Louisa Ludo mmusi: where there's a will, there's a way

Sidiapelo Babish | Monday June 27, 2011 00:00

 

Born 75 years ago in Lobatse to a builder and a housewife, Louisa Ludo Mmusi is a woman who has made her mark and contributed to the growth and development of Botswana. It was her passion for teaching and caring for children that inspired her to pursue her dream of running a primary school with a difference - an affordable English medium school that offers the same - if not better - quality of education as highly priced English medium schools.

It began with the bold step she took at the tender age of 15 when she went for teaching training at the Lesotho Teacher Training College. Away from home, one would expect youngsters to become timid, but ambition and passion drove her. It was what she would do with the skill she was acquiring that made it worthwhile. At 18, she returned home to teach at her local primary school that she herself had attended three years earlier, St Theresa Mission School in Lobatse.

Two years later, when she was 20, she migrated to Mafikeng because the South African government paid twice as much as what the Botswana government paid teachers.  However, because home was where her heart was, Mmusi returned after three years (in 1958) and got married to the love of her life, Peter Mmusi, in the same year. She was 23 years old. She went on to teach at Hill School in Lobatse until 1964 and moved to Gaborone to join her husband. Although leaving her hometown was not easy, her family's welfare was important, and she wanted to be there for her husband and children.

At 75 now, Mma Mmusi, as she is fondly known, looks at home sitting on her majestic chair behind a large table at St. Mary's English Medium School. The office is spacious and tidy, with pictures of her grandchildren and Jesus Christ on the wall. The simplicity speaks for itself. She is a simple but sophisticated woman herself. She wears her hair in a simple pushback style and spots a few gold rings on her fingers, which are manicured with red nail polish. Her bold fashion statement complements her character as she greets and welcomes me in a gentle tone of voice.

She still has that enthusiasm and energy of classroom teaching as she speaks not only with words but gesticulates. She speaks calmly and slowly, remembering every date for each event that was of significance in her life. She speaks enthusiastically about how St. Mary's came about. 'The name of the school came from a prayer I said before opening the school, I said, 'Mary, help me start this big project,'' she says, putting her hands together as she must have done 14 years ago when she entreated God.

Mmusi is a devout Catholic and has been part of the church choir since 1975. Although she might not be visible in the choir's front line of late, she is still a dedicated member. She has also been the chairperson of YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) of Gaborone in past years. I ask her when she plans to retire and she answers that she is actually retiring this year. 'I've decided to relax at home and to take care of my garden and to be more active in church,' she says. 'And there are kids everywhere at the house!'

With 11 grandchildren that she names in chronological order, she surely won't get bored.  Here they are: Lesedi, Kabelo and Kagiso are her three sons who are all businesspeople. And then there are daughters Gorata, Pinkie and Cathy, who are taking care of the school to continue her legacy.

Ludo Mmusi's career history:1958-1964: Taught at Hill School in Lobatse1964-1966: Camp Primary School1966-1973: Lesedi Primary School, promoted to Deputy Headteacher1973: Studied for a Diploma in Education at Newcastle, United Kingdom1974: Headteacher at Bontleng Primary school1974-1992: Headteacher at Ithuteng Primary School1992-1995: Headteacher at Lesedi Primary School  where she retired aged 60 It is about a woman's will and values.Mmusi has made her mark in society. She has contributed to the development and security of the country, not just by serving in the government, but also by directly nurturing and the leaders of tomorrow - our children.