A man for the ages
I was a pupil of Mr Katangolo in the class of 1970 together with other fellows such as Raimo Naanda, Lenin Kaukungwa, Sigfried Shimwafeni, Nico Kalomo, David Nuyoma, the late Jansen Kalomo, Lomboleni Sackeus, Maniki Kasheeta and others.
I'm sure we will all agree that Mr Katangolo was a the strictest disciplinarian ever in our school career and this has paid off handsomely in many respects for us all in later life.
Mr Katangolo was a great friend of my father Josef Simon Mbako, whom he succeeded as principal of Mandume when my father was transferred to start the new higher primary school, Namutoni. We were neighbours in Katutura and so we grew up as family. I remember the two gentlemen as community advisors helping with the settlement of many people who came from rural areas in search of work and better life for their families. They were both well-groomed in mannerisms, dress code and general appearance.
Mr Katangolo was a legendary figure in the social fabric of Windhoek at the time. His influence as an eminent school principal extended far beyond his call of duty. He was a community leader imbued with a zeal for academic advancement. Few men were gifted with the attributes of this impressive man who commanded respect wherever he went. As a composer and singer he was accomplished until his last day on earth. The only person who challenged him in that respect was the equally legendary Mandume school principal before him, the late Mr David Hipondoka, who commanded the violin to hitherto unparalleled melodies.
The feared cane for instilling discipline in unruly pupils was known as the 'Blue Monday', which Mr Katangolo mostly used on the buttocks of pupils who were guilty of misbehaviour over weekends. He knew the ins and outs of each and every family in the neighbourhood. It is therefore ironic that he left us on a Monday.
Quite interestingly, Mr Katangolo was never given a negative nickname by the learners such as most senior teachers at the time were known by.
I believe this had to do not only with fear of being caught out but also due to the tremendous respect which leaners and parents alike had for him. He was simply Mr Katangolo or 'Mitiri Gwetu' and the name elicited many positive vibes throughout the neighbourhood and
beyond.
HILIFA MBAKO
I'm sure we will all agree that Mr Katangolo was a the strictest disciplinarian ever in our school career and this has paid off handsomely in many respects for us all in later life.
Mr Katangolo was a great friend of my father Josef Simon Mbako, whom he succeeded as principal of Mandume when my father was transferred to start the new higher primary school, Namutoni. We were neighbours in Katutura and so we grew up as family. I remember the two gentlemen as community advisors helping with the settlement of many people who came from rural areas in search of work and better life for their families. They were both well-groomed in mannerisms, dress code and general appearance.
Mr Katangolo was a legendary figure in the social fabric of Windhoek at the time. His influence as an eminent school principal extended far beyond his call of duty. He was a community leader imbued with a zeal for academic advancement. Few men were gifted with the attributes of this impressive man who commanded respect wherever he went. As a composer and singer he was accomplished until his last day on earth. The only person who challenged him in that respect was the equally legendary Mandume school principal before him, the late Mr David Hipondoka, who commanded the violin to hitherto unparalleled melodies.
The feared cane for instilling discipline in unruly pupils was known as the 'Blue Monday', which Mr Katangolo mostly used on the buttocks of pupils who were guilty of misbehaviour over weekends. He knew the ins and outs of each and every family in the neighbourhood. It is therefore ironic that he left us on a Monday.
Quite interestingly, Mr Katangolo was never given a negative nickname by the learners such as most senior teachers at the time were known by.
I believe this had to do not only with fear of being caught out but also due to the tremendous respect which leaners and parents alike had for him. He was simply Mr Katangolo or 'Mitiri Gwetu' and the name elicited many positive vibes throughout the neighbourhood and
beyond.
HILIFA MBAKO
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