With a quiet smile and a wealth of experience, Ahmedy Fakroodeen in his classroom at Charles Hugo Primary School in Overport, where his passion for education and belief in young people continue to shape confident, future-ready learners.
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Ahmedy Fakroodeen is celebrating 25 years as an educator, and in that time he has done more than teach maths and technology. In a modest classroom at Charles Hugo Primary School in Overport, he has built confidence, nurtured character, and, according to former students, changed the trajectory of young lives.
As part of the Post Plus Local Heroes series, we shine a light on his journey, from teaching in Riyadh and London to returning home and giving back through education and community safety work. Fakroodeen is also a founding member of Crescent Response, a neighbourhood safety initiative.
For the 52-year-old, teaching has never been just about textbooks.
“Teaching is not just a profession, it is a calling,” he says. “It’s about guiding learners and helping them realise their potential.”
Having spent over two decades teaching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and later gaining exposure to modern educational methods in London, he returned to South Africa with a renewed sense of purpose: to give back.
One former student, Zekhethelo Mthembu, now in Grade 9 at Brettonwood High School, remembers his impact vividly.
“Sir wasn’t just a teacher – he became like a father to us,” Mthembu says. “He taught me how to think, how to believe in myself, and how to stay curious. He saw my potential when I couldn’t.”
Another former learner, Anele Ndimande, now a businesswoman, recalls how Fakroodeen’s belief in her abilities helped shape her journey. “He trusted my skills and gave me the opportunity to fix a leaking pipe at my former school. That showed me that my work mattered.”
In subjects like Technology and Economic Management Sciences (EMS), Fakroodeen goes beyond theory, introducing learners to entrepreneurship, financial literacy and problem‑solving skills that prepare them for real‑world challenges. He also uses his multilingualism – English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Arabic and Urdu – to bring inclusivity into his classroom.
“Seeing former students succeed, and hearing that something they learned in class helped shape their journey – that is deeply rewarding,” he says.
Beyond teaching, Fakroodeen is a founding member of Crescent Response, contributing to neighbourhood safety and support initiatives. His message to parents is clear: “Parents play a crucial role in a child’s education. When schools and families work together, we create a stronger foundation for our children.”
Fakroodeen’s work matters because he proves that circumstance need not become destiny. His classroom is a place where real change happens, quietly and consistently.