Uplands College is proud to celebrate the outstanding academic achievement of valued staff member, Ms Tiritoga Takawira, whose recent completion of a Master's degree marks a significant milestone in both her personal and professional journey.
Originally from Harare, Tiritoga relocated to South Africa in 2008, bringing with her a deep commitment to education and a passion for nurturing young minds. Since joining Uplands College in 2017, she has become an integral part of the school community, serving with distinction as a teacher and boarding house staff member, contributing meaningfully to both the pastoral and academic life of the school.
Tiritoga has recently completed her Master’s in Mathematics Education at Sol Plaatje University, achieving a Distinction. Demonstrating remarkable discipline and focus, she completed the programme in just 18 months while balancing her full-time responsibilities at Uplands. Her dissertation explored “The Impact of Grade 9 Learners’ Mathematical Language Proficiency on Formulating Linear Equations from Word Problems”, with research conducted directly within the Uplands community, working closely with both staff and pupils to ensure meaningful and practical outcomes.
Her academic journey builds on an already strong foundation, holding a BCom in Finance from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Education from Rhodes University. Her acceptance into the 2022 postgraduate Diploma and subsequent Master’s intake is a testament to her dedication and academic capability.
Reflecting on her experience, Tiritoga noted that while her love for numbers has always been strong, the scale of the academic writing challenge was significant. Yet, through perseverance and determination, she not only met the challenge but excelled. Inspired by this achievement, she is now setting her sights on pursuing a PhD, believing that ‘it is never too late to pursue one’s ambitions’.
Beyond the classroom, Tiritoga is deeply embedded in the life of the school. She describes Uplands as a place that “feels like home”, where a caring and supportive environment has enabled her to thrive. This sense of community extends to her own family: her son, now 21, progressed through Uplands Preparatory and College, matriculating in 2022 and currently completing an internship at the school. She credits the Uplands experience with shaping him into the young man he is today.
A woman of many talents, Tiritoga also serves as Head of Chess, drawing on her experience as a former member of the Zimbabwe National Chess Team. Her passion for the game continues to inspire pupils, fostering strategic thinking, discipline and a love for intellectual challenge.
Tiritoga Takawira’s achievement is a shining example of dedication, resilience and lifelong learning. Uplands College celebrates her success with great pride and looks forward to supporting her as she embarks on the next chapter of her academic journey.