Not every teacher follows a straight road into the classroom and Shalati Mahlaule’s story shows that a less certain path can still lead to something truly remarkable. At first Shalati aimed to become a nurse. But when obstacles along that path made her reconsider her direction, a chance encounter at a daycare center completely changed things. Something about seeing young children learn, grow and discover the world rekindled a new sense of purpose in Shalati. She signed up for a National Diploma in Educare and what had started as a change of plans quickly became something she was called to do. Guided by mentors and driven by determination, Shalati went on to complete a Bachelor of Education at SANTS. Commitment to growth didn’t end with graduation. Shalati entered National Teaching Awards multiple times steadily improving presentation and reflective practice skills as she advanced circuit and district levels. In 2025 hard work paid off: her presentation impressed both judges and colleagues and she received provincial level recognition for her efforts—a long time coming. Shalati now mentors educators alongside her teaching and she does so with confidence that she inherited from SANTS. Much of that confidence she attributes to her BEd from SANTS:
“Methodology really matters. I owe that confidence to SANTS. CLGs are great tools—they take you right into the classroom as you read. Because of my BEd from SANTS I can mentor others with confidence.” — Shalati Mahlaule
Shalati’s career journey—from uncertain career shift to national recognition—perfectly reflects what SANTS sets out to do: train students practically so that their impact is felt directly in the classroom regardless of where their journey starts. We are proud to celebrate Shalati as part of SANTS family and even prouder of the care and confidence she passes on now to the teachers she mentors.
