to believe that they were created with purpose and that their circumstances do not determine their destiny.
What is your view on the respect given to the teaching profession in South Africa?
Teaching is one of the most important professions because every career begins with a teacher. Every doctor, lawyer, engineer, entrepreneur, scientist and leader has been shaped by educators who invested their time and knowledge into them.
Unfortunately, I believe teaching is often undervalued in South Africa. Teachers are expected to fulfil many roles beyond teaching. We become counsellors, mentors, disciplinarians, social workers and often even parental figures for learners facing difficult circumstances.
Despite carrying such enormous responsibility, teachers do not always receive the support, appreciation or working conditions they deserve. Parents, communities, government departments and schools all have a role to play in strengthening our education system. Education should never be viewed as the teacher’s responsibility alone—it is a partnership.
Even with these challenges, I remain passionate about teaching because I know that the seeds we plant today will shape tomorrow’s society.
Tell us about your early life.
My early life was shaped by resilience, faith and determination. Growing up in an informal settlement taught me to appreciate every opportunity that came my way.
Being the first person in my family to complete Matric inspired me to pursue higher education at the University of Johannesburg, where I earned my Bachelor of Education degree.
Throughout my educational journey, I remained committed to leadership and serving others because I understood that true success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the lives we help transform.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership as a teacher?
The greatest resource any teacher possesses is genuine care for people.
Knowledge is important, but compassion, integrity, patience, emotional intelligence and consistency are what truly transform lives.
Strong leadership also requires continuous learning, collaboration with colleagues, support from parents and a willingness to keep growing professionally.
Above all, I believe purpose is the greatest resource. When you know why you teach, every challenge becomes easier to overcome.
What do you say to our learners about taking up teaching as a career?
Teaching is not simply a job—it is an opportunity to shape the future of a nation.
If you are passionate about helping others discover their gifts, inspiring young people and changing communities, then teaching is one of the most meaningful careers you can choose.
Never underestimate the impact of one caring teacher. A single conversation can change someone’s life forever.
What do you say to students in tertiary institutions as they navigate their journey?
Find mentors who challenge you to become better. University is about far more than obtaining a qualification. Build meaningful relationships, develop your character, volunteer, ask questions and never stop learning.
Most importantly, stay connected to your purpose. There will be moments of uncertainty, but never allow temporary struggles to convince you to give up on your dreams.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women, to take teaching?
Teaching needs passionate young people who genuinely care about the next generation.
To young women especially, I encourage you to embrace leadership with confidence. Your influence extends far beyond the classroom. Every learner you teach represents a future family, workplace and community that you have the opportunity to shape.
Lead with compassion, excellence and integrity.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
I do not want my legacy to be measured by awards or positions. I want to be remembered as someone who helped people discover their purpose.
If my learners become responsible citizens, if they choose integrity over crime, purpose over hopelessness and service over selfishness, then I will know my life’s work was worthwhile.
My greatest desire is that generations after me will continue believing that education and faith can transform lives.
What have been your highs and lows of your teaching career?
My greatest joy is watching learners grow in confidence and succeed academically and personally. Seeing former learners return to share their achievements reminds me why I chose this profession.
The most difficult moments are seeing brilliant young people, whose dreams are threatened by poverty, broken families, violence and negative influences.
Those moments break my heart, but they also strengthen my resolve to continue being a source of hope.
When you’re not at work, what do you get up to?
Outside the classroom, much of my time is dedicated to youth development and ministry through Harvest for Christ Ministries, where I serve as a Youth Leader.
I enjoy mentoring young people, reading, investing in personal growth and spending time with family and friends.
Whether in the classroom, at church or in the community, my greatest passion remains helping people become everything God created them to be.
A Message to South Africa’s Youth
Your beginning does not determine your ending. I grew up in humble circumstances, but education, faith and perseverance changed the course of my life.
Every young person has the ability to rise above their circumstances, discover their purpose and become a positive influence in their community.
Dream boldly. Work diligently. Trust God. Never stop learning.
The future of South Africa will be shaped by young people who choose purpose over excuses and service over self-interest.
