The oldest school in Joza celebrated its 51st anniversary and proud African heritage on Friday 7 June. Also a reunion for all Makana Primary past pupils, hundreds of guests arrived kitted out in traditional outfits.
The oldest school in Joza celebrated its 51st anniversary and proud African heritage on Friday 7 June. Also a reunion for all Makana Primary past pupils, hundreds of guests arrived kitted out in traditional outfits.
Current pupils entertained teachers and guests by singing songs, performing traditional dances and poems.
The school choir also sang and acting principal Nomvula Lubelwana gave an address, highlighting the importance of reflecting on the past before stepping forward into the future.
"We must be proud of being African," Lubelwana said, reminding everyone that the school was named after Makhanda, or Makana, the amaXhosa hero this municipal area is also named after.
"This school was named after Makana, it's the oldest school in Joza and it's where most of our teachers in Grahamstown have learned," she said.
One teacher and former pupil, Notiti Nkayi, spoke about the history of the school. She said Makana Primary had been established next to a church in 1962 in Vellem Street.
The first principal of the school was Mr C G Mdyesha, between 1962 and 1971.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor, Likhaya Ngandi of the Makana Municipality Special Programmes Unit said education is a three-part effort.
It starts at home, then continues at school while society also contributes, he said.
The Mayor would like to see children being well educated so that they may one day take over his office, Ngandi said.
Ndzondelelo Yili presided over the event as master of ceremonies.
The morning's festivities were well attended by local historians, performers, school governing body members, former teachers, learners and parents.
After the speeches guests enjoyed umqombothi (traditional beer) along with foods like umngqusho (samp and beans), umvubo (pap and sour milk) and isigwampa (maize meal and spinach).
