Cape Town - Well-loved teacher from Manenberg Shukr Hartzenberg, 38, has been brightening up social media for learners, teachers and the general public ever since he decided to combine teaching with fun during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hartzenberg said that he realised how the internet was available to everybody and was the perfect tool to reach out and motivate people during a difficult time.
“It started when I realised that I needed to create a profile as a teacher, not only in a normal sense, but also in a fun way to stimulate thinking, encourage debates and motivate at the same time.”
Hartzenberg’s dance videos range from jazzing with strangers to inspirational messages on a blue Monday – with some old school music playing in the background – and also explaining school work.
The Grade 8 teacher, who has been teaching for more than a decade, said he got his dance moves from both his father and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
“Dancing is something I’ve always loved as a child.
“I thought, how great would it be if I could fuse my love for dancing with teaching to create a jovial, feel-good moment, reaching people from all walks of life.
“Music and dance can speak to a variety of people about burning topics, but in an easily digestible way.”
But it’s also Hartzenberg’s own challenges that inspired him to be a constant positive energy.
“Many times we see people from underprivileged communities feel as if they don’t have a voice, or they don’t have the necessary resources to make a change.
“I stuttered as a child, so I wasn’t confident, but I found my confidence in dance and rugby.
“However, when I got injured playing provincial school rugby, my dream of becoming a Springbok and making a change through it was shattered because we didn’t have money for rehabilitation.
“Then already I knew I needed to change my way of thinking.
“That is why I chose teaching. I believe we all have something within us to make a difference.”
Hartzenberg, who is married, joked that in the beginning his wife used to get jealous.
“I think when she saw how many people approached me asking for pictures because my video motivated or inspired them, she realised the value and that is what I always wanted, to make that positive change.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Cape Argus