Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Judge Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati

Heather Secondary School's Women's month celebrations was bolstered by the presence of the Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Judge Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati at the school's CareerFest 2.0. Her speech was one of the highlights of the event, providing inspiration and direction not only to the learners but also to parents, educators, and the broader community. Her presence symbolised the power of education, resilience, and leadership, which resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.

Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s speech was a masterclass in motivation, drawing from her own remarkable journey from a rural upbringing in Nkwenkwana, Eastern Cape, to becoming the first female Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal. Her message emphasised the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the transformative power of education. She spoke passionately about how every learner, no matter their background, has the potential to rise to great heights through hard work, focus, and the support of their community.

The key themes of her speech included:

• Breaking Barriers: Judge Poyo-Dlwati reflected on her experiences overcoming both gender and societal expectations, encouraging learners to break through the limitations imposed by circumstance or bias.

• The Power of Education: She emphasised how education is a tool for social mobility and a pathway to achieving dreams, urging learners to seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future.

• Community and Mentorship: A recurring message was the importance of community support and mentorship. She encouraged learners to lean on their educators and parents while also aspiring to become mentors and leaders in their own right.

• Choices and Consequences: Judge Poyo-Dlwati also reminded learners that every choice they make, big or small, has consequences, and that success comes from making informed, deliberate choices about their futures.

Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s speech left a profound impact on Heather Secondary’s learners. Her words instilled a sense of pride and possibility, particularly for female learners, who saw in her a living example of how women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Learners expressed that her speech made them feel empowered to pursue careers they may have previously thought were beyond their reach.

Her presence also conveyed to learners that no dream is too far-fetched and that their current circumstances need not define their future. As one learner noted, “Seeing someone like Judge Poyo-Dlwati, who came from humble beginnings like many of us, gives me hope that I can achieve great things too.”

For parents, Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s message reinforced the idea that their involvement in their children’s education is crucial to their success. Many parents felt motivated to further support their children in exploring diverse career options and in ensuring that they have the resources and encouragement to succeed whilst, for educators, the Judge’s speech underscored the significance of their role in shaping the future. Her call for mentorship and community involvement resonated deeply with teachers, many of whom saw her presence as a reminder of the lasting influence they can have on their learners.

Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s presence at CareerFest 2.0 held immense significance for the broader community. As a leader who has risen through the ranks in the KwaZulu-Natal judiciary, she is a shining example of what is possible when individuals are supported by their communities. Her life story speaks to the potential within every corner of society to produce great leaders, professionals, and change-makers...very much in harmony with our vision "to be recognised as the hallmark of educational excellence, where every learner is equipped to navigate and shape our dynamic society."