Zoleka Mayiya entered the early childhood development (ECD) space not as a teacher but as a cook and a cleaner. But when her love for kids and learning shone through, a passion was ignited, lighting the path to becoming the inspiring teacher she is today.
Masiphumelele, South Africa (12 June 2025) – It’s amazing how stepping into the right place at the right time with an undeterred dream can set you on the path where everything conspires in your favour.
This powerful truth is beautifully embodied by Zoleka Mayiya, whose journey at Masicorp’s Educare began in 2016, not in the classroom but as a cook and cleaner. However, her energy and dedication soon opened the door to a classroom assistant role, and her passion for education took root.
Through Masicorp’s Teacher Training Programme, an initiative designed exclusively for its Early Childhood Development (ECD) staff, Zoleka was supported in obtaining formal Early Childhood Development qualifications and receiving training in essential skills, including CPR, first aid, epilepsy response, fire safety, child protection, and mental health awareness. Nutrition education was also a key component, ensuring that she understood the vital importance of healthy eating in early development.
With this support and guidance, Zoleka was able to build a solid foundation for quality education from the ground up. Today, she is not only the Grade R teacher but also the Head Teacher at Masi Educare.
Recently, Zoleka achieved a major milestone by graduating with a Diploma in Grade R Teaching from North-West University. Her academic performance was so strong that she has been accepted directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Education degree.
Masicorp, a non-profit organisation dedicated to education and skills development in Masiphumelele, has long believed that investing in teachers is one of the most effective ways to uplift a community. Zoleka’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when internal talent is nurtured.
Her success and journey shine as a reflection of the quiet yet powerful change taking place inside early childhood classrooms in the vibrant but underserved community of Masiphumelele.
Related Story
While the teacher training programme is limited to Masicorp’s ECD staff, the organisation also runs a number of training opportunities open to the broader Masiphumelele community. These include ICDL-accredited computer literacy courses and a sewing programme designed to provide practical, income-generating skills.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 