Student’s Tribute to Lecturer Shows How Encouragement Can Change Lives in South Africa

Reuphus Molulu Leso says that never in his wildest dreams did he think he would meet a “walking angel”… but he did, and her name is Andrea Ben. (Andrea’s already well known to many SAPeople followers as one of SAPeople’s regular contributors, kindly sharing photos of her beloved country – particularly Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal – with those who live elsewhere.)

In a post on #ImStaying, which has already received over 12,000 likes, Reuphus describes how he met Andrea, his former lecturer, in 2012 during his “dark days” at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) where he was studying BEd in Foundation Phase. He says Andrea was “not only my lecturer but she was my mom, my sister, my guardian etc.”

Reuphus was repeating a second year course which Andrea was lecturing.

“I can safely say I was not loved by the majority of the lecturers from the Foundation Phase department, so most of them wanted to rid me from the course,” admits Reuphus.

But fortunately “Andrea fought to the nail for me. She realised my worth and always assured me that I will make it. I remember telling her that I am going to quit school because of not have a strong support structure both from home and at school. Andrea sat me down and listened to my soapie story with tears strolling down my cheeks. She held my hand and said, ‘Reuphus you are a hardworking student with so much promise. Your work is always of a high standard and mostly you attend classes regularly without doubt and fail. There is no reason for you to think of quitting’.”

An incredibly grateful Reuphus says Andrea “gave me an opportunity to think of my future rather than to think of what I was going through then.”

He says she gave him the “courage and dignity” to realise that he was as capable as the other students in the course.

And she was right. Today Reuphus is a qualified teacher with an Honours Degree in Early Literacy!

Reuphus says: “Who could have ever thought? Whuuuu!!! I cannot begin to thank Andrea enough. She taught me to be selfless, courageous and to always extend a helping hand. For that #IAmStaying in our beautiful country ??. A country full of love and people who still care for one another.”

Speaking to SAPeople last night, Andrea said: “Words of encouragement can change a life.”

She said: “I am so touched by these incredible words. Thank you Reuphus Leso. I am so proud of what you have achieved and your whole journey has inspired me. I have been blessed to touch so many students’ lives. I love my job and I love what I do!”

Andrea added one of her favourite quotes, from Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

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This morning Andrea said Reuphus was a student who went above and beyond – “the struggle was real, but he did not give up once.

“He pushed and pushed and was dedicated to the core. Not one degree but two degrees later.

“What does this show us South Africa? Anything is possible. Proud of you.”

Andrea says: “I have had wonderful opportunities teaching in rural, township, government and private schools. These different experiences have made me the teacher I am today. Touching those little children’s lives is so rewarding. Lecturing hundreds of students at the Wits School of Education as well as Varsity College was an unbelievable and rewarding experience. I am proud of every student I have lectured and to see their growth as a teacher and making such a positive impact in the classroom.”

Her parting words are: “NEVER GIVE UP! Love this country, love my job and proud of every single student that I’ve had the opportunity to teach and lecture. #Imstaying Thank you for all the incredible and inspiring comments.”

Apart from sharing her photos with SAPeople, Andrea now has her own Facebook page… aptly called ‘Beautiful South Africa’. Please follow her below.

FOLLOW ANDREA BEN’S ‘BEAUTIFUL SOUTH AFRICA’ FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.