Cape Town - After 46 years of dedicated service in education, seasoned educationalist and now retiree Archie Lewis is set to spend his time busy with community development, writing a book or two, and should time allow, complete his PhD studies.
Prior to retirement on October 31, Lewis, 67, was deputy director-general: institutional development and co-ordination at the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Lewis spent 23 years teaching at four schools, including serving as Beacon Hill High School principal for 10 years.
As the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association (CPTA) president, Lewis assisted with teacher development programmes, including the establishment of the South African Council of Educators (Sace).
Lewis also served on the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), Sace and the University of the Western Cape Council.
Lewis’s tenure at WCED started in 2007 as the chief director: physical resources, followed by the deputy director-general: education planning, before he assumed his most recent position in August 2018.
“I was the branch head of all 1 523 schools, eight district offices, and 72 special schools and managed the day-to-day matters as they surfaced,” Lewis said.
One of the more critical areas dealt with over the past five years had been learner admissions at the beginning of the academic year.
“I was fortunate and blessed to be given the opportunity to serve South Africa and mostly education for 45 years and 10 months,” Lewis said.
“I will hopefully just rest and enjoy not having to take on the N1 traffic in the morning and afternoon. I will spend more time reading. My intention is to get involved in community development, write a book or two, and if the energy is there do my PhD.”
Education MEC David Maynier said Lewis was a veteran educationalist who made a difference in the lives of future of generations of children in the province.
“He has been a great source of support for me in my first few months as Minister of Education, and has generously shared his skill and knowledge with all who need it. We will miss his steady guidance in our department, but we wish him a well-deserved and restful retirement,” said Maynier.