T.C Esterhuysen Primary School celebrated their 100 year anniversary on September 22.
The celebration was organised by retired teacher Francis Julius and consisted of performances by current learners and speeches from the old ones.
Retired teachers, current teachers, sponsors and residents from the community all came together to honour and celebrate the schools many years of moulding young minds.
Former teacher Gerald Habana, who came to the school in the 60s explained that the school was originally named the Struben School which catered to white learners during that dark period in our history.
It was only later when block B was moved and coloured people started moving into Riverlea that the name was changed to TC Esterhuysen Primary School.
He recalled that it was the only school in Riverlea and as a result, the school had to have double sessions; 8 am to 12 pm and then 12 pm until 4 pm, back in 1965.
When Riverlea Primary and Wilhelmina Primary Schools were started, the double sessions ended.
Since then the school has been a solid foundation to many successful people. Prominent alumnus, investment banker Warren Wheatley said,“I was a scholar at the school from 1985 to 1991 and I must say that the flood of memories and emotions that hit me this morning was overwhelming.”
Wheatley thanked his former teachers and the school for contributing to the person that he is today. He also spoke about the good and the funny experiences he had at the school.
Another former learner Chris Jardine added, “We need to remember that the great Chris van Wyk sat in some of the same classes, we need to recognise that one of the leading lawyers, Bernard Matheson came from the same school grounds.
“My brother Roger Jardine was one of the naughtiest kids but today he is the CEO of Prime Media.”
Current principal, Dora Motshegwa thanked everyone for attending and also honoured the sponsors. She explained the academic advances that the school has been making and also highlighted that there were still many needs which were yet to be fulfilled.
The special part of the day was when they unveiled the 100-year banner and the unveiling of the plaque of the newly donated library by Chris Jardine.
There was also a walkabout around the school to show the state of the institution. Lunch was served and a toast with champagne was made for many more successful years in education.
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