Phola– In South Africa’s education landscape, few stories shine as brightly as that of Zodwa Ntuli, the award-winning principal of Hlangu-phala Primary School in Phola, Mpumalanga. Her journey stands a powerful reminder that women in leadership can break barriers and set new standards in education.
Today, Ntuli is celebrated not only for her multiple awards, including recent victories in the National Teaching Awards, but also for her ability to transform a school into a symbol of discipline, cleanliness and academic commitment.
“As women in leadership, we often face doubts, resistance and stereotypes,” she says. “At times, I had to work twice as hard to prove my capability. Balancing professional demands with family responsibilities has also tested my resilience. But each challenge has shaped me into the leader I am.”
Behind every strong leader is a support system, and for Ntuli, that pillar of strength has been her husband, Bathuseni Jan Ntuli, also a principal at Makause Primary School.
“He has been my greatest teacher,” Ntuli says warmly. “He shared all departmental policies with me, guided me through the challenges of leadership and reminded me that I am capable.”
Their partnership extends beyond marriage into leadership, with both dedicated to uplifting education in their communities.
Crafting a Vision: ACTION
When Ntuli was first appointed acting principal, the School Governing Body (SGB) asked her to present her vision and mission for the school. She responded with one powerful word: ACTION, not just a slogan, but a philosophy broken down into six guiding pillars:
A – Administratively: Putting all systems in place for efficient school management.
C – Classroom: Prioritising teaching and learning, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
T – Teamwork: Promoting a spirit of unity to create a conducive environment for all.
I – Innovation: Being creative in enhancing teaching and learning.
O – Outside Classroom: Introducing extracurricular initiatives to benefit all learners, including those not academically inclined.
N – Never Giving Up: Pledging resilience until every goal is accomplished.
This vision soon became the heartbeat of Hlangu-phala Primary School, fostering a culture of discipline, innovation and unity. It was under this philosophy that the school rose to prominence, winning multiple awards including the coveted title of “Cleanest School in Mpumalanga.”
Hlangu-phala’s slogan, “Don’t be bitter, pick up the litter,” is more than a catchy phrase, it’s a way of life. Learners, teachers and parents take pride in maintaining a spotless environment that mirrors the values of discipline and respect that Ntuli instilled throughout the school.
Her leadership has also been marked by creative community-building initiatives. Among them is the Aretsebaneng programme, which brings teachers and parents together to compete in various activities. This initiative not only strengthens relationships but also bridges the gap between school and community. Another favourite is the Stufuza Run, a fitness activity that Ntuli herself participates in, demonstrating her belief in leading by example.
“These programmes show that education is not confined to the classroom,” Ntuli explains. “They build unity, encourage participation and remind us that a school belongs to its community.”
Humble beginnings
Ntuli’s story began in the humble township of Burundi in Vosloorus, Gauteng, where values were instilled long before awards and titles came her way. Raised under the firm guidance of her grandmother in what she describes as “a very disciplined family,” she learned respect, resilience and responsibility qualities that would later become the foundation of her leadership style.
Her first inspiration was her aunt, a well-dressed teacher whose daily routine captivated young Ntuli’s eyes. “Seeing my aunt every day dressing so well, going to school with such dignity, made me dream of being a teacher myself,” she recalls.
That vision was cemented in the early 1990s when her aunt not only mentored her but also recruited her into the Department of Education. Though she began teaching without formal qualifications, Ntuli proved her determination by pursuing her studies through distance learning at the University of South Africa (UNISA), ensuring she gained the academic grounding needed to complement her growing experience.
Ntuli’s teaching career began in 1993 at Sekamisa Primary School in Verena, under Thembisilile Hani municipality in Mpumalanga, where she dedicated more than 14 years of her life. These years were a period of deep learning and growth. She understood early on that being an educator went beyond teaching in the classroom; it was about nurturing young minds, instilling discipline, and shaping futures.
Her hard work and commitment soon opened doors for her. In 2012, she was promoted to Head of Department (HOD) at Mdumiseni Primary School in Delmas. Though she only worked there for a year and six months, the experience broadened her administrative skills and introduced her to the world of school leadership.
In September 2013, Ntuli made another significant leap in her career when she was appointed Deputy Principal at Hlangu-phala Primary School in Phola. Four years later, in 2017, following the retirement of the school’s principal, she stepped into the role of Acting Principal, marking the beginning of her leadership journey in full force.
Awards and recognition
Ntuli’s relentless drive has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, her school was declared the cleanest in the province, a recognition that came with a promise from the Department of Education to send six members of Hlangu-phala to Rwanda—’Africa’s cleanest country’—for benchmarking and learning best practices.
Ntuli’s achievements escalated to new heights on 04 August 2025 when she clinched position one in the National Teaching Awards at district level. This victory paved the way for her to represent Hlangu-phala at both provincial and national stages. On 15 July 2025, she proudly carried the Mpumalanga flag at the national competition, awaiting the results to be announced on 29 August 2025.
For Ntuli, awards and recognition are not the end goal. Her ultimate dream is to leave behind a legacy that will transform Hlangu-phala learners into global citizens prepared for the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Currently, the school has a computer lab that is not fully functional. Ntuli is determined to change that before her retirement. “I want every learner who passes through Hlangu-phala to be technologically inclined, able to compete with the best in the world,” she says with conviction.
“Persistence and resilience come when you are given a difficult task. It is in those moments that you realise your true strength. To young women, I say: soldier on. It is possible, against all odds. Leadership is not about perfection—it’s about courage and commitment.”
