More than 300 former learners from Bonteheuwel High School attended a reunion at the school over the weekend as part of its diamond-jubilee celebrations.
Nichola Pather, principal of the school, said the reunion was very emotional and a great eye opener for the current learners. “We had learners from different generations over the past six decades and the stories they regaled were very intriguing for the current learners. This school has a rich history, especially a history in the struggle against the apartheid. It was with a warm heart that we listened to all the stories.”
Soraya Salie, an old learner, said it was amazing to see old friends from 15 years ago.
“It was amazing to meet learners from 48 years ago. Some could be identified immediately and some not so easily. We first had to ask ‘which year, which class’? It is with humility and gratitude that I say I’m a proud product of Bonteheuwel High’s class of 1976. That was the year of student uprisings. We threw the first stones during the uprising. We sacrificed our June exams. We marched from one school to another chanting ‘freedom is not free, freedom is not, we have to pay the price, we have to sacrifice’.”
Grateful
Salie was full of praise for Pather in organising the event. “Shukran, thank you, dankie, baie tramakasie to all those who shared their stories, reminiscing over yesteryear, laughing, shedding some tears.”
Pather said the reunion marked the start of the jubilee year, and lots of other events were planned for the year. “We are grateful the first event went so well, and we hope that the rest of the planned events will be in the same spirit.”
The next event is a prayer service to be held at the school. For further information on all its subsequent events contact the school on 021 694 4654.
