Driven by passion for education
KZN Dept of Education District Director, David Chonco speaks about his job and the challenges that lie ahead.
AFTER three years in office as uThungulu District Director, the Zululand Observer tracked down arguably the youngest manager in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, David Chonco.
Born and bred in the dusty streets of KwaNongoma, Chonco (44) hails from a family of eight siblings and is not ashamed to put on record that his parents worked tirelessly to ensure they (as kids) have a bright future, through farming.
‘There was never a day we would go hungry at home, since my father had a lot of cattle and was also a herbalist.’
After matriculating at Sibusiso High School, Nongoma in 1988, Chonco relocated to eSikhaleni to stay with his aunt where he also began working for Spoornet for a year.
‘It was not a serious job, as I had no qualifications. We were sweeping the floors and doing this and that. But that’s where I was exposed to the workers’ union, as the working conditions there were terrible. I even remember the big strike we had.
‘But because I have always been driven by this passion for education, I went back home to Nongoma to enroll at KwaGqikazi College of Education to get my Senior Primary Teacher Diploma, and returned to eSikhaleni to begin my teaching career at Empembeni CP School in 1993.
‘While teaching, I also got involved with the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU). We were building structures and recruiting membership for the union in the North Coast Region. I was so dedicated to my work that I was made a branch convenor, then Deputy Secretary and later I was seconded to the Regional Secretary, which was a full time position, from 1997 to year 2000.
‘I am a member of the ANC, by the way, but that does not go to my head, and I strive to keep politics out of my work as a government employee.
In 2001, I was appointed as the Deputy Chief Educator in the Empangeni Regional Office of the Department, which is now known as uThungulu District Office. I served there until 2008 when I was appointed as Chief Education Specialist in the Director’s Office, a position I served until 2011 when I was appointed as District Director.
‘I’m grateful to have worked with people like Ms Gugu Sidaki and Mr Wentworth Dorkin, who pioneered this district in terms of fostering a culture of teaching and learning at schools.’
While all this was happening in his life, Chonco saw the need to develop himself further educationally. He has a Human Resource Management Diploma from Damelin, a Further Diploma Management (FDM) from Potchefstroom University, Computer Certificate from MVT, Project Management Certificate, B Ed. Honours and is currently doing his Masters in Education at the University of Zululand.
He has also acted as Circuit Manager for Hlabisa Circuit.
ZO: How was your appointment welcomed as a young manager in this district?
Chonco: I never had difficulties, or people opposing it, except maybe a small group of people who were saying, ‘our new boss only has a diploma as a qualification.’
ZO: What is your main task as the District Director?
Chonco: My task is to ensure the provision of quality education in all the 686 schools that make up this district. Our task is to implement everything that has been endorsed by the government. We are given a mandate to ensure the implementation of Early Childhood Development and to ensure that all primary schools offered Grade R, to ensure that learners improve in languages, numeracy, maths and science. We are doing something right, when you look at our matric results, you will see the improvement. But then, it is a collective effort.
ZO: We have seen some disruptions at various schools. Does that worry you?
Chonco: That is one challenge we need to overcome. Yes, there is a high level of vandalism and burglaries at some schools. This year alone, nine schools have experienced that, where ill-advised learners would march and say they don’t want a school principal. I can mention Qantayi, Amangwe and Ilizwi High Schools as those leading the pack. I think our community needs to come on board in this regard and develop a sense of ownership of those schools.
ZO: What has been the attitude of the private sector when your approach them for assistance?
Chonco: We are fortunate to be surrounded by industries who are passionate about education. They have been our partners, which is why we want to see the improvement in matric results. We want more distinctions, more degrees and few diplomas. Dedicated to the service and performance beyond the call of duty is what drives me and our district.
