A gentle giant who cut an imposing figure
By Alwyn Visagie
Today we’re publishing the first of a new series of features which focus on Livingstone High School teachers – past and present – and in the spotlight this time round is the late Francois Van Zyl who taught at the school from 1974 to 1998, and passed away in 2016. On first appearance Stephanus Francois Van Zyl, fondly known as Fanie, cut an imposing figure with his height, big build and stern look. But he was in many ways, a gentle giant who smiled easily and enjoyed his interaction with his students.
Melanie Wagner, remembers him for his overuse of the passive voice – “Daar word nou gelees” while Zaahir Parker fondly associates him with the instruction: “Boeke uit! Lees!”. Adair Crowie, then Adair Blake, remembers how “Mr van Zyl would combine her name and surname and bellow 'Blaaaiiirrrr!” while Rushana Jooste recounts being Fanie’s scribe: “The way that man just said my surname was dangerous”.
He was uncompromising in pushing his students to succeed and refused to accept substandard work. However, he is best remembered for his calmness - even when threatening there would be “moeilikheid”. In fact Gasina Waggie Issacs credits him with: “Teaching [her] how to be calm at all times.” His calmness and stoicism were also deeply appreciated by his colleagues, especially in turbulent times.
Van Zyl was one of five children who grew up in Ruyterwacht and later in Epping where he matriculated from Epping High School in 1968. After graduating from Stellenbosch University, he went on to teach in the small town of Kamieskroon in the Norther Cape and later at Nababeeb High School, in the same province. However, the lure of Cape Town proved too strong and in 1974, he transferred to Livingstone High where he stayed for the remainder of his teaching career.
Despite numerous attempts by the state to shift teachers who were classified white from schools such as Livingstone, Van Zyl refused to move and stood shoulder to shoulder with his colleagues, students and school during the 1976, 1980 and 1985 political uprisings.
His brother. Johannes Van Zyl states simply: “Die skool, kolegas en kinders was sy lewe.” When ill-health forced his retirement in 1997/98, as his brother recalls, he would park outside the school just to look at the staff and students during the intervals; such was his love for Livingstone High School.
Stephanus Francois Van Zyl sadly passed away on 30 April 2016 but will always be remembered with great fondness by all who came into contact with him in the 24 years he was part of Livingstone High School.
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