Fourteen years ago, a legend passed away in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Isaac Sibusiso Kubeka was a school headmaster, choral music enthusiast and author who crafted a legacy that lives on in the hearts and minds of his students.
He was a visionary who believed deeply in the power of education. For nearly 30 years, he led Vukuzakhe High School, moulding future doctors, engineers and artists from a community grappling with hardship.
One former student, Sandile Zungu — now a prominent business leader — remembers how Dr Kubeka instilled a deep sense of pride in the children under his care. He showed them how people could transcend their circumstances through discipline and education.
Under his leadership, learners were at school from 6:30am until 5pm.
According to a Sunday Times tribute, Dr Kubeka kept a graph in his office charting the school’s progress. For years, it showed a 100% matric pass rate.
Sandile believes Dr Kubeka’s success came down to leadership.
“The best-performing schools have good leaders, and the worst have weak leaders, regardless of where they are. Dr Kubeka belonged to a cohort of leaders who viewed teaching as a calling. He wasn’t there to just collect a cheque. He had a sense of purpose and passion for what he did.”
