The school is known for having produced great leaders such as former South African Reserve Bank governor, Tito Mboweni and the former MECs Joyce Mashamba and Edgar Mushwana, among others. Former learners came from afar as Gauteng to enrol at Bankuna because of its academic reputation. The two-day event started at the Nkowankowa Primary School where the school was founded in 1964.

The first classroom of the school was a Risaba bus until the school moved to Ritavi Primary School before it permanently moved to its current location. The Bankuna Traditional Council, former learners, and family of the first principal, Double Mtebule, affectionately known by his initials (DZJ), started the celebrations by visiting the Nkowankowa and Ritavi schools where they unveiled a remembrance plaque at both schools.

Also read: Teaching assistants ask minister to extend contracts

The festivities then moved to the Nkowankowa Stadium where they participated in a fun walk and played soccer and netball matches. The next day they unveiled a statue of DZJ Mtebule at Bankuna High. The speaker of the event was Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, principal of Tshwane University of Technology. Other speakers included former Public Protector Adv Lawrence Mushwana and Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale.

The event was organised by a former learner and teacher at the school, James Mathonsi, who partnered with the Nkuna Traditional Council. The programme directors were Case Ngobeni and Rev Beatrice Tshabalala.