Retired teachers of Thembisa High honoured
THS 197 Legacy honours retired teachers of the 70s.
On March 15, THS 197 Legacy united teachers from the 1970s at Thembisa High School to celebrate the legacy they built during the apartheid era.
The organisation, established in 2020 by a group of former learners from the 1970s, was founded to honour and reunite the educators who shaped them into the pioneers they are today.
The event welcomed individuals who were among the school’s first matriculants.
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They shared their life journeys and reflected on the profound impact their teachers had, not only in education but also in providing a parental presence that helped shape their futures.
Tshegofatso Cliff Tshungu, chairman of THS 197 Legacy, explained the significance of the gathering.
“Today, we celebrate the teachers who taught us at Thembisa High School from 1970 to 1979.
“As former students, we reunited 45 years later and decided to form this organisation to give back by providing school shoes and moral support to the current generation.
“We first honoured our former principal, who is now 96 years old, and now we are here to recognise his team of dedicated teachers.
“Back then, teaching was a passion, and educators played the role of parents, social workers, and mentors.
“Their sacrifices have shaped many community leaders today, which is why we believe it is essential to celebrate them.”
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Former Thembisa High School teacher, Gemma Maseko, who taught at the school from 1977 to 1981, expressed her gratitude.
“I wish all my former colleagues could be here to witness this wonderful gesture.
“We are deeply honoured that the learners we once cared for remember us in this way. It affirms that our work back then contributed to what we had always hoped for – to see our students succeed in life.”
The teachers were also recognised with hampers containing organisation-branded regalia, ensuring that at next year’s event, they can attend in matching outfits. Moving forward, the event is set to become an annual tradition.
In addition to honouring past educators, THS 197 Legacy is committed to supporting the next generation.
Through fundraising efforts, the organisation donates school uniforms and other essentials to underprivileged learners, ensuring that while they celebrate the pioneers of Thembisa, they also invest in the future leaders of the community.
