A REUNION is planned for all South End High School ex-learners for the November 26, 2022, at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
The SEHS (South End High School) reunion organising committee says that with this event, they plan to reflect on the past “with bittersweet, nostalgic memories. South End High School has such appeal, not only due to its history but also what it stood for and represented.”
By 1950, the divisions created by apartheid were legalised and the land was divided into distinct residential zones.
The community of South End, who were mostly people of colour, inherited the building known as the South End Grey Primary School which became the South End High School. Member of the reunion committee, Ronnie Pillay, says “It was not only the school building itself, but also the teaching staff, students and the surrounding community which gave the school its unique culture, traditions, and vibe. The students and staff displayed reciprocal respect for one another.”
Pillay further said that, “South End High school embraced the non-racial ethic characterised by the school from which flowed the essential elements of that society.
“By 1953 it was a fully operational high school and over the years produced outstanding members of society as well as professionals who served in different spheres of life’s demands.”
This school gradually served areas outside of South End including learners from, among others, North End, Korsten, Gelvandale, Bethelsdorp, Missionvale, and Kleinskool.
South End High School was acknowledged for the high academic achievements of the students which was as result of the impeccable teaching staff at the time who graced the classrooms of South End High School.
“The teachers at South End High School went the extra mile to complete not only their teaching duties but also extra-curriculum activities. It was a school which also produced outstanding sportspersons, in line with the surrounding community which used sport to facilitate keeping the youth on the ‘straight and narrow’,” added Pillay.
Those learners who attended South End High School developed close friendships, some of which still exist today. Those friendships were strained to a great extent with the advent of the Groups Areas Act which resulted in forced removals. The school itself was a victim of the policy of forced removals and had to close its doors at the end 1974.
“Reunions often serve to renew and strengthen long established friendships. So, this will probably be the last reunion because currently all ex-learners of SEHS are over the age of 65.
“We therefore encourage you all to attend this reunion. It was a great school and deserves to be remembered,” Pillay said.
- For further information regarding the SEHS reunion, contact Rashard Davids at davidsrashard@gmail.com
– ISSUED BY SEHS REUNION ORGANISING COMMITTEE
