Cape Town - Having served more than three decades as a principal, Brian Isaacs, principal of South Peninsula High School, was honoured at the Education Summit held in Rylands this week.
Isaacs received an award on Monday from the Movement Against Illegitimate Leaders for his contribution to education.
He was honoured for being a “principled principal”, and for his unwavering support for children’s rights.
South Peninsula High school pupils, attending the ceremony, were also honoured.
Isaacs said he was humbled by the award. “I used to attack the Western Cape Education Department that wanted to destroy the children’s education. I will fight for them till they have equal education.”
He downplayed his achievements, saying “everyone in education works hard”. “Change is important and educating the youth will help build an equal society with a new equal education that is of a global standard that leaves footprints of our father Nelson Mandela, without corruption. Corruption destroys our nation. By educating the children, the nation grows.”
He said he believed it was his right to guide the future leaders of tomorrow. Isaacs also believed in providing quality education for the poor.
With four years left before retirement, he said he would continue to ensure pupils had quality education.
“It’s my passion to see the youth going far in life and that makes me happy”.
He challenged the education department to use schooling as a weapon against poverty, and not to allow children in impoverished areas to be left behind.
Last month Isaacs appeared in the municipal division of the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court where he is accused of contravening a noise nuisance by-law after residents complained of his use of the school’s public address system.
Isaacs will be back in court on August 27.
Cape Argus