MEC hands over Lucky Dube Secondary School in Ermelo
Thokozani Dube said naming the Ermelo institution after his late father brings meaningful comfort to a family still coming to terms with their loss.
The Mpumalanga MEC for education, Lindi Masina, officially handed over a school named in honour of South African reggae legend Lucky Dube on Monday, August 3. Dube’s iconic music and anti-apartheid artistic crusade made him a global icon.
The MEC described the handover of Lucky Dube Secondary School as a historic investment in education, creativity and opportunity. She said the school gives practical expression to the Freedom Charter’s vision that the doors of learning and culture should be open to all, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to realise their potential, regardless of their background.
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Masina said it was fitting that the school is named after the musician, who grew up in Ermelo, noting that his journey from the town to international acclaim should inspire learners to believe that their talents can take them to the world.
She added that the school will honour his legacy by nurturing a new generation of artists, musicians, dancers and performers whose talent will emerge from the same community that produced one of South Africa’s greatest music icons.
“His voice may have fallen silent, but his message lives on through every learner who will walk these corridors, every melody that will be composed, every dance that will be performed and every dream that will take flight from this remarkable institution,” she said.
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Family finds solace in tribute
Lucky Dube’s son, Thokozani Dube, welcomed the recognition of his father, adding that his passing has not been easy.
“It will always be difficult for us to find closure, right? We lost [him] in a very violent way. And I think some of us were there as well, you know? So, it’s not an easy thing to forget or to let slide,” said Dube.
“I don’t think we’ll ever really truly be over it or find that particular closure, but we keep moving day on day. For us as a family, it’s a great honour that our father, brother, husband, is honoured in this particular way and especially in a community where he was born, in a community where he grew up.”
