MY KINDA TOWN | East London

Hilton Williams – Education gives you respect

HILTON Williams is a devoted teacher and headmaster, having taught for many years. He spent six years as “headmonster” at College Street School and 14 years at George Randell Primary.

What is the one thing you know for sure about life?

We only pass this way once, so be remembered for the right reasons. The best rewards are intrinsic and this is earned by adding value to others’ lives. Choice, not chance, determines our destiny.

Do you like reading?

I LOVE reading and promoting reading, but no day is complete without reading the Daily Dispatch. I read Wilbur Smith-type books over holidays to escape.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

My wife Anita says I am empathetic,
energetic and positive.

What has been your highlight this year?

The miracle of prayer as Anita recovered miraculously after three cardiac arrests and a stroke. At school we are always blessed by the community and recently Absa Bank
introduced a Thrass programme (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills). Our lovely daughter Doné was married to Simon and our other beautiful daughter, Nicole, moved to Belfast with Jason.

Would you speak to or mentor your children about HIV/ Aids?

Absolutely. I was a voluntary worker for loveLife and children must know that only
by them feeling good about themselves (through sport, art, culture) and by looking forward to a bright future (having HOPE) will they want to protect themselves and make the right choices.

Would you trade your pet for R20000?

You can have our new puppy, which wets everywhere – but nothing would replace my favourite dog, Bugly (the name says it all,
b… ugly).

Any words for young up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow?

Choose your role model carefully. Listen to advice from those who have made mistakes. Base your life on values. Respect yourself and others.

What makes your life sparkle?

We have wonderful neighbours, friends and family who make you feel special. Teaching is so rewarding when you see a child grasp a concept or blossom in some way. A four beer fire is also special.

Who is your pillar of strength?

Besides my faith, Anita has been my rock
for most of my life and my long chats to our girls overseas give me strength.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

I love my job. The totally dedicated staff, talented support staff and wonderful learners who love a person unconditionally.

What is the one thing people don’t know about you?

Money has little meaning but making a
difference by working for NGOs (READ, loveLife, sport) is the most amazing reward.

What sport do you support? Why?

My first love is swimming and then rugby. Sport develops character, values and
discipline.

With whom would you like to be stuck in a lift?

I like my name Hilton, so Paris Hilton would be great as she does not seem to be too fussy about who she shares her space with.

Where do you see yourself in 2010?

Preparing for the George Randell Primary centenary and taking up a new challenge before retiring.

Do you budget or do you have enough
money to spend?

I made it clear that I am a teacher – how can I have money to spend? They do not pay slaves. My time is worth more than money
so I budget my time and energy.

What was your childhood like?

I remember climbing trees, riding bikes and the front door of our home was never closed. We had ducks, chickens and gardens and people trusted each other and cared for
each other. Crime was seldom experienced and life had value.

What makes your blood boil?

Corruption and stealing from the poor and from sportsmen. Teachers give their time and energy voluntarily to promote sport and raise funds to allow children to participate. Corrupt sport organisers are elected to
perform and then claim a percentage of
money raised. Another major area that
really makes me angry are parents who
abdicate their responsibilities of proper
parenting and expect teachers to perform their responsibilities.

If you could go back in time, which era would you choose and why?

Never look back, only forwards! I miss the safe and caring SA but that can be regained.

If you were the mayor of your town, what would you do differently?

Home ownership is the foundation of hope and pride, so I would build, build, build. Schools would receive infrastructural
support which would include local policing, health services – and libraries in every
community.

Thembisa Kosani