Lesabe Primary School unveils school flag

Six former principals were bestowed with awards for their exceptional contributions to the educational sphere.

October 10, 2023

Ntombikayise Sibeko 2 minutes read

Standing in front of the launched flag are the school’s arts and culture committee members with principal Grace Qalaza (front).

Lesabe Primary School in Wattville recently launched its new school flag. Doing so was part of preserving the school’s rich history.

Learners and teachers beamed with pride during its hoisting, leaving attendees, including former principals from as far back as 1960, excited.

According to principal Grace Qalaza, learner Precious Sithole designed the flag last year.

“We received many designs from several learners. However, Precious’ design intrigued us. She is no longer at the school, but we celebrate her work, so we invited her mother to be part of this celebration,” said Qalaza.

Principal Grace Qalaza presents an award of appreciation to Precious Sithole’s mother, Thembisile, whose child designed the flag.

Qalaza said the unveiling of the flag was part of the school’s identity.

Six former principals, namely Themba Madlopha, Vusi Dlamini, Sibongile Dlamini, Mose Mhlanga, John Sibeko and Noel Mlokothi, received awards for their exceptional contributions in the educational sphere.

Madlopha, the school principal from 2005 to 2021, spoke about the school’s history.

According to Madlopha, the school was under the AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church, under Reverend Lesabe, at the then Etwatwa Old Location (now Actonville).

Some of the former principals with current teachers, who hold awards for those principals who passed away. From left: Themba Madlophe, Noki Letsoalo, Thembisile Sithole, Mbalenhle Masondo, Vusi Sibeko, Miranda Mbatha, Mose Mhlanga and Sonto Dlamini. Front: Principal Grace Qalaza.

“The old school was under the leadership of Noel Mlokothi, a prominent Benoni community leader. It specialised in boy scouting and drum majorettes. Lesabe occupied the current premises in 1965 after a short stay at Ekukhanyeni Primary School.” Mdluli was the acting principal for a short period. Then, John Sibeko took over as the first principal. The Education Department officially appointed him.

“He led the school from 1965 until 1980, when he took up the post of school inspector. During this period, the school boasted highly rated teachers. The school dominated academically and in extra-curricular activities, with excellence in music, led by the senior Joe Madlopha and later the junior Themba Madlopha.

“He led the school choir to Sasce National Finals in 2016, scooping a silver in the African Union Anthem and the Afrikaans piece. The school is now part of the annual science and maths Olympiads and managed to be in the top 10 at the provincial level, irrespective of scarce resources.

“The school has a vibrant computer laboratory that equips young learners with computer literacy and various sporting activities such as chess.”

The former principal of Lesabe Primary School, Themba Madlopha, introduced John Sibeko’s son, Vusi, to attendees during the unveiling of the flag.

Madlopha said some of the former learners who are now prominent include Daveyton socialite, Don Ngqoyi, George ‘Spakes’ Dlamini (a teacher and principal) and Lorchie Radebe, a teacher at Dumehlezi Primary School, and many more.

Meanwhile, the event, held in conjunction with a Heritage Day celebration, saw attendees wear traditional attire.

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