POLOKWANE – Laerskool Ivypark hosted a meaningful flag ceremony for its Gr 4-7 learners last Monday, culminating in the hoisting of the South African flag by school staff and invited officials.

The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, including Marry Jena (heritage officer), Ndivhuwo Mbewe (Limpopo provincial geographical names committee intern) and Portia Ravhugoni (Sport, Arts and Culture assistant director), as well as SAPS officers from Westenburg Police Station, Sgt Vincent Nchaupe and Const Abigail Mashao.

Acting principal, Annette Grobbelaar welcomed guests and thanked them for sharing their knowledge.

“Thank you very much for being part of this ceremony, making it a successful one with the information you have for our learners today,” she said.

Jena addressed learners on the significance of the South African flag, explaining the meaning of its colours and proper protocol during ceremonies.

Mbewe followed by reading Schedule 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) to the learners.

School governing body (SGB) chairperson Caroline Thema highlighted the importance of such initiatives.

“Flag hoisting in schools is vital for promoting respect, national pride and cultural awareness. We have learnt a lot and look forward to more sessions,” she said.

The highlight of the event was the raising of the flag by Gr 7 head teacher Daniël Snijders, assisted by head girl Lethabo Seokgo and head boy Ndzalama Chauke, joined by Arts and Culture and SAPS representatives.

The flag was formally handed over to the school by Ravhugoni and received by Grobbelaar on behalf of the school.

Nchaupe and Mashao demonstrated for the learners the correct way on how to fold the South African flag.

Each learner received a book and a small South African flag to take home, reinforcing lessons about national symbols and unity.