Jeppe Girls to host Ruth First fiesta in aid of scholarship programme

Jeppe High School for Girls will host its first major public fundraiser for Ruth First Memorial Scholarship programme on August 31 in Linder Auditorium.

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“The programme has been running for six years and was set up in memory of Ruth First who was a Jeppe Girl herself. This programme, for the past six years, has been solely funded by private and corporate donations. It has covered the full tuition for 61 learners who might not have been able to attend Jeppe High School for Girls. Ten scholarship recipients have already matriculated and a further nine will matriculate this year,” said Kevin Tait, Jeppe High School for Girls business and advancement consultant.

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Tait said the journey of establishing the scholarship was a dream six years ago but with the blessing of Ruth’s family and support from different people who were close to her, it became a reality.

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“Ruth was a Jeppe Girl before and she was an anti-apartheid activist. She came from a politically-aware family. We wanted to honour her as she was a brave woman. This is one of the elements we look for in the girls who qualify for the scholarship.

“They come from disadvantaged backgrounds but don’t allow circumstances to shape their future,” said Tait.

Ruth was born in 1925 and brought up in Johannesburg.

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She was the first in her family to attend university. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1946.

After graduating, Ruth worked as a research assistant for the Social Welfare Division of the Johannesburg City Council.

In 1949 she married Joe Slovo, a South African anti-apartheid activist, with whom she had three daughters, Shawn, Gillian and Robyn.

In 1955 she was appointed as editor of a political journal called Fighting Talk.

Ruth was one of the defendants in the Treason Trial of 1956-1961, alongside 156 other leading anti-apartheid activists who were key figures in the Congress Alliance.

Tait said: “Ruth was a brave woman and a true inspiration. It was befitting to set up the scholarship in her memory. We need as much support as possible to make this fundraiser a success.”

The programme will include the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra conducted by Richard Cock, light classical pieces and contemporary items.

The Jeppe Choir, the Jeppe Pipe Band and accomplished musicians on the Jeppe staff will also perform.

Book at Computicket. Contact Tait on 011 6165090 or bursar@jeppegirls.co.za if you would like more information.

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