Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School’s new school song, introduced this month, is a key moment in the school’s history and shows its commitment to inclusivity, transformation, and diversity, says principal Belinda Petersen.
“The previous school song was sung for 130 years and will always be a significant part of the school’s history and a reflection of its tradition and excellence. It will not be erased or forgotten,” she said.
The song doesn’t have a title and is simply known as the Rustenburg Girls' Junior school song, according to the school.
It includes English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and was composed by the school’s piano player, Babette Viljoen, and professional composer Olga Leonard with input from staff, the school governing body, pupils and alumni.
“Since the song is now specific to the junior school, with a younger audience performing it, we’ve changed the musical style to a ballad. This allows the song to tell a story, making it more engaging and appropriate for the students,” said the school’s head of creative arts, Hendrik Marais.
The new chorus declares, “Rustenburg Girls’ Junior, where we all belong. Here all our differences make us strong.”
Governing body chairperson Unathi Stofile said: “The new school song resonates with the African proverb, ‘You plant trees that you will not enjoy the shade of.’”
It was hoped that the song’s message would continue to impact the pupils’ lives even after they had left the school, she said.
Principal Petersen said: “The song will hold great significance for our girls in the years to come. The new song reflects our current position and our future aspirations.”
The launch of the new song has been accompanied by a podcast conversation among Ms Petersen, Ms Stofile and Mr Marais, which can be found on YouTube.