Pietermaritzburg - It's the end of an era at Merchiston
Preparatory Primary School where well-known "lollipop man" Siphiwe
Mthembu has hung up his fluorescent orange jacket and stop sign board and
retired.
After 44 years as a lollipop man and gatekeeper — 42 of
which have been spent at the helm of one of Pietermaritzburg's prestigious
primary schools, Mthembu had become a friendly and familiar face for pupils and
parents.
Mthembu said he was looking forward to farming and spending
more time with friends and family. "But I will miss the children," he
added, with a small sigh.
Originally from Mkhambathini in Camperdown, Mthembu moved to
Pietermaritzburg in 1974, at the age of 21.
His career started at the Education Department in Burger
Street where he was employed as a pool cleaner for schools in the province.
Within two years at his new job, Mthembu was then transferred to Merchiston
where he spent four decades. "When I started the school was not what it is
today. It was not properly fenced or tarred. They didn't even have a gate."
"I was very fortunate to even get that gatekeeping job
during those hostile political times," he said.
Respect
Mthembu has spent years at Merchiston as a gatekeeper,
lollipop man, office assistant and pool cleaner.
Of his time spent at the school, Mthembu said a highlight
had been his daily interactions with the pupils.
"I really enjoyed the job. It was fulfilling and I
looked forward to seeing all the children in the morning and afternoon. We've
laughed every day."
Mthembu said the former and current pupils at the school had
taught him valuable lessons about respect.
"They taught me that respect is a give and take. I was
just a gate man but the children treated me and my position at the school with
utmost respect.
"I was often touched when they took off their school
bashers to greet me in the morning or whenever I would bump into them in the
school corridors. As a Zulu man that is a big sign of respect for me."
Mthembu said although he is happy that he will now be spending
more time with his family, the Merchiston family will forever be etched in his
heart.
"My mornings will never be the same again. I will miss
everyone very much," he said.
Meanwhile, Merchiston's Facebook page has been flooded with
farewell messages for Mthembu.
Cherise Hartshorne said: "My husband is an old boy and
the first day my son started at Merchiston, he saw Mr Mthembu and said he was
one of the best parts of his Merchiston career, 25 years later and he still
remembers the memories of sitting with him after school."
Tim Jackson described Mthembu as a loyal, hardworking, wise
and humble gentleman. "I remember Mr Mthembu so well. He was one of a kind
and a wonderful example to us all. I wish him a happy and well-deserved
retirement."
Gillian Davids said: "I drive past this school every
morning and afternoon. I've seen this mkhulu in action."
Zands Mkh said: "A good man indeed! You always greeted
us without fail every morning when we drive past the school. Uhambe kahle
Mvelase [Go well Mvelase]."
