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TKM classmates reunite after 36 years

“This is because of their pride in us as shapers of young minds and remembering to say thank you."

February 16, 2023

Atlegang Makgoba 2 minutes read

Six years worth of Thuto Ke Matla Comprehensive School learners came together for a 36-year reunion at Dries Niemandt Park on February 4.

Former learners of Thuto Ke Matla (TKM) Comprehensive School reunited at Dries Niemandt Park on February 4.

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The former learners and their teachers had not seen each other in more than 30 years.

Moses Masina, class of 1984, shares a smile with his former English teacher, Ruben Malibe, who also taught three of his children.

“It has been years since we last saw each other. Today is a special day to remember the journey we have travelled since high school.

“It is amazing how we were high school learners in the township and became directors, teachers and other role players in our respective fields,” said Moses Masina.

“We gathered today to pay homage to our teachers and each other for the journey we have enjoyed.

“It’s unbelievable that we were once troublesome children in school, yet got to where we are today.

“Our teachers never gave up on us, and that is why we are who we are today. We were blessed to have had such great teachers at TKM,” said Masina.

Present at the reunion was teacher Reuben Malibe, who has taught multiple generations from the same family.

“Malibe taught me at TKM back in the 1980s. He taught my first, second, and third child and is now teaching my fourth-born at the same school I attended when I was young,” said Masina.

The former learners and teachers were the first to start at the school in 1984.

The Afrikaans teacher at TKM comprehensive School, Mr Selby Nkosi, shared a smile with The Express.

They had moved from Emfihlweni section to TKM because the previous school was transformed into Masisebenze Comprehensive School in Thembisa.

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The group included teachers and learners who attended the school between 1984 and 1989.

They shared a meal, drinks, snacks and laughter as they reflected on their journeys.

John Maluleke, one of the first teachers at TKM, said he was thankful for the event and the acknowledgement he received from his former learners.

Clement Mofokeng, class of 1989, Thami Sithole, class of 1989, and Jacob Gwangwa, class of 1985 were at the school reunion on February 4.

“I feel blessed, humbled and proud of the adults here today.

“This is because of their pride in us as shapers of young minds and remembering to say thank you.

“It is not every day we get former learners remembering us and doing something of this nature. It goes to show that they are proud of us, and we are proud of them,” said Maluleke.

The teachers said they were humbled by the experience and the thought of being remembered for their work in grooming the current generation of parents and responsible citizens who moved up the ranks in their specific occupations.

Thelma Mabena, class of 1984 at TKM Comprehensive School. She is now the assistant director of curriculum at Central Johannesburg TVET College.

“I respect these people here today. They have grown up to be phenomenal people in society,” said a former English teacher at TKM, Ruben Malibe.

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“It is always humbling when I meet some of them and they remember that ‘that’s my teacher’. It gives us the feeling that teaching from the heart is very important.

“Children never forget our efforts in shaping their minds, and you always see them come back and speak about a poem I helped them with and how it changed their life.”

The former learners plan to host an event for the school’s 40th birthday.