Historic Hoërskool Alberton desk finds new home with Grade 10 learner

A special piece of Hoërskool Alberton’s history has been passed on to a new generation after a desk once owned by former principal Mr JJ le Roux was donated to a Grade 10 learner.

Mr JJ le Roux served as principal of Hoërskool Alberton from 1960 to 1975 and was remembered as a remarkable leader, deeply respected and loved by his learners.

In March 1966, the Matric Class of 1966 presented Mr Le Roux with the desk as a birthday gift. Many years after his passing, former learner Mike Schoeman, who had been a member of that matric class, was honoured to inherit the desk.

It remained the pride of his office in Heidelberg for many years and was carefully restored to preserve its history.

When Schoeman decided it was time for the desk to begin a new chapter, he wanted it to go to someone who would truly benefit from it. After several weeks of searching, he met Chris, manager of Koen Buy & Sell in Alberton.

During their conversation, he learnt that Chris’s daughter, a Grade 10 learner at Hoërskool Alberton, completed her homework while sitting on her bed.

Knowing the desk could make a real difference, Schoeman immediately decided to donate the beautifully restored, 60-year-old desk to her. The handover took place on Friday, 26 June, marking an emotional moment as a treasured part of the school’s history was entrusted to one of its current learners.

The learner expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the generous gift. She said the desk meant far more than just a place to study. It gave her a comfortable space to complete her schoolwork and reminded her that someone believed in her future.

She said she would treasure the desk and take good care of it, knowing the important history it carried.

For Schoeman, the story was never about him. It was about honouring the memory of Mr JJ le Roux and ensuring that a meaningful piece of Hoërskool Alberton’s heritage continued to inspire another generation.