Mdantsane's first high school, Mzomhle, is inviting all past pupils to join its 50th birthday celebrations.
Mzomhle was established in 1966 in what was a newly-emerging township at the time, in NU 1 opposite the Holy Cross Anglican Church.
The high school has produced influential leaders over the past 50 years, among them defence minister Nosiviwe-Mapisa Nqakula, former ambassador to Brazil Bangumzi Sifingo, former East London mayor Lulamile Nazo, MP Humphrey Maxegwana and prominent EFF national chairman advocate Dali Mpofu.
Former news manager at The New Age newspaper Eric Naki matriculated from the township school in 1983. “Back in the day the school was very popular because it was placed in what used to be identified as an affluent area of Mdantsane,” Naki said.
“It was a school which was mostly attended by the children of prominent families within the area and it excelled academically and through sport.”
Naki, who is now based in Johannesburg, said: “The education system has changed all around and now there is a thin line between the teachers and the pupils – a barrier which was once very clear. I believe the new democracy has contributed to this; now children don’t know their place and there is no discipline”.
Naki said he would unfortunately not be able to attend the celebrations. “The school has produced so many leaders from way beyond my time and I am also proud to have attended what I will always remember as an honorary school.”
Retired lecturer at Walter Sisulu University’s adult and continuing education Zamikhaya gXabe, who attended the school from 1971 to 1975, is a member of the preparatory committee.
“We are inviting all past pupils from 1966 to date to be part of the planning and have a role in the anniversary.
gXabe, who is writing a book about the school – said past pupils were invited to attend the first preparatory meeting at the school on April 20 at 4pm. He can be contacted on 060-424-7722. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Mzomhle high school turns 50
Mzomhle was established in 1966 in what was a newly-emerging township at the time, in NU 1 opposite the Holy Cross Anglican Church.
The high school has produced influential leaders over the past 50 years, among them defence minister Nosiviwe-Mapisa Nqakula, former ambassador to Brazil Bangumzi Sifingo, former East London mayor Lulamile Nazo, MP Humphrey Maxegwana and prominent EFF national chairman advocate Dali Mpofu.
Former news manager at The New Age newspaper Eric Naki matriculated from the township school in 1983. “Back in the day the school was very popular because it was placed in what used to be identified as an affluent area of Mdantsane,” Naki said.
“It was a school which was mostly attended by the children of prominent families within the area and it excelled academically and through sport.”
Naki, who is now based in Johannesburg, said: “The education system has changed all around and now there is a thin line between the teachers and the pupils – a barrier which was once very clear. I believe the new democracy has contributed to this; now children don’t know their place and there is no discipline”.
Naki said he would unfortunately not be able to attend the celebrations. “The school has produced so many leaders from way beyond my time and I am also proud to have attended what I will always remember as an honorary school.”
Retired lecturer at Walter Sisulu University’s adult and continuing education Zamikhaya gXabe, who attended the school from 1971 to 1975, is a member of the preparatory committee.
“We are inviting all past pupils from 1966 to date to be part of the planning and have a role in the anniversary.
gXabe, who is writing a book about the school – said past pupils were invited to attend the first preparatory meeting at the school on April 20 at 4pm. He can be contacted on 060-424-7722. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos