Every morning for three decades, Ida’s Valley Primary School foreperson Lidia Williams, opened the gates at the Stellenbosch school, welcoming in pupils and ensuring they’re safe. In recognition of her commitment to the school, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) presented her with a Long Service Award for 30 years of continuous service.
Lidia Williams, foreperson of Ida’s Valley Primary school, receiving her award for 30 years of service at the Century City Conference Centre, on 25 September 2026. PHOTO: Supplied/Leeaan Pieters
Williams, who started at the school as a caretaker and has led its support staff as foreperson for over 15 years, received the WCED award on 25 September, at the Century City Conference Centre.
The award recognises educators and public servants who reach 20, 30 or 40 years of continuous service, according to Zachary Snyder, the school’s principal.
“I was completely shocked and very emotional, if I’m honest. I didn’t expect it at all,” Williams said.
Williams’ working day begins before anyone else’s, said Synder. She opens the school, keeps the grounds safe and secure, oversees maintenance and supervises support staff. She ensures the facilities are clean, checking multiple times a day, he said.
“She arrives early, opens the school, and is already there to welcome and ensure the safety of the children as they arrive,” Snyder said.
Ida’s Valley Primary School, Stellenbosch, where Lidia Williams spent 30 years opening the gate of the school before anyone else arrived. PHOTO: Supplied/Gio Anthony
Snyder described her as punctual, honest and firm on discipline: “She treats the principal, SMT [School Management Team], co-workers, and learners with respect and expects the same in return.”
When she started working at the school, it looked very different and had no new hall, said Williams. Since then, the hall has changed a great deal but Williams believes that something will always hold true: “What hasn’t changed is their need for someone to listen to them and believe in them,” said Williams.
Williams said it was the people who kept her at the school for three decades.
“The children keep you going, their energy and honesty every day. But it’s also the staff team. It has always felt like a family here,” she said.
Leeaan Pieters, her daughter, said her mother is “strict, straightforward, but soft-hearted” at home. Pieters said the two of them sit down with a cup of coffee each afternoon when Williams gets home from work and talk about their day.
“This long service award is more than just recognition – it’s a celebration of the years you’ve poured your heart into your work, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the lives you’ve touched along the way. We as [a] family are so proud of you [Williams],” said Pieters.
Snyder said long service has a history in Ida’s Valley, with many retired teachers having served over 30 years. Three decades, he said, “is something special and worthy of recognition”.
(From top left): Ashulita Hartogh, Tracy-leeDavidse, Ziska Adonis, and Lidia Williams. Friends and colleagues of foreperson Williams at the Ida’s Valley Primary school sports day. PHOTO: Supplied/Lidia Williams
For Williams, the award belongs to more than one person.
“My first thought was that this isn’t just for me, it’s for every child and colleague who has been part of my journey here.”