The Kimberley Boys’ High School (KHS) celebrated 138 years of existence during a Founders’ Weekend from 16 to 18 May.
Recently, Charné Kemp posed a few questions to Xolile Taba, headmaster, who says they put the school’s motto, “Per Labores ad Honores”, into practice: “Through Labour come Honour”.
What is the core mission and vision? How is it implemented?
The KHS has a five-year strategic plan: “Transforming KHS from good to great in my space.”
This initiative empowers the KHS community to take ownership and excel collectively. It focuses on hiring quality staff, enhancing academic and extracurricular facilities, and modernising teaching and learning.
KHS annually updates its organigram and appoints a corporate deputy headmaster to handle non-school matters. Accountability systems track progress, with monitoring and evaluation ensuring objectives are met.
Efforts to foster a culture of pride and belonging among learners were successfully revived. The Representative Council of Learners (RCL) and reintroduced prefect system helped rally learners, reinforce the school ethos, and promote positivity in and beyond the classroom.
The Gr.8 camp was reinstated to strengthen inclusivity and school spirit. Learners were actively consulted in decision-making, ensuring a stronger sense of ownership. Mentorship and counselling is provided ongoing support to struggling learners. The prize-giving system was revamped to ensure academic, sports, and other achievements were celebrated in a way that motivates learners.
Since your appointment, what new projects were launched?
Renovation and building projects commenced the minute l arrived at the school in 2021.
The infrastructure saw a complete school repainting, paved entrance, renovated hostel, swimming pool buildings, pavilion, and modernised classrooms. Key additions include the Maths and Science classroom block, and staff accommodation.
Teachers now have a carport, the foyer was refurbished with tiles, and spaces were repurposed: Turning the old tuckshop into a women’s toilet and transforming rooms into a staffroom and computer lab for CAT.
An astro-turf development with the Diamantveld High School is underway, the KHS hosts soccer for Absa Wildeklawer, and the Founders’ Weekend was redefined with the introduction of the KHS Half-marathon.
In terms of reputation, the learners were failing to uphold the pride associated with the school through their behaviour.
Prize-giving was revamped with awards exceeding R200 000, benchmarking introduced, and discipline systems were strengthened.
Also, the School Governing Body (SGB) was reinforced, the Old Boys Union revived, and the headmaster’s office expanded with a PA for efficiency.
Strategic partnerships were built with key institutions like Diamantveld, Kimberley Girls’ High, Northern Cape Department of Education, police, and Department of Social Development.
What are the biggest, current challenges?
Implementing the five-year strategic plan initially faced resistance, but through engagement, trust was built, leading to greater support.
Some parents struggle to understand the importance of school support, impacting their children’s education.
Non-payment of school fees remains a challenge, prompting the creation of third-income streams to keep the school financially stable. School fees exemption were redesigned to benefit truly deserving students, with strict qualification monitoring and expectations regarding behaviour and performance.
How does your school promote inclusivity?
We have an LGBTQ+ community that is recognised as such. We have gained community respect by allowing the boys (Amakrwala) from initiation schools (Umoluko) to wear traditional regalia for a limited time.
From time to time we have experts from various institutions to come and speak to the boys on a variety of topics that foster tolerance.
Are there any recent achievements your school is proud of?
We just hosted the 2025 version of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament with a total of 20 schools. The spotlight on the school as host has exposed our school, learners and staff to the country. Our social media registered traffic of over eight million views.
Our hostel that was renovated to international standards is a great part of our third economic stream. We accommodate teams and their coaches during such tournaments, as well as educators during the annual marking of the national senior certificate (NSC) examination.
KHS introduced the biggest half marathon in the province in 2024. It attracted over 800 athletes in 2024 and pulled an even bigger crowd on Saturday, 17 May.
The latest block of classrooms boasts a state of the art computer room and e-lab built in Victorian architecture.
What steps are taken to prioritise mental health and well-being for learners and staff?
KHS has a thriving wellness and outreach office. Learners who need help are assisted in a friendly and discrete manner. In addition, the school works closely with the Department of Education (DoE), Social Services, as well as Caritas and Famsa. Our staff also have access to these services.
The school has measures such as internal SGB promotional posts to cater for exceptional educators who cannot be absorbed into the DoE. Committees are put in place to run projects, creating opportunities for people to grow. Branded staff regalia and social events boost staff morale.
How is technology and innovation incorporated into the curriculum?
The KHS has adopted a multifaceted digital approach to modern education, integrating technology to enhance learning experiences. Interactive learning encompasses CAMI Maths, a web-based platform used from Gr.8 to Gr.12, offers technical math, literature, science, and spatial skills.
Parents engaged directly through a CAMI showcase on 8 March, strengthening home-school partnerships.
Senior learners benefit from Edukite, Microsoft, and Optimi, ensuring academic continuity. A Virtual Autumn Camp from 31 March to 4 April helped Gr.12 learners complete their syllabus early, enabling thorough revision before exams.
Teachers utilise projectors, Smart boards, and virtual whiteboards, enriching lessons with visual and interactive aids. Learners also engage in the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Robotics Club, gaining expertise in coding, design, and problem-solving.
How is safety and security ensured on campus?
With the help of the DoE, the school invested in a surround surveillance system, which has cameras all over the school to allow monitoring. The school appointed a security company to monitor and control traffic into the school, and the teachers, prefects, and the RCL are at all times alert to any adverse issues. During break, educators patrol the yard. Our police Adopt-a-Cop officer is on standby to support the school whenever assistance is needed.
How are learners prepared for future challenges?
From time to time, institutions are invited to talk on relevant topics, including career choices and social issues. Learners are invited to stakeholders such as the SPU where they engage with students and lecturers. Our Interact Club, KHS Science Club and Media Club are constantly invited into the community.
What qualities do you value most in your teaching staff, and how do you support their growth?
We value task-bound, not time-bound, employees; that take leave with consideration of the work and learners they are leaving behind. Our educators should be mentors, as well as teachers to our learners. Teachers are encouraged to take up next level work to aid their growth at school. Embracing the school vision is at the top of desired qualities in our teachers.
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