Former learners commit to support their school
An initiative by the founding students of Mpotsheng High School in Katlehong saw former students and teachers, who were part of the first group of the school between 1987 and 1990, gather at the Germiston Lake on October 6.
An initiative by the founding students of Mpotsheng High School in Katlehong saw former students and teachers, who were part of the first group of the school between 1987 and 1990, gather at the Germiston Lake on October 6.
About 102 former students and teachers turned up for the reunion held to trace back the footprints of the school. The school was established in 1987.
David Mahlaba, one of the former students, organised the even. He said the reunion was about finding out more about progress former students were making in different areas of life.
“We want to get to know more about those who are now in business, and from others who are still looking for opportunities. We are here to run motivational programmes, and to help the school financially.
“We also want to establish an account to assist needy learners in any form, including buying them school uniform,” said Mahlaba.
ALSO READ: Learners prepare for a life of work
The former learners recalled with fondness the school’s history. Former students and teachers felt the history needed to recorded and to be taught to the current crop of students “so that they will know what it means to wear a maroon and gold uniform of the school”.
Former teacher at the school Lati Molaba said: “This is an initiative to ensure that the history and memory of the school and its heritage never fades, but remains sacrosanct and indelible in the history of man’s evolution and development.
“We want to provide bursaries to the needy. When the school was established, it was under the capable leadership of Godfrey Jekubeni. In December 1986, he received a directive from the then inspector of schools, Belankulu, recommended by the late Katlehong High School principal LM Taunyane, to establish and head Mpontsheng High school.
“We learned with sadness about their death. In their memory, the class of 1987, and the current school management would like to establish a memorial in their honour,” said Molaba.
Programme director and former student Velaphi Tsomane said the reunion had been an emotional event after more than 25 years since their days at the school.
ALSO READ: Outdoor learning can benefit children
“It has been 31 years since the school was founded,” said Tsomane.
The event provided an opportunity to network, and to discuss the current crises, and to find solutions to challenges facing learners.
Mampho Motaung and Mahlaba agreed that through social media and the local radio station, it was possible for the class of 1987-1989 to reconnect and communicate.
“We encourage other secondary schools to arrange their reunion as part of ploughing back to the community.
“We are also proud about the fact that our school produced good leaders, including the Ekurhuleni executive mayor, Mzwandile Masina. We are appealing to businesses and individuals to sponsor these reunions.
For more information contact Motaung on 076 887 1270 and Mahlaba on 084 55 99 590 or email: mpontsheng87@gmail.com.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Zaid Khumalo (managing editor) zaidk@caxton.co.za , kathorusmail@lokshinmedia.co.za
or Aaron Damane (journalist) aarond@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Kathorus Mail on the following social media platforms :
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Germiston City News
Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
