Minerva Secondary School alumni marked heritage day through a homecoming event where they also announced preparations for the school anniversary celebrations.
The occasion building up to the school’s 40-year anniversary celebration in 2020 included an award-giving ceremony for Grade 10 learners who participated in nature conservation contest. They also, planted trees donated together with implements by world-renowned horticulturalist Keith Kirsten dubbed Afro-optimist for his love of country and continent and support to charitable and environmental organisations. Kirsten landscaped former president Nelson Mandela’s first Houghton home.
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The school principal Nontsikelelo Tsatsi described the gathering as a defining motivational moment which should inspire the children and their performance. “It symbolises our diverse and rich cultural heritage which should be used to our advantage as a strength in resilience just like the trees which offer us shade against adversity,” Tsatsi said in reference to the tree planting process.
She said the alumni were all the founder members and successful persons in their various professions. “They are role models to be emulated and challenge you to be exemplary models to your successors and good representatives for the school. You should like them, return to continue their culture of giving back.”
Alumni Sam Hlungu, a landscaper, challenged the learners to elevate the school’s name through good results and good citizenship in the future in order to be the pride to their own children and the community. “Assist us through your commitment and good academic performance to ensure the 2020 anniversary celebrations finds the school at a higher level,” he said.
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He also urged them to nurture the trees as symbols of shade and cover they will need and encouraged them to care for the environment.
Kirsten, who said he comes from a poor background, urged the youngsters to believe in themselves and, have hope and faith in order to achieve their dreams. “Always remember where you come from and, be environmental activists who clean, protect, love nature and, plant trees and flowers in neglected spaces for your recreational benefit as part of the vibrant rainbow nation.”
Alumni Themba Ndlovu urged the learners to use them as symbols to motivate their own success. “You can achieve anything when you have good values, know and work towards your interests, are focused, have perseverance and passion,” he said referring to former late president Nelson’s Mandela’s mantra ‘It always seems impossible until it is done’.
Ndlovu also gave them advice on a range of careers in the environmental sector.
