I achieved my fourth impossible thing when I was promoted to principal within one year and three months of being deputy principal. I did not anticipate such a quick career change.
The principal was promoted to the position of Senior Education Manager in the provincial Department of Education, and was required to take up her new position within a week. With the encouragement of the Senior Education Manager and the School Governing Body (SGB), I accepted the position of acting principal. It seemed like déjà vu as I felt that I was once again thrown into the ‘deep end’. After I accepted the position, I was consumed by fear, trepidation and anxiety at the thought of the enormous responsibility before me. And yet, almost
105
simultaneously, I was excited and energised that this was an opportunity to explore endless possibilities for the Deaf and Deaf education!
During my term as deputy principal, I often questioned the academic programme at the school and whether we were offering quality education for the Deaf as promised in the Constitution (RSA, 1996c) and in the policy formulated and legislation enacted since 1994 when the democratic government came into power: the National Educational Policy Act (RSA, 1996a), the South African Schools Act (RSA, 1996b), Curriculum 2005, and Tirisano 2000. My vision was for an equitable, quality education for our learners. Hilltop School for the Deaf was going to be the best school in the province.
I took over the reins feeling insecure as I soon learned from some members of staff that a small number of them had expressed their dissatisfaction over my appointment as acting principal. Old fears had surfaced, with some expressing concern that I was going to continue being a ‘slave driver’. One member of management expressed her concern and disapproval over my appointment directly to me. Her concern was based on my limited management experience and a fear that I would implement even more changes. Her open disapproval concerned me as I knew that since she was a senior member of staff, with extensive experience in Deaf education, she could play an influential role with other staff members.
Despite this, my inspiration was those words I had seen during one of the first difficult meetings:
“The will of God won’t lead you where His grace can’t keep you”. I recall the speech that I delivered at my very first staff meeting as acting principal, reproduced as follows:
2 March, 2001
May I take this opportunity of extending a warm welcome to all of you, and hope that you are well rested and ready to begin a new term. A new term which heralds change and challenge for all of us.
The confirmation of my appointment to the position of acting principal by the Department of Education has been finalised. The appointment of Mr Mazibuko as acting deputy has also been finalised by the Department of Education. I would like to take his opportunity of congratulating him on his appointment and believe that he is very worthy of the position. I also believe that he will be a tremendous asset to me and the institution.
I must admit that I accepted my position with a sense of trepidation and excitement. Trepidation because it is a huge challenge, and excitement because I believe that I can perform this function to the
106
best of my ability together with you – my team. I firmly believe that I have the abilities and capabilities to meet that challenge. Since we make up the core of the institution, together we can continue to progress and achieve new heights. In doing this we will take this institution into a position that we will be proud of.
It is my objective to make this institution a viable, successful and happy environment for management, staff and most especially our learners. I trust that I have your support in achieving these objectives.
It has come to my attention that certain members of staff are not entirely pleased with my appointment.
Understandably change of any sort can be met with uncertainty. However, you have my commitment that my sole objective is the institution and the well-being of all in it.
I must emphasise that any dissatisfaction with my appointment will not impact on my objective. If any member of staff has a problem that may interfere or jeopardise the interests of the institution, then the proper lines of communication must be adhered to. No discussions outside this formal forum will be entertained. Personal opinion on my appointment and idle gossip will not be taken kindly as well.
Any problems encountered must have substance and ideally solutions.
Having said that, I need to emphasise the importance of every member of staff at this institution.
Without your expertise and professionalism, my job would be that much more difficult.
I hope that all present with support my endeavour to improve the lives of our learners and that it becomes the goal of all staff.
A full staff meeting will be held on Friday.
At this point I would like to remind you that we have only 36 days in the term and it is imperative that productive work begins from today.
Are there any questions?
I thank you for your time.
I cannot recognise myself in this speech. The confidence was false, and fear, insecurity and uncertainty almost overwhelmed me. My vulnerability was masked by the formal and controlling tone I adopted, which could be read as an autocratic and arrogant stance. Looking back, I think
107
the subject position I took stemmed from the fact that in reality I felt extremely insecure and vulnerable.
This was the beginning of my leadership as the principal of Hilltop School for the Deaf.