The first day of celebration saw the hosting of Prof. Jonathan Jansen, rector of the University of the Free State and one of South Africa’s top intellectuals.
Jansen challenged his audience to ensure that they understood South Africa and created change by making a difference. He questioned old beliefs and appealed for pupils not just to pass but to excel, for South Africans not just to tolerate but to embrace, and for humankind to love and not to hate.
The second day of celebration was the college’s annual Founders’ Day. The day began with a formal service and included performances by marimba groups, choir and an orchestra.
Keynote speaker and college principal, Matthew Davies likened Dainfern College to the buffalo thorn tree in terms of the phenomenal growth the college had enjoyed, the deep roots it had established, and the strong branches grown in terms of their alumni, associations with many other schools and within the community.
The excitement continued with the vibrant Grade 3 Market Day, adventurous family orienteering, and parent and child soccer and netball matches. There was the high school’s Dainfern’s Got Talent contest and the special day ended with a family picnic on the fields when everyone relaxed to the sounds of Just Jinjer.
