Celebrating the Timeless Impact of Heather’s Former Educators

Started at Heather: 1987

Left: 1997

Mr DD Moodley, known to his colleagues as Dina, has had a distinguished career in education that spans several decades and a variety of significant roles. He began teaching in 1986 at Stanwest Secondary School in Standerton before joining Heather Secondary School in 1987, where he quickly demonstrated his aptitude and dedication.

Ten years later, that dedication led to his promotion as Subject Advisor in the Gauteng Education Department. In 1998, Dina returned to Pietermaritzburg to serve as Deputy Principal at Kharina Secondary. His leadership in educational administration was further recognised in 2012 when he was appointed Principal of Silver Heights Secondary. Five years later, he took on a broader role within the Umgungundlovu District as Circuit Manager for the Northdale circuit, and subsequently joined Teaching and Learning services, overseeing History within the district.

Dina has been a National Examiner for History since 2005, a role that reflects his deep knowledge and expertise in the subject. Most recently, he was appointed to the History Ministerial Task Team from 2024 to 2026, contributing to the development of a new History curriculum for South African schools - a responsibility that speaks to the national standing he has earned over his career.

Throughout his professional journey, Dina has been greatly inspired by Mr Linie Haffajee, whose commitment to education has profoundly shaped his own outlook and practice.

His path from classroom teacher to curriculum architect at national level is a testament to what sustained dedication, intellectual rigour, and a genuine love for the subject can achieve.

Mr DD Moodley

Mr PA Moodley

Mr Pregason Moodley, known to his colleagues as P.A., had a distinguished career in education and sport administration spanning over three decades. He began teaching in 1983 at Stanwest Secondary before joining Kharina Secondary in 1986, taking on the role of volleyball convenor from 1989. He carried this role to Heather Secondary School in 1992, teaching Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, and Physical Education at Grade 12 level.

At Heather, his coaching reached national heights. He served as National Schools Volleyball Development Officer from 1995 and Treasurer from 1997. In 1999, his Boys Under-19 team won the South African Schools volleyball championship, earning selection to the World Championships in Portugal in April 2000. In 2003, he was seconded as National Programmes Manager at loveLife, returning briefly to Heather in 2004. In 2005, his career took a new turn when he returned to Kharina Secondary as Head of Department for Mathematics. In 2013 he became Chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal Schools Volleyball, and in 2014 was appointed Deputy Principal at Silver Heights Secondary School, a role he held until retiring in 2020.

Beyond the classroom, his contribution to the sport was honoured nationally when USSASA named him Sports Administrator of the Year, a fitting recognition for decades spent building volleyball structures across the province and country.

His journey from classroom teacher to national sports administrator stands as a testament to sustained dedication, intellectual rigour, and a lifelong love for the game he helped shape.

Started at Heather: 1992

Left: 2005

Started at Heather: 1994

Retired: 2025

Ms Shakila Ramprasad, affectionately known simply as “Shakila” among colleagues, began her teaching career in 1988 at Windsor Secondary in Ladysmith before joining Heather Secondary School in 1994. Over the next 31 years, she would become a constant and dependable presence in the Languages department, known for her deep commitment to teaching Afrikaans from Grades 8 through 12.

She earned her academic qualifications in Afrikaans and Nederlands at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has dedicated her professional life to bringing the Afrikaans language alive in classrooms filled with learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Her love for language and her belief in each learner’s potential have made her a trusted and valued figure in the school community.

Ms Ramprasad credits her strength and professional growth to the mentorship and camaraderie of her principal and colleagues. She describes them as her “pillar of strength,” shaping her resilience and courage as an educator and individual.

One of her guiding philosophies is: “Life is a journey, enjoy the ride—even if it’s sometimes a roller coaster.” It’s a perspective that shaped her approach to teaching and life—embracing the ups and downs with grace, courage, and an open heart.

She also believed in the healing power of humour, often reminding others that “Laughter is the best medicine.” It was this lightness of spirit that made her classrooms feel welcoming and her presence uplifting to both learners and staff.

