July 27, 2004
By Bontle Moeng
SNATCHES of conversation could be caught around the marquee as small groups of people swapped news and chatted about the "the old days"; on the surface, it was a typical school reunion.
Former Morris Isaacson students and teachers were honoured
But this reunion - held in Soweto on Saturday 24 July - was no ordinary one.
The school, Morris Isaacson High School, in Central Western Jabavu, was known for the role it played in the uprising against apartheid education in 1976. Many former pupils and teachers were also leaders in the struggle for democracy.
On Saturday they held the first meeting of the alumni association and launched the Friends of Morris Isaacson Fund. Many gathered here hadn't seen each other for 25 years.
Dan Moyane, the executive chairperson of Primedia Broadcasting, welcomed the guests and introduced Bishop Ndanga Phaswana to lead them in prayer. Then the Morris Isaacson boys' choir sang a special song to honour pupils who died in the 1976 uprising.
The school's principal, Elias Mashile, highlighted the importance of the occasion. "Morris Isaacson played an important role in liberating the country," he said.
The school's name is synonymous with the uprising of 16 June 1976, when thousands of schoolchildren marched through the streets of Soweto in protest against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Police took action against the marchers, shooting into the crowd. More than 500 protesters were killed.
Morris Isaacson High School produced many leaders - in academia, politics and business.
Said Norman Malebane, the former vice-principal: "Morris Isaacson was a school that looked at improving the lot of every child in the school."
The Friends of Morris Isaacson Fund hopes to raise money to improve facilities and buy new equipment. Since 1976 the school has fallen into disrepair and has been vandalised. The revitalisation initiative will benefit present students.
"The structure is here, but inside there is nothing," said Mashile. "We felt that we needed assistance and that the alumni was the best option of taking Morris Isaacson to where it belongs," he added.
To the surprise of many, the school still has the same desks, tables and chairs former pupils remember from their own days at school.
Ben Mgulwa, Gordon Sibiya, Kgomotso Moroka and Fanyana Mazibuko at the reunion
The school, which is painted a light grey, still needs a lot of restoration.
"People always say our schools are no longer what they used to be - producing goods results and having a good reputation," said Ishmael Mkhabela, the chief executive of the Interfaith Community Development Association.
Mkhabela is a former pupil of Sekano-Ntoane High School, Morris Isaacson's arch-rival in those days, but he has joined the initiative. He said a working committee had identified 12 ways to improve the school, including: running a mentoring programme for pupils; building partnerships; adopting a class; and refurbishing facilities.
Murphy Morobe, a deputy director-general in the office of the president, was the guest speaker.
"The success of this initiative must go beyond Morris Isaacson High School," Morobe said.
He apologised to Malebane on behalf of the students who refused to sing the Lord's Prayer during the morning assembly of 16 June 1976. "It was just that the moment seized us," he added.
Malebane, who had been in charge of assembly that morning, remembers being confronted by a sea of 1 500 anti-Afrikaans placards.
Fanyana Mazibuko, a former science teacher and now the director of the Trust for Educational Advancement in South Africa, paid tribute to past pupils. Those honoured for their contributions to society include Morobe; Ben Mgulwa, a medial doctor; Solly Rataemane, a psychiatrist; Kgomotso Moroka, an advocate; Gordon Sibiya, a nuclear physicist; Irvin Khoza, the Orlando Pirates boss; and Reginald Mazibuko, a chemical engineer.
Several recipients of the distinguished leadership award were honoured posthumously: Tsietsi Mashinini, a student leader; Clarence Molokoti, a former teacher; and Lekgau Mathabathe, the school's former headmaster.
Many companies have pledged to help the fund, including Cell C, the National Ports Authority, BMW, Metro Cash Management Services, Pick 'n Pay, the Interfaith Community Development Association and Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank has offered to build the school's first multi-purpose centre.
Individuals also donated money to the fund. Bob Mabena, the Kaya FM DJ, donated R10 000 in his personal capacity and Khoza pledged an undisclosed amount.
In the afternoon, the crowd was entertained by the Harmonious Serenades and the legendary Imilonji Kantu choral society.
Former pupils who would like to make a donation can contact Elias Mashile on 011 930 2389, email 132571@gde.za.net or deposit money into the Rob Valuse trust account: First National Bank; Northgate branch; account number 62024302549; branch code 256755
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
