An astute teacher from South Africa’s apartheid era passed away

BLOEMFONTEIN: An astute teacher from Bloemfontein, Selelo Jonathan Steve Vinger, has closed the final chapter of his life’s story. He passed on Tuesday, 15 July, marking the end of a remarkable life.
Affectionately known as “Oom Steve”, Vinger had been battling ill health associated with old age. However, he lived long enough to reach the remarkable age of 90.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, 25 July.
He is survived by his wife, Dikeledi, daughters Ipeleng, Keorapetse and Neo, sister Bahedile, and 11 grandchildren.
Vinger’s contribution in the teaching profession and education spans over four decades. He was part of the generation of teachers who carried the baton during the apartheid era from 1948 to 1994. At the time of retiring in 1996, he worked at the Rutanang Primary School.
Vinger’s compatriots include the late Free State premier Winkie Direko. Their contributions stand out for continuing the struggle for freedom when several of their peers went into exile and all black political parties had been banned.
Trevor Mokeyane, a teacher by profession, noted: “These are the men and women who toiled under the unscrupulous and draconic apartheid policies of segregation in education introduced by Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, who was the minister of Bantu education.”
Mokeyane, one of the several individuals Vinger taught in St.6 at the Marang Public School in 1972, has fond memories about his late master.
“Mr Vinger was an educator of note who served the Mangaung community with honesty, loyalty and dedication.
“His ability to teach lingers and resinates with teaching us the poem: ‘O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,’ ” he said.
Those he taught have described Vinger as a great influence and a giant in South Africa’s teaching profession.
According to an ad-brief biography, Vinger began his illustrious teaching profession at the Marang Primary School in the 1950s.
Mokeyane said Vinger was remembered for making the vow with his colleague to remain in South Africa to continue teaching as part of contributing to true liberation when many left the teaching profession due to the apartheid regime’s draconic laws.
Vinger’s contribution in the improvement of black teachers and the quality of education was confirmed by playing the key role as one of the founding members of the Orange Free State African Teachers Association (OFSATA).
The other founding leadership members include the late D.D.M. Rametsi and Maruping Lesley Mancwe, who were principal and deputy principal, respectively, of the then Bantu High School (now Sehunelo).
Vinger’s impactful contribution as a community builder involved serving as a member of the Mangaung Social Welfare, as well as being a player for the Young Darkies football club and conductor of thet choir, which won several trophies in school competitions. In football, he reportedly nurtured talented players for two Bloemfontein giant clubs: Mangaung United and Bloemfontein Celtic. These notable players include Wellington “Ngwenya” Wesi and the Melamu twins, Rabagolo and Rabanye.
Some of the successful persons Vinger taught and moulded include Prof. Itumeleng Mosala, Dr Maleho Seane, Keabetswe Motlhoiwa and Itumeleng Ditaunyane (retired teacher).