Page 11 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Most importantly, have passion for what you do.

If you lose sight of that, you lose sight of yourself.

Her father also had an influence on her appreciation for even theft threatened to close the school. “We had
Dr Nokuthula Buthelezi,
music. “He was strict, but he loved playing Lucky Dube, break-ins where they took computers, generators, and
Lacee’s Special School
Peter Tosh, and Amabutho on those big LP records. even doors,” she shares. “It was a tough period, but
When I listened to those songs, I felt at ease,” Nokuthula through the support of my family, we managed to
r Nokuthula Buthelezi, based in Nongoma, recalls. This love for reggae music eventually led her to
KwaZulu-Natal, has built a life rich with experience adopt the Rastafarian lifestyle. The decision wasn’t met rebuild and keep the school open.” Nokuthula’s father
D and deep roots in her culture. At 47, she is a mother with resistance at home; instead, her family accepted her played a crucial role in helping her move forward. “He
to two boys, aged 24 and 17, and a dedicated educator. choice. “One day, my father said, ‘Now we have a Rasta in taught me to forgive those who had wronged us, and I
Her passion for education is evident in Lacee’s Special the family.’ That moment made me feel acknowledged even reemployed some of the same people who stole
School, the school she runs, which caters for learners from for who I was.” from us. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for the
Grade R through to Grade 10. “It’s a place where children community’s sake.”
who are often overlooked by the mainstream system can Being a Rastafarian has been a source of strength for Making Strides
find a space where they are understood and supported,” Nokuthula that connects her to her African roots. “I
she explains. find that teaching the little ones about their roots and Despite these setbacks, Nokuthula has made strides in
where they come from is essential,” she explains. “In my supporting learners and their families. Through partner-
Nokuthula’s journey in education was influenced by her classroom, the children know me as ‘Teacher Rasta.’ It’s ships with organisations like SANCA, which assists with
parents who were both teachers. She recalls, “I grew not just a label; it’s a way of reminding them to embrace rehabilitation programmes for children struggling with
up with teaching in my blood. When I was in Grade 12 their culture and identity.” substance abuse, she has been able to create a support
back in 1992, my father gave me his teaching collar as a system for her students. “The aim is to not just educate
gift. I didn’t understand its significance at first and even Nokuthula has always been vocal about the these children but to help them overcome all the barriers
questioned where I would wear it.” At that time, Nokuthula shortcomings in the South African education system, that stand in their way,” she explains.
had dreams of becoming a nurse, but she came to realise particularly when it comes to children with special
that her father’s gesture was a sign of encouragement needs. She argues that the system often fails these Nokuthula has ambitious plans for the future. She aims to
and belief in her potential as a teacher. learners by not providing a curriculum that caters to establish an online platform for special needs education,
their abilities from an early age. “Imagine a child who providing a space where parents, teachers, and learners
Her educational path was not a linear one; Nokuthula learns in their home language, Zulu, from Grade R up can interact and share resources. “Our children are already
went on to earn her Junior Primary Teachers’ Diploma, to Grade 3, only to be introduced to English as the main familiar with technology, and we need to use that to our
followed by advanced studies in special needs language of instruction in Grade 4,” she points out. “It’s advantage,” she says. Additionally, she hopes to open a
education and a partial Honours degree from North- like throwing them into a new world where everything third specialised school to further extend her reach and
West University. She later completed her PhD in is unfamiliar. This is where we see more children being support more children in need.
education, along with a qualification in philosophy labelled as ‘special needs’ when, in fact, the system has
from Africa University. “My father always encouraged failed to support their transition.” To young women aspiring to make a difference,
me to push further,” she says, recounting how he once Nokuthula’s advice is clear: “Follow your dreams,
told her that despite her achievements, she still had “Starting these subjects from Grade R and building up network, and work closely with your community. Never
more to learn and accomplish. in stages would create a more inclusive and supportive forget that you have a family and a life beyond your
learning environment,” she says. Nokuthula is determined professional ambitions. And most importantly, have
Connection To Heritage to see these changes come to life. “I want to ensure that passion for what you do. If you lose sight of that, you
we create a curriculum that reflects our African heritage lose sight of yourself.”
Nokuthula’s upbringing was rooted in Zulu culture, and caters to the needs of our children. It’s not just about
which has shaped her worldview and educational changing the syllabus; it’s about changing mindsets.” Whether she is knitting, writing, or listening to reggae
philosophy. Growing up in a family of boys, she felt music, Nokuthula finds joy in the simplest things. “When I
a connection to her heritage and found comfort in Her school, which has faced numerous challenges need to relax, I put on my reggae music and just let myself
wearing traditional Zulu beads and embracing cultural over the years, serves as a testament to her dedication. be,” she says. “It’s my way of connecting to my roots and
practices. There have been times when financial difficulties and finding peace amidst the chaos.”

Dr Nokuthula BUTHELEZI | 9