Past matriculants witnessed progress in transformation at Rustenburg schools

LAST month we, a group of Rustenburg 1958 matriculants, celebrated our 60th reunion by visiting both Rustenburg Junior and Senior Schools.

At both schools we were welcomed with great generosity and pride and we were thrilled to see how successfully transformation had taken place since our own schooldays when all classes were white.

Sadly Rustenburg Junior School has recently been criticised for asking a black teacher to leave and for not having sufficient black teachers on their staff.

This is not a true representation of this famous school of which we are so proud.

When we visited the school in October we were entertained with a brilliant musical programme where at least 30% of the learners were of colour, all singing with great gusto. During the tour of the school which followed we noticed the multi-racial atmosphere in all the classes and the general confidence and happiness of the little girls.

This same feeling of easy mixing of races was observed when we visited the high school later that day. We all felt that so much progress had been made since we left Rustenburg.

The teacher in question resigned from her post for personal reasons. Such a pity that a small group of parents took it upon themselves to fan the flames of discontent when they neither represent the school nor the majority of parents who would undoubtedly have been able to deal with the situation satisfactorily for themselves. One should leave well alone!

Rustenburg has a reputation for excellence which should be honoured and upheld. It has made great strides in nurturing girls from all walks of life, colours and creeds and is bent on improving its contribution to transformation in our divided South Africa. The privilege of being a Rustybug (without damaging interference) should be allowed according to the school motto, “Let he/she who bears the palm deserve it”. ANGELA DE VILLIERS | Hermanus