ESTCOURT KZN: Drakensberg Secondary School acquires R5-million asset
Principal Mr Sewlal said the hall will contribute to the school’s rich history, with its core function being to serve the interests of the school
An immaculate and enormous hall takes pride of place at Drakensberg Secondary School (DSS). This R5-million hall has been generously paid for and constructed by the Divine Life Society of South Africa.
A school hall was on the wish list for many years and former principal Mr VC Maharaj made a bold move when Swami Sahajananda, leader of the society and a former Estcourtonian and educator at DSS, visited the school a few years ago and told him about the need for a hall.
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Taking on the challenge, the Divine Life Society agreed to co-fund construction of the hall with the Education Department. The society’s part, at the time, was to erect the steel structure and the rest was up to the department. However, the co-funding did not materialise and the religious organisation took on the responsibility to continue with the construction as part of the school’s centenary celebration.
It was a historic day for the school fraternity when the hall was officially handed over to principal Mr Sewlal.
An intimate handing-over ceremony was held in the new hall and included members of the Divine Life Society and DSS.
Regional co-ordinator and branch chairperson of the society Ajeesh Lalparsad said it was a pleasure for the society to be involved in the construction of this ‘beautiful facility’ and thanked every person involved.
Principal Mr Sewlal said the hall will contribute to the school’s rich history, with its core function being to serve the interests of the school.
“We will put a policy in place for the hall utilisation to benefit the school and the community. We had a plan, but the Master had a divine plan,” he said.
Former principal and the person described as a ‘catalyst’ for the hall project, Mr VC Maharaj, said that the quality of workmanship on the hall showed the passion that the construction team has.
He also called on the school to preserve the hall.
“My advice is to put in proper structures so that the hall does not deteriorate. Being part of the Education Department, I have seen halls of this nature go to being dysfunctional,” he said.
An official handover ceremony is being planned for April next year.
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