After serving the City of Johannesburg selflessly for the past 38 years Child Care Officer, Ouma Elizabeth Mkhombo (63), from Region C’s Social Development, is passing on the baton to her younger colleagues today, 28 July 2023. She joined the City as a nursery teacher in 1985.
Mkhombo has quite a few milestones under her belt that light up her face when mentioned. Between 2012- 2015, she was instrumental in Kago Ya Bana, a project in partnership with Hollard aimed at enhancing the quality of early childhood development centres (ECDs).
As part of this initiative, she boldly led her team in identifying non-complying ECDs in Region C and equipping them with the rightful tools to adhere to the approved standards to subsequently receive aid from Hollard.
It is through witnessing such momentous victories that has been fueling her on the journey and mostly the support from the municipality as it has continuously evolved over the years.
“There have been numerous changes within the council from the time I started, and I commend them for how they have always upskilled me through training to ensure that I stay abreast with all the transformations,” she adds.
The warm approaches from former nursery pupils, especially those from Dobsonville, where she hails from, are always a heartwarming reminder during times of despair that she has indeed contributed towards strengthening social development.
She further believes that while going on a well-deserved rest, the preservation of institutional knowledge from outgoing public servants can further reinforce the work ethic the municipality prides itself in.
“The City is losing a wealth of knowledge with the retirement of its old staff having not shared with the new generation what they have learned over the years,” she notes.
According to her, teaching is one of the highest callings and only those who are truly called to it will answer with the utmost selflessness it requires. The responsibility of being entrusted with the guardianship of young minds is among the greatest and most fundamental roles in society.
Ma Ouma vacates her office with pride as she leaves behind an impressive trail of life changing work she accomplished on behalf of the community and for generations to come.
Written by Pamela Sibiya
28/07/2023