Dr David Sbonakaliso Chonco, Director of the Department of Education in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, was conferred with a degree of Doctor of Education in Educational Management at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) on Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Married with four kids, Dr Chonco, who is originally from Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal, said the impetus behind him pursuing his doctoral degree was his children. “I have four children. This study will serve as an inspiration and motivation for them to aspire to greater heights. With determination and discipline everything is possible. I had first-hand experience growing up in a rural area (and) observing the plight of the black child and the education system. It was through my own adversity that I wanted to make a change and sought a career in education,” said Dr Chonco.

He started his teaching career at Empembeni CP School after completing his Senior Primary Teacher Diploma at KwaGqikazi College of Education (Nongoma) in 1993. From 1997 to 2001, he was the General Secretary for SADTU after which he occupied various positions which include Deputy Chief Educator and Chief Education Specialist in the Department of Education.

Talking about his experience in the education field, Dr Chonco was clear in his articulation that he is humble, disciplined and very polite in disposition while also being assertive. “The journey through this field has been a tapestry of emotions; a demanding career, pressure to increase National Senior Certificate results and managing one of the largest Education Districts in KZN has been my motivation to perform over and above. My high level of discipline has been an incredible source of disabling hindrances and the spiritual and emotional support of my family has kept me grounded,” Dr Chonco said.

Dr Chonco’s research topic was about “The Effects of Alternatives to Corporal Punishment to Maintain Learner Discipline in Secondary Schools in King Cetshwayo”. He shared that educators still encounter challenges with regards to disciplining learners and this study will assist them and the system at large in maintaining learner discipline.

– Siyanda Mntambo

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Newly qualified Doctor of Education in Educational Management Dr David Sbonakaliso Chonco hopes to inspire his four children to strive for greatness in their careers through obtaining his qualification.