A thick pall of gloom settled over Estcourt on the morning of February 5, 2021, at the news of the passing away of a prominent member of the education fraternity.
The Drakensberg Secondary School (DSS) community is reeling from shock at the sudden demise of one of its own – Mrs SR Mncube.
Over the years at Drakensberg Secondary School, Mrs Mncube carved out a name for herself.
“With her boarding school education, she was destined to be the staunchest proponent of strict discipline. Many a delinquent learner will recall the terror that she struck when caught in some act of wrongdoing. She was a disciplinarian who insisted on adherence to core values and did not hesitate to express her discontent in the presence of over-protective parents. Nevertheless, she succeeded in striking a balance between reprimand and consolation. We witnessed on numerous occasions how “mam” would lovingly walk with her arm around a learner’s shoulders, laughing and joking at something very mundane,” said principal Mr Sewlal.
Mrs Mncube served at Drakensberg Secondary School as an effective Arts and Technology educator. She was passionate about her calling and insisted on perfection from her charges. She was a live wire with a vibrant personality, ever ready to break into song and dance with the learners. The corridors of Drakensberg Secondary School still echo with her humming.
“An avid gardener, Mrs Mncube generously distributed the produce of her ‘labour of love’. Beneficiaries savoured spinach and calabash dishes made from fresh organic vegetables,” Mr Sewlal commented.
At an impromptu memorial on Friday morning, teary-eyed staff members relived their experiences with Mrs Mncube.
Ever since the news of her passing broke, there has been an avalanche of messages of condolences.
Ex-learners and parents have expressed sadness at such a loss. Tragically, Mrs Mncube was supposed to have retired at the end of this month. Instead, she has been called to ‘Higher Office’.
“We mourn our loss, but rejoice at having shared life with such a remarkable human being. Hamba Kahle, Mrs Mncube,” concluded the principal.
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