Fifty years ago, the first seeds of education were planted at Rooipoortjie’s Tlhabologo Primary School in a small ironing room on the Pienaar family farm.

Fast forward to 2023, and this farm school is celebrating 50 years in existence as one of the preeminent farm schools in the district under the leadership of the principal, Pitso Mosenohi and stakeholder, Mr Nakkie Pienaar.

The school is on Pienaar’s farmland. His parents unofficially started it in 1970 in the ironing room to educate the children in the area and provide them with a future. The chicken rooms were also used as a temporary classroom before the school officially opened in 1973 as Tlhabologo Primary School.

On Saturday, 18 November, the personnel, parents, former and current learners and various distinguished guests attended the 50th anniversary event on the school premises.

According to Mosenohi, who has been the principal at the school for over three decades, the grace of God has guided the school towards the 50-year benchmark. He believes another 50 years is possible through belief, faith and hard work.

“We have excellent teachers here and leaders who can pick up the baton and ensure we continue winning the education race,” he added.

For the past three decades, Pienaar has worked closely with the school to ensure sustainability and a bright future for the community’s children.

“The secret to the success of Tlhabologo lies in the cooperation between the land owner, parents, teachers and children. My compliments go to everyone involved, and I wish for the school to continue growing for the next 50 years,” stated Pienaar.

The circuit manager, Mr Michael Mogaki, also attended the festivities and gave a speech congratulating the school on 50 excellent years.

“It is heartwarming to see how this school has grown and become one of the leading farm schools. Some top achievers come from Tlhabologo, and it shows that, from humble beginnings, you can achieve great success,” he stated