POLOKWANE – In March 2001, the community of Westenburg were graced with the presence of one of the most iconic figures in history, Nelson Mandela.
Mandela visited Westenburg for the opening of Good Hope Primary School, a project he was involved in along with Liberty Life and the ANC.
Review spoke to Cindy Buys, the Principal of Good Hope, who was there with the opening of the school and had the opportunity to meet the late president.
She says it was a day she will never forget, saying how great she remembers Mandela to be.
“It was such a blessing to be in Mandela’s presence,” she explains. Buys says Mandela told her that as the principal of Good Hope, it was her responsibility to take care of the minority and to leave the learners with an education they could use to change the world. She says the school carries Mandela’s legacy with whatever they do and says they thrive on their diversity, something that Mandela always talked about.
“We have many activities and our main aim is to educate children and teach them to read, write and count, which is our objective in keeping his legacy alive,” she says. Furthermore, Mandela’s legacy continues through the way in which everyone is treated at the school because everyone is treated with respect. “We have to represent him and his values in everything we do, we do this by doing the right thing and treating everyone equally,” she adds. Buys says the school is known for its diversity because children from all races are welcome at the school because they all deserve a proper education.
As schools open on Mandela Day, Buys says the learners will sing in his honour during their assembly.
“He may not be with us but we know that wherever he is, he is watching us continue his legacy,” she said.
For their 67 minutes, Buys says they have identified around 80 learners at the school who are less fortunate and they will be handing out care packs to these learners. “Charity begins at home and we are still giving back to the community by giving to learners who attend the school. Mandela taught us the true meaning of humanity is to give back to the community and to help those less fortunate than ourselves,” she says.