As she enters retirement in 2026, Heather Secondary bids farewell to an educator whose career has been defined by consistency, compassion, and quiet impact. Ms Ramprasad’s legacy will endure not only in exam results and lesson plans, but in the life lessons she modelled daily: to be brave, to stay grounded, and to find joy even amidst the challenges.

Ms S Ramprasad

Mrs DRN Naidoo

Mrs. DRN Naidoo’s career as an English teacher at Heather Secondary School is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the profound impact she’s had over nearly four decades of service. Drawing on the values her mother exemplified, Mrs Naidoo has been a guiding force for her learners, embodying faith, loyalty, humility, and compassion in every lesson.

Matriculating from Woodlands High School , Mrs. DRN Naidoo went on to enjoy a solid academic foundation from the University of Durban-Westville. She began her teaching career at Greytown Secondary School, and her arrival at Heather Secondary in 1983 marked the beginning of a deeply impactful era that would continue until her retirement in 2020.

Through literature, Mrs. Naidoo has not only taught her students about language but also about life, often echoing Shakespeare’s call to self-honesty, “Above all to thine own self be true.” Her legacy is one of inspiration, not only urging students to excel academically but to live with integrity and authenticity.

As we reflect on Mrs. DRN Naidoo’s distinguished career, we celebrate her contributions to education and the lives she has touched. Her name will forever be associated with the quality and character of teaching that Heather Secondary School values. Her influence remains, a beacon of the powerful role educators play in shaping the future.

Started at Heather: 1983

Retired: 2020

Started at Heather: 1987

Left: 2001

Dr. Sanjay Ranjeeth's career at Heather Secondary School marks an important period in his lifelong commitment to education. Starting in 1987, he made a significant impact through his teaching of Mathematics and Computer Studies, and as the Chief Examiner for Computer Studies in the National Senior Certificate Examinations, he set a high standard for excellence

After thirteen rewarding years at Heather Secondary, Dr. Ranjeeth took on a new challenge at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As a Senior Lecturer, he contributes to the development of software, systems analysis, and imparts knowledge to students at various levels of their academic journey

Beyond the lecture hall, Sanjay brings a light-hearted approach to his work, reflected in his support for Liverpool FC and his belief in maintaining a sense of humour. He often quotes, "We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public," which speaks to his philosophy that learning and personal development are continuous processes.

Dr. Ranjeeth’s path in education shows us that learning is a lifelong endeavour and that teachers and students alike contribute to the collective pursuit of knowledge. His story encourages us to approach life with joy and enthusiasm, reminding us that personal growth is a continuous journey

In recognising Sanjay, we celebrate a dedicated educator whose influence extends beyond traditional academic achievement and underscores the importance of engaging with life's lessons with a sense of curiosity and vitality.

Dr S Ranjeeth

Mrs YD Govender

Mrs YD Govender is a remarkable educator whose passion for teaching has touched countless lives. Born in Pietermaritzburg, she embarked on her teaching career after matriculating from Woodlands in 1976. Over the next 22 years, she enriched the minds of young learners at Woodlands with lessons in Physical Education, Natural Sciences, and Biology. She then spent 18 years at Heather Secondary School, where she dedicated herself to teaching Mathematics, Maths Literacy, and Life Science.

Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Govender values the lessons learned from her colleagues, especially the ability to resolve conflicts amicably—a skill she admires in her male colleagues and strives to emulate. Her philosophy in life is deeply influenced by her parents' teachings of respect, dignity, and karmic action, principles she holds dear in her interactions.

As she bids "Vanakkum" to her Heather School family, Mrs. Govender leaves behind a legacy of respect, lifelong learning, and an unyielding dedication to nurturing the potential in every student. In her words, "As educators, we have valuable knowledge and experience that we must use to guide, support, and motivate our youth to become better members of society." Her life and career stand as a beacon to all educators, proving that with integrity, respect, and a love for learning, one can indeed make a lasting impact.

Started at Heather: 1998

Retired: 2016

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