Toti link as world recalls Berlin Wall’s demise
A piece of the Berlin Wall was donated to Umbogintwini Primary School.
As celebrations rang out around the world last week to commemorate the 25th year anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall, a little piece of its history is ensconced here in Toti.
A piece of the wall was donated to Umbogintwini Primary School and can be seen in its display cabinet.
“An airline pilot, Ray Lee, whose children Raymond and Janice were pupils at the school at the time, donated it to the school in 1990,” said principal, Verity Eustice.
The Berlin Wall was constructed by the German Democratic Republic, starting on 13 August 1961, and completely cut off West Berlin by land from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin until its demolition began on 9 November 1989.
“The piece of the wall we have is from the Brandenberg Gate,” said Verity, who has been principal for the last five years.
On a plaque the piece of cement is secured to reads: “Berlin Wall. Piece recovered from the Brandenberg Gate. June 1990.”
The then principal of Umbogintwini Primary School, Lewis Duffield received the donation on behalf of the school from Lee.
“It’s incredible that we have a tangible reminder of the freedom gained in Berlin and we are reminded that South Africa followed suit shortly thereafter.”
