Icon in Vhembe's education circles, Dr Gerson Rambiyana bids farewell

One of the legendary personalities in education in the Vhembe District, Dr Gerson Nthambeleni Rambiyana, officially retired last month, ending a career that stretched more than 42 years.

A special ceremony was held at the 2Ten Hotel in Sibasa on Thursday, 18 April, to bid farewell to the former Vhembe East district director. The function was attended by the founder of the Umlambo Foundation, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Freda Nkondo, Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, Thovhele Vudzidzhena Nethengwe, and Judge Joseph Raulinga.

One of the organizers of the ceremony, Khosi Muelekanyi Tshivhase from the Tshivhase Development Foundation, described Dr Rambiyana as a true stalwart of the education community. He said that under Rambiyana’s guidance, they had witnessed improvements in the quality of education and increases in the pass rate of matrics in Vhembe. According to Tshivhase, Dr Rambiyana's commitment to educational excellence had transformed many lives and shaped the future of local children.

“As we reflect on Dr Rambiyana's achievements, we cannot overlook the countless lives he has touched and the countless minds he has shaped. His leadership has inspired those around him and set a standard of excellence for other districts in Limpopo Province and other provinces in the country. He has established community-based learning centres and implemented mobile learning initiatives that can help reach children in deep remote areas who may not have access to proper schools,” he added.

Executive mayor of VDM Freda Nkondo expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the good work that Dr Rambiyana had done. “You all know how much we have enjoyed and celebrated during the many years of his tenure when matric results were announced. Our district always occupied and enjoyed the top position. We will genuinely miss you, Dr Rambiyana,” said Nkondo.

In his response, Dr Rambiyana said he felt honoured to find out that what he was doing was recognised. He thanked the royal leaders around the Vhembe District for their support in making education for their children a success.

Date:04 May 2024

By: Silas Nduvheni

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