A toast: to the good old days

A bridge in time 63 years long was crossed in the brevity of a handshake, when Chakas Kraal Primary’s standard six class of 1953 reunited at the school on Saturday.

For many it was the first time that they were meeting after more than half a century and they made the most of reminiscing about the “good old days”.

The only surviving teacher from that year, 87-year-old Kandasamy Kisten, was warmly welcomed by his former pupils.

The group remembered the school having to move three times before it settled at its current location.

Formal education in Shakaskraal began in 1928 in a private dwelling, rented for one pound a month. There were 15 pupils.

A few years later, a two-acre plot was bought and a new school built. The pupils were moved again in 1954 when they outgrew their home once again. The pupils of 1953 became the first standard six class to sit for the national standard six examinations in the new school.

For the first and only time, the national education department did not allocate symbols for the subjects written. Instead, passes were divided into merit passes, ordinary passes and school passes. Those who completed the examination were handed a certificate to continue to high school.

Retired teacher, Iris Andrew (who taught from 1960 to 1971) said, “We thank God for making us well enough to attend today and we pray that He keep us all well so that we may meet again.”

A few hours did not suffice for the group to catch up on so many years. It was decided that another gathering would be held in the near future.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.