Library assistant celebrates 40 years of service at Highbury
Richard Gumede said he started working at the school when he was 20 years and he is happy to be part of the big happy family.
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HIGHBURY celebrates Richard Gumede’s 40 years of service to the school as the library assistant this year.
Chairman of the board, Brendan Stewart, acknowledged Gumede as the longest serving staff member.
He was 20 years old when he started at Highbury and has worked under five of Highbury’s six headmasters.
“Gumede is dedicated, caring, ever helpful to boys and staff alike, and always a gentleman. He has seen tremendous changes at Highbury, and lists a few of the most memorable as being the change from the library card system to becoming a computerised library,” said Stewart.
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Gumede said in January 1979, the first non-white was admitted at Highbury, Kassem Seedat.
“I also recall the devastating fire that broke out in the sixth dormitory in May 1983. The discontinuation of Standard Six (Grade 8) and closing of our boarding house.”
He said since he started there, have been so many new buildings which include the Foundation Phase classrooms, Cultural Centre, LAD Centre, LEAP rugby pavilion, Centenary Hall and the Uniform and Coffee shops.
“I have seen so many staff and boys coming and going. Highbury Preparatory School is the best place to be. The boys are well mannered, the staff are professional and dedicated and it is a very peaceful environment. We are a big happy family,” said Gumede.
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