‘The learners keep me going’: 25 years of shaping futures

As South Africa marks World Teachers’ Day, Southview High School educator S. Pillay is reflecting on 25 years in education and the impact teachers can have on young people. Pillay has spent 20 years at Southview High School and five years at Willowmead Secondary. She has also served as Head of Department for English Home Language for the past 14 years. For her, one of the greatest rewards is watching learners overcome challenges and gain confidence.

“Seeing a learner overcome a challenge, improve academically or develop confidence continues to motivate me,” she said. Pillay believes teachers play a role beyond academics, often becoming mentors and sources of support for learners facing difficult circumstances. However, she says educators face challenges including heavy workloads, overcrowded classrooms, administration, discipline and pressure to achieve results. Socio-economic challenges, social media, gangsterism and school safety concerns have also affected the classroom environment.Despite these pressures, Pillay says teachers need to remain patient, fair and understanding.

One learner who remains memorable to Pillay is Raeesa, whom she taught in 2014. Raeesa achieved 91% for English Home Language and earned seven distinctions. For Pillay, however, a teacher’s impact goes beyond marks. She says some of her most rewarding moments come when former learners return years later to thank her for the role she played in their lives. Pillay also stresses that a teacher’s work continues beyond the classroom through lesson planning, marking, administration and supporting learners and parents. “After 25 years, I have learned that success in teaching is not measured only by marks and results, but by the lives we touch, the confidence we build and the futures we help shape,” she said.

Pillay encourages educators to persevere and remember the influence they have on their learners. “Your words, guidance and example can remain with a learner for many years,” she said. She also urges teachers to look after their own well-being, saying educators need to care for themselves so they can continue giving their best. For young people considering teaching, her advice is simple: have patience, resilience, compassion and a genuine passion for working with young people.“There will be difficult days, but there will also be moments of immense fulfilment.”