A Port Elizabeth principal who retired on Friday will be remembered for his quirky fashion sense and kindness.
Cedric van Vuuren, 60, worked at Bethvale Primary School in Bethelsdorp for 38 years, first as a teacher and then as principal.
He started teaching at the school in 1981 at the age of 23 and became principal in 1997.
But despite leading the school, he said he preferred being in the classroom.
“I enjoyed being with children,” he said.
“I did not enjoy being a principal as it’s just administration work.”
He said despite all the challenges facing the northern areas, he always encouraged his pupils to strive for the best.
“Our children are blessed with talents and have great futures ahead of them.
“I’ve always tried to instil the best in them, [for them] to go further and not focus on the fact that they come from . . . the northern areas.”
At a farewell party for him on Friday, Van Vuuren encouraged pupils to have respect for themselves and others wherever they go.
“Respect will take you far in life. You are all special and were born for greatness,” he said.
He said God did not make a mistake when he created a person and everyone had a purpose in life.
“You are all God’s creation, and every single one of you is blessed with a talent,” he said.
“Use the talent God gave you and believe in yourself.”
Grade 7 pupil Cassidy Draai, 13, said Van Vuuren was like a second father to the pupils.
“[He] will be dearly missed. He was always there for us and always taught us life lessons.
“He was a great father to many of us.”
Cassidy said he always enforced discipline and respect and encouraged pupils to do better.
“We will always remember him mostly for his fashion style. He matched his outfit in the same colour and always wore a hat,” she said.
Bethvale Primary School deputy principal Freddie Hufkie said it had been a wonderful few years working with Van Vuuren.
“Mr Van Vuuren was a friend and a colleague.
“He served 21 years as a school principal and you don’t get that every day,” he said.
School governing body member Richard Draai said Van Vuuren had served the school and community with distinction.
“Our principals are facing major challenges, sometimes from the department of education and a community saturated with social ills.
“Our principal did sterling work under these very difficult circumstances and he will be sorely missed,” he said.
Lee-Ann Booysen, 34, who had attended the school, said Van Vuuren had always been a pillar of strength.
“We will dearly miss him.
“He’s done so much for our community in times of need – sometimes he goes the extra mile and even transports needy pupils to school,” Booysen said.
She said Van Vuuren had left a strong legacy.