My dear friends
Talking about South Africa as the place where I received my
formal education, the academic institution that had the most profound impact on my young
life was undoubtedly Dlangezwa High School. Looking back, I can only confirm that
Dlangezwa was one of the leading lights of it's time. Doing a follow-up on former 'Eagles'
(as Dlangezwa students were known) will prove the point.
What made the cream of the province (and beyond) compete to
get their children to Dlangezwa? Two factors topped the list - academic excellence and
strict discipline.
Dlangezwa was piloted and staffed by men and women of
character and vision. We were constantly challenged to higher ground.
Whenever I think about the Dlangezwa of our time four
teachers stand out; the principal Mr (later Prof) S M E Bhengu, the vice-principal, Mr E T
Z Mthiyane, Mr (later Rev) C S Z Ntuli and Mr J Z M Sambo.
Mr Bhengu had a curious combination of gentleness and
firmness. He was admired and highly respected. Mr Bhengu wore a constant smile that added
to his handsome features. His tenure as our principal was interrupted by a two-year study
leave in Geneva, Switzerland. Later, he became the first Minister of Education of the New
South Africa.
In my view, the man that embodied the spirit of Dlangezwa
the most was Mr Mthiyane. He had a vision for the school and he allowed nothing and no one
to deter him. He said what he meant and meant what he said. As a teacher he was a model of
excellence; his music skills were legendary. After moving on to the adjacent University of
Zululand and authoring books, he returned to his Ngcongangconga (neighbouring area to
Chibini) home where he is a great asset to our community.
Mr Ntuli, my first English teacher at Dlangezwa, was one of
the most senior staff members. A man of few words, what he did say made a lot of sense.
His body language spoke for him; here was a wise and respectable gentleman. We, his
students, got to enjoy the Ntuli humour. Poetry, novels, short stories and essays seem to
run in the blood of the Ntuli family - all with irresistible humour! Later he became an
inspector of schools, reaching the very top strata of education management in the
province. He then took early retirement to join the ministry and is currently the
President of the United National Church (Lutheran).
Who can forget Mr Sambo? There was a born motivator. Most
probably, it's childhood polio that left him handicapped but he refused to let that sink
him. On the contrary, he used that as a springboard. He gave you no chance to feel sorry
for him; in fact his powerful communication enhanced by wit and action forced you to hang
on his lips. I remember him for his ability to convey hard truth in a manner that left us
laughing, nodding and sometimes crying at the same time. No wonder he was a popular Master
of Ceremonies in many social events. Later, he went back to serve the people of his
province, Mpumalanga.
'Studendo Procedimus' was Dlangezwa's motto and proceed by
study we did. After diligent class-work we had supervised study time in the afternoons and
evenings. Some students voluntarily 'burnt the midnight oil'.
The school had opportunities for the development of various
skills and talents. I remain indebted to Dlangezwa for entrusting me with duties and
responsibilities that laid a foundation for the future.
It is my belief that no honest 'Eagle' can claim that they
never heard the Gospel message. Teachers took turns in conducting morning devotions and
some of them were truly inspired. Then there was a whole array of ministers from different
churches, some of them fiery preachers, who addressed us. For those who paid attention the
Student Christian Movement invited them to 'Make Jesus King'.
Good music definitely had a role in shaping us. There's a
whole catalogue of wonderful hymns embedded in our memory. One of the first ones that
lifted my spirits was 'Oh for a thousand tongues to sing ...!' Yes, my heart just melted
as we sang,
"Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee. ..."
When I hear 'Panis Angelicus' I'm reminded of how we sang it
in English,
"Oh wondrous heavenly bread
whereby mankind is saved ..."
What a privilege it was to perform from such great works as
Mendelssohn's "Be not afraid." (Elijah) and Josef
Haydn's "The heavens are telling the glory of God"
(Creation) in English and isiZulu! That was thunder-works.
It was from Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus" that we
affirmed,
"We never, never will bow down
to the rude stock or sculptur'd stone
We worship God, and God alone."
How can I repay my spiritual father, Mr Heino Stegen, for
the crucial role that he played during this important phase in my life? He'd visit me at
school and sometimes invite me to his Mtunzini farm where I'd spend time with his family
and my aunt's, MaGakanye Ntomb'nkulu Nhlabathi. That provided me with a balancing
perspective to the busy student life.
My dear friends, God works in mysterious ways to direct our
lives. I'm thankful that in my case Dlangezwa High School was part of His plan.
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and
young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah
40:30-31)
Have a blessed week.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
