Cebolakhe Zondo
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
34
Project Name/Description:
From lining up stones and pretend to be their teacher as a five-year-old in rural KwaZulu-Natal, to teaching at one of South Africa’s most prestigious schools, Cebolakhe Zondo has always known her calling. Today, at 34, she is celebrated as one of the country’s top Maths and Science educators, heading the science department at Steyn City School. Her fascination with science began early. “My mother had aloe plants in our yard, and she would show me how the different parts could be used for healing purposes. That discovery made me want to be a science teacher,” she recalls. By Grade 4, Zondo was already stepping in when teachers were absent, explaining complex concepts to classmates in ways they could understand. Although science was her first love, mathematics soon followed. Over the past 12 years, she has combined both disciplines to inspire learners to embrace curiosity and critical thinking. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom: she is currently pursuing a PhD in Science and Technology Education and will present her research at an international conference in Germany soon. Zondo’s mission is clear — to strengthen Maths and Science education in South Africa through teacher training and impactful research. With passion, persistence, and purpose, Cebolakhe Zondo is shaping the future of education — one youngster at a time.
