Learners and teachers were filled with excitement at the grounds of Krugersdorp Town School as they celebrated the school’s 125th birthday, marking a significant milestone in its history.

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Founded on June 4, 1901, during the turbulent years of the Anglo-Boer War, the school opened its doors at a time when education was still finding its footing.

According to principal Freddie Welkom, formal education in Krugersdorp was heavily disrupted during the war years, with English-medium schools introduced in 1901 after the town came under British administration.

As Krugersdorp expanded following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, so did the school. The town was founded in 1887 after the gold rush transformed the region into a bustling centre of opportunity and industry. The development of schools became essential as families settled permanently in the area and communities began to take shape.

The school was first located in what is now Commissioner Street in the Krugersdorp CBD before later relocating to Quellerie Park. For decades, the school has remained a central part of community life.

As the school celebrates 125 years of excellence, it stands not only as the oldest school in town but also as a symbol of perseverance and progress.

Through world wars, political change, economic shifts and the rapid growth of the West Rand, the school has remained committed to its mission of educating young minds and shaping future leaders,” he said.