AFTER 33 years of transforming lives through dramatic arts at Eastbury Secondary, Kumseela Naidoo, retired on a high note with her 2024 matric class achieving a 100% pass rate. Her legacy of nurturing confidence through drama has shaped generations of successful communicators.
Naidoo was one of the teachers recognised at the recent district awards after her pupils received 13 A symbols and
13 B symbols in the 2024 matric exams.
She started her teaching career at Eastbury Secondary in 1992, and has served at the institution for 33 years.
The 57-year-old said her passion for drama started at a young age, while she was still in school.
“I had some brilliant mentors while studying speech and drama as a kid. They included Muthal Naidoo, Phyllis Naidoo and Saira Essa. My mum was a huge proponent in involving us in the arts as she paid for the drama and dance lessons, which ignited my love for the stage. So naturally, I chose to study drama at university,” said Naidoo.
The Westville resident studied at the University of Durban-Westville (now UKZN), earning her degree with majors in drama, English and education.
“I have been at Eastbury Secondary since 1992, teaching dramatic arts. The highlights of my career have been the many plays and concerts we had produced at school. My proudest moment was having one of my pupils, Verushka Odayen, then Achary, perform alongside me on a professional stage.”
Naidoo served as the head of languages and dramatic arts at the school.
“I have taught drama to innumerable pupils over the years and have watched with pride as these learners have taken their rightful place in society excelling in various professions.
“Drama is a most underrated subject at school as not only do we do literature, performance but develop learners holistically making them the best versions of themselves. When learners can communicate successfully, they are able to navigate any conflict and challenge life presents.”
She has also had the pleasure of teaching the parents of the pupils she currently teaches and had even taught one family’s grandchild.
Throughout her 33 years of teaching, Naidoo said the environment and pupils had changed and she had seen a gap in learning with the new generation.
“Pupils are definitely more advanced technologically and more confident since the outcome-based education system. However, they lack a determined work ethic and drive.
“I often feel pupils are less disciplined and are more indulged than in the past. In the past, the focus was teaching and making great strides towards the pupils’ success. These days much time is taken in maintaining discipline.
“However, my mission was to develop such pupils. The most amazing feeling as a teacher is watching your pupils grasp a concept, excel in exams and above all for me, is to see them understand and nail a performance.”
Naidoo said pupils came to the drama class shy and introverted, often with poor self images, and left confident.
“I believe that no matter what job you do, you have to be able to communicate effectively to have an advantage. That’s what we train in drama. Not just the intellect, but the person’s ability to be an effective communicator.
“I have taught amazing, dedicated drama pupils and last year’s class was exceptional. I love teaching pupils who are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to, and the best look they can ever have is confidence.”
She believes that all public schools should offer speech and drama.
“It prepares children for life by improving their sense of self and self-worth. Confident children are already geared to succeed. The ability to learn public speaking is immeasurable.”
The mother of three and grandmother of one plans to join her actor and comedian husband, Koobeshen Naidoo, from Dingalings, on stage, programme directing and emceeing events.
“We have also embarked on filling a gap in the market by reintroducing our kiddies drama classes. In the old days, we both taught speech and drama at the tech to kids, and enjoyed seeing shy children become outspoken and confident speakers.
“We intend to offer acting, coaching and drama lessons as our combined experience in theatre, drama, radio, television and stage finds us in the perfect position to offer these classes at various schools,” said Naidoo.