UNIZULU alumni wins big at the National Teaching Awards

University of Zululand (UNIZULU) alumni, Zakhele Xulu a newly appointed principal at Nkwambazi Primary School and he has only been in this position for two weeks. . The thirty-seven-year-old was amongst the teachers who were honoured for their dedication and remarkable contribution as teachers at the National Teaching Awards. The annual awards aim to recognise and honour teachers who inspire excellence in education.

Xulu hails from the Skomplazi area of Hlobane. He obtained his B.Ed. Honours in Economics and Management Sciences.

With many more accolades to his name, which has enabled him to take a leading role in several organisations. He is a director and founder of the Zakhele Foundation; and a Commissioner of Oaths of RSA, having initiated a programme to assist with the certification of documents and with affidavits. Xulu explained that he has initiated various programmes to help the youth and communities. He has assisted   with programmes like Apply Now, National Benchmark Test, University Admission Tests AQL, and MAT, Hlobane cemetery cleaning campaign, motivational talks and educational support, Olympiads, financial education, etc. His peers say that he has ‘portrayed strong leadership skills and knowledge over a long period of time.’

He has visited several schools, churches, and communities to tackle career-related issues; and has appeared on television shows on 1KZN TV and SOWETO TV. He has also partaken in several community radio stations, as well as international news channel ‘Channel Africa.’ He won an award at the South African Heroes Awards in Johannesburg for uplifting communities with valuable information.

Xulu, on the other hand, uses his passion and talent to teach, which has proven to help his learners with their academic grades whilst boosting their confidence and creativity “In 2022 I won a rural development award from South African Careers Award. I have also had an interest in coding and robotics course. I now assist educators around Vryheid about coding and robotics. “

Currently Xulu is busy with his proposal because he wants to further his studies and do a master’s in education. A resolute educator inside and outside the classroom, Xulu believes in inclusive education and goes beyond the call of duty. He is also actively involved in empowering and uplifting the lives of people either academically, social, emotional, or physical. “My passion keeps me going, and the desire to see the learners being the best they can be is what drives me to succeed. Sacrifices, passion, and hard work yielded positive outcomes. I want to lead by example and show people that nothing is impossible,” Concluded Xulu.

• Precious Shamase