Mutale loses a pillar in education
Annama Thomas, co-founder of St. Augustine Residential School, dies after illness, leaving a legacy of educational excellence.
LIMPOPO – The education community in the Tshandama area of Mutale is mourning the loss of Annamma Thomas, a key founder of St. Augustine Residential School.
Thomas passed away on September 3 at a Pretoria hospital following a prolonged illness.
Thomas, alongside her late husband, Father Thomas, established St. Augustine Residential School in 1994 in Tshandama village.
The school, which serves learners from Gr R to 12, has gained a reputation for excellence, consistently achieving impressive matric results ranging from 98% to 100%.
Thomas was instrumental in shaping and nurturing the school. Her dedication, particularly as the head of the preschool (Gr R), left a lasting impact on the institution.
The late Father Thomas, a former teacher at Thengwe Secondary School, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2003 in Mutale.
Mini Anish, the current principal of St. Augustine Residential School, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of one of the school’s founders.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Annamma Thomas, who was devoted to elevating educational standards for the rural communities around Tshandama,” Anish said.
Under the Thomases’ leadership, St. Augustine Residential School has been renowned for its outstanding matric results and its ability to produce graduates who go on to excel as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and more.
The school boasts an impressive average matric pass rate of 98.60%, with a bachelor pass rate exceeding 80%. These achievements reflect the effectiveness of its innovative teaching methods and the unwavering dedication of its educators.
“The accomplishments of our school underscore not only academic success but also our commitment to instilling in students the confidence to pursue their dreams,” Anish added.
