Throughout Benoni High School’s (BHS) 103-year history, ‘The Tin Temple’ has played an integral role at all three of the school’s locations.

Built from corrugated iron sheets, these buildings served as assembly halls for the thousands of learners who sat behind classroom desks during the final chapter of their schooling career.

With its rich history and age-old traditions, former BHS alumnus Callan Stephen is drawing inspiration from these structures to launch the school’s official alumni association.

Before matriculating in 2025, Stephen established The Tin Temple Facebook page, sharing grainy black and white images of yore, steadily building an archive dedicated to his beloved school.

Now he has his sights set on forming an association that would not only create a platform for former pupils to connect, but also to be the torchbearers of instilling BHS culture for generations to come.

“When we think of typical ‘old boy clubs,’ our minds often list names of elite schools in the northern suburbs or Pretoria. Benoni High doesn’t automatically spring to mind,” he said.

“Videos and images of these schools flood our timelines as the entire learner population is filmed performing euphoric war cries, beating their chests and throwing their hats in the air.

“This doesn’t have anything to do with the school’s location nor its school fees; it is about the strong traditions that were established throughout the school’s history, passed down from generation to generation with pride.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: Benoni High Pipe band remains unbeaten

Ingrained culture

As a culture vulture and proud former member of the school’s fraternity, Stephen said that his days spent on the BHS grounds afforded him more than just an education; it allowed him to walk along the passages of embassies, meeting the elites of the South African entertainment industry and shaking hands with diplomats.

“This was all due to my involvement in the various activities the school has to offer,” he said.

“Whether it is on the sports field, classroom or stage, Benoni High caters to the interests of each learner.

“All that is needed is to push their involvement for it to become an ingrained culture and the realisation that the black and gold fostered trailblazers, such as boxing great Philip Holiday, Mildred Mangxola, a celebrated singer and member of the iconic Mahotella Queens, as well as Princess Charlene of Monaco.

“Our school has unbridled potential, and its learners can achieve great heights.

“As it enters a new century, commitment from former learners will play an integral role in preserving the legacy and passing on the baton of leadership.”

Already registered as an NPO, The Tin Temple seeks to establish an executive committee, which will work towards collecting and preserving school memorabilia and other historically relevant items.

“Once fully functional, I envision the association building a multi-purpose venue which could host private as well as school-related events, creating a space for our history to be curated and displayed,” said Stephen.

“The association is not aimed at competing with other schools but rather to create a lasting legacy for all of those who have sat in the Tin Temple.”

Former BHS alumni who are interested in becoming part of the initiative or want more information can contact Stephen on 062 856 4560 or email thetintemple@gmail.com

ALSO READ: WATCH: BHS in high spirits after successful derby day