A father in a red graduation cloak and his daughter in a red blazer painted a picture few will forget at Brackenfell High School’s recent culture prize-giving.

Ntando Mbekeni was elected Representative Council of Learners (RCL) chair and head girl, and received the Laureus Blazer, the highest academic, leadership and cultural accolade the school awards, while her father, Dr Lubabalo Mbekeni, had his own milestone to celebrate, having received his PhD in Social Work in September.

For Ntando, the moment was the culmination of years of striving. She said she had been working towards receiving the red blazer throughout her entire high school journey.

“Finally receiving it was a surreal moment that I had dreamt of for a long time. It made me realise that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to through hard work and dedication. I am deeply inspired by my family and having my dad put the blazer on me made the moment even more meaningful. It reminded me that I am capable of carrying the baton of excellence forward and continuing a legacy of hard work, dedication and achievement.”

To be one of only 17 learners in the 50-year history of Brackenfell High School to receive the prestigious red blazer is an extraordinary accomplishment

For Lubabalo, the evening carried an even deeper meaning. Not only was he celebrating his daughter’s achievement, he was afforded the honour of presenting her with the blazer himself.

“The family are both humbled and immensely proud of what Ntando has achieved. To be one of only 17 learners in the 50-year history of Brackenfell High School to receive the prestigious red blazer is an extraordinary accomplishment. She has etched her name into the rich legacy of the school,” he said.

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“As a PhD holder, I felt it was fitting to wear my own red academic regalia as a symbol of recognition for her remarkable achievement. It was also a way of encouraging her to continue striving for excellence and reminding her that there is even more ‘red’ to be achieved on her academic and professional journey.”

“The two achievements placed father and daughter side by side in red, his graduation cloak and her Laureus Blazer marking milestones reached through years of hard work, each in their own field. It was a very special moment,” said a school spokesperson. The school congratulated them with a simple message: “Keep on inspiring people around you.”

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