MTAT – More Than A Teacher
MTAT – More Than A Teacher
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More Than a Teacher – agent of change in diverse communities.
Thulani Hector Magagula
B.Ed Intersen Phase - Unisa

Taxi driver to Teacher.

His life’s story was already mapped out for him to become a taxi driver and follow in his father’s footsteps when he moved to Johannesburg. While living in a Johannesburg township, he washed cars to earn an income to begin his journey as a taxi driver. Unsatisfied with the path his life was taking Thulani joined a local community development organisation to upskill himself. Through that organization, he joined “More Than a Teacher” (MTAT) and started his teacher training journey. In 2020 he graduated from UNISA with a degree in education and was permanently employed at The King’s School West Rand. His employment at the school led to the introduction of isiZulu as a conversational language in the school. He also teaches Information Technology as well as Natural Sciences. MTAT allowed Thulani to explore his potential and become a role model in his community. His commitment to lifelong learning has led him to enrol in a School leadership master’s program.
More Than a Teacher – the epitome of resilience.
Sello Milandzi
B.Ed Intersen Phase - Unisa

The boy who could not go to school.

Sello Milandzi, raised by his grandmother and great-grandfather, originates from Winterveldt, on the outskirts of Pretoria. In what seemed to be ‘carefree’ years of waking up and going to play with other children, it one day dawned on Sello that his friends were no longer joining him to play each day. Instead, they were doing what children ought to do – they were going to school. It was only at the age of 10, that a visiting aunt was alarmed to see the little boy not attending school. She eventually managed to enrol him in a school called “Reimolotswe”, meaning we are freed from our troubles. This is where everything changed for Sello. He had a teacher who noticed him and believed in him. He soon caught up with his peers, passed matric with university exemption, and joined “More Than a Teacher”. Today Sello is a graduated Life Orientation and Geography teacher at Pinnacle College.
More Than a Teacher – a born fighter built to serve.
Stacey Lombaard
B.Ed Foundation Phase - Unisa

The unstoppable journey of a girl who always wanted to be a teacher.

For as long as Stacey can remember, she wanted to be a teacher. Her brother and sister testified that she never stopped playing “teacher teacher”. Stacey was all set to fulfil her dream when a tragic accident, during her matric year, would confound her plans. She was taken via emergency services to Leratong Hospital, then transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital where the medical specialists told her that she would never be able to walk again. A long recovery journey in and out of hospitals and rehabs followed. Stacey and her mother’s unpreceded faith helped Stacey to persevere, finish her matric, and spur her on to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Even though she had to spend most of her day in a wheelchair, Stacey applied to join More Than a Teacher, showing that nothing would stop her from pursuing her dream. During her time with More Than a Teacher, she served at West Rand School (catering to learners with special needs), becoming a role model to many of her peers. She is a Grade Head at The King’s School West Rand.
More Than a Teacher! – Passionate about quality education for all - lifelong learner!
Thabo Mtika
B.Sc University of Witwatersrand, PGCE UJ

Choosing to teach above all.

When Thabo Mtika completed his degree in engineering in 2014, he had many options available to him. However, it was his Grade 4 Mathematics teacher, and later a UNISA Supervisor, who spotted the teacher in him and encouraged him to enrol for a PGCE. Thereafter, he became the quintessence of “More Than a Teacher”. Thabo had humble beginnings growing up in a small township on the West Rand. Having to be a father figure to 9 brothers and sisters he ventured into being a waste entrepreneur to earn an income to assist in supplying for his family, as well as paying for his university studies. Of all his achievements, Thabo still takes pride in the fact that he could have a better home built for his mother with his first salary. When Thabo joined “More Than a Teacher”, he discovered what excellence in education takes and the resulting impact on learners. In 2021 he was awarded the Teacher of the Year in ICAT by the MEC of Education. Along with teaching Grade 12 Mathematics at Florida Park High School; Thabo also tutors learners, university students, and children who would like to better themselves in the Sciences and Mathematics.
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