Groomed to lead

In 2019 Salome Kelly Mofokeng was appointed as the youngest senior education specialist ever for the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (DBE), Sedibeng West District. The 28-year-old North-West University (NWU) alumna’s work ethic and leadership skills are her secret ingredients to climbing the corporate ladder at such an exponential pace.

 

Salome obtained her Bachelor of Education degree in 2013, her honours degree in Education Management, Law and Systems in 2016, and her master’s degree in Education Management in 2019 – all at the NWU. She is currently registered for her PhD at the university.

 

“My foundation for being a great leader was laid between 2010 and 2013, when I was pursuing my undergraduate qualification. I had the privilege of meeting the management of the university and also of being part of all discussions that were intended to enhance student achievement and the university at large. From that experience I learnt to have a teachable spirit, in whatever space I am working in,” says Salome.

 

Prior to her appointment at the DBE, Salome worked at Lebohang Secondary School as the head of the department of commerce. Through sheer determination she managed to transform the school’s failing commerce department by increasing the enrolment and pass rate of learners.

 

Over the years she has received numerous awards for excelling in her studies and career. She recently received a Silver Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching at the National Teaching Awards.

 

Salome plans to continue building her impressive CV. In the next five years she wants to complete her PhD, and either move into academia or closer to being the director of assessments at the DBE.