Umbogintwini Primary learners go back in time at 108th birthday celebrations
The school currently boasts three teachers who are past pupils.
Umbogintwini Primary School celebrated its 108th birthday on Thursday, 15 August. Pupils were invited to a special assembly where principal Verity Eustice amazed them with log books from 1911 and showed them entries from the first day the school opened its doors.
They then enjoyed a fun presentation where the school’s mascots, ceramic frogs Percy and Vera, whose names together make up the word ‘perseverance’, were made official, before being spoilt with ice-cream, while staff members enjoyed a delicious cupcake and cappuccino to celebrate the milestone.
Twini Primary was opened in a wood and iron building surrounded by bushes in Highbury Road, Umbogintwini with an enrollment of 20 learners on 1 August, 1911. Acting principal, G Bates was assisted by two teachers.
The school moved to its present site in Prince Street in March 1941 when it had grown to 53 learners. Throughout its 108-year history the school has seen 14 different headmasters and principals. In 2016, the building was extending, altered and improved to suit the changing needs of the school community, its 458 learners and 49 staff members.
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“I have seen a great number of changes since I was appointed principal in October 2008,” said Verity. “We now have a lot more children, an increase in number of buildings, improved facilities and a much bigger staff contingent.”
Verity is proud to announce that the school currently boasts three teachers who are past pupils – Kirsty Eustice, her daughter-in-law, who teaches Grade 6; Minenhile Mabuza, who teaches Grade 5; and Thami Nxumalo, the sports coach. Both were taught by Verity in Grade 1.
“It is special that someone you taught decided to become a teacher. The fact that you have played a role in them taking up a position in education is absolutely special and rewarding. It is fulfilling to see that what you did many years ago is now coming to fruition and that applies to all our children. We have been been blessed with a phenomenal success rate of our past learners who have gone on to become successful in every vocation under the sun and it is awesome to see.”
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