Having grown up with “incredible” educators as mentors, the seed for teaching was forever planted in the heart of Gqeberha school principal, Benita Duminy, who last week retired after 41 years at Altona Primary.
Situated in Greenbushes on the outskirts of Gqeberha, the school is home to more than 500 learners.
“If I were able to choose any career again, I would do exactly the same,” Duminy shared with the PE Express. “And I believe that God has a purpose and a plan for each and every one of us.”
Looking back to when it all started, she gives credit to the teachers who helped shape her life.
“They believed in me, gave me so many opportunities to excel and supported me, so I also wanted to make a difference in other children’s lives,” she said. “So as a little girl, I would play with my dolls and try to teach them how to read and write.
“Before starting her career at the school, Duminy studied at the Port Elizabeth Teachers’ College and qualified as a Junior Primary teacher (now called Foundation Phase) in 1983. In 1984, at the age of 20, she began her teaching career at Altona Primary as the lead teacher in the Foundation Phase and later furthered her studies at Northwest University.
She was appointed as deputy principal in 2013 before taking on the role of principal from 2015 to 2025.
“I was very fortunate and privileged to work with learners for 41 years and seven months,” she added. “It is not only teachers that touch the lives of learners, but also children who have an impact on a teacher’s life because they are so honest and pure.”
With the belief that children are the biggest gift from God, Duminy says each child has the right to a safe environment, a good education and people to guide them to be the best they can be.
Her passion for teaching led her to give more of her time and heart to the profession early on.
“To see the growth in a young child from teaching them how to read, write and speak to guiding them to use their talents, gave me so much inner happiness and satisfaction,” said Duminy. “Early in my career, I realised that I have a deep love for teaching and I will always be Altona Primary’s number one supporter.”
She thanked the staff, learners and community for their support.
“It is the most beautiful school in nature, and over the years, the children, staff and parents have touched my life in different ways.”
