From left are circuit manager Greg Kannemeyer, deputy principal of Spine Road High School, Rehana Harnekar, former principal of Spine Road High School, Riyaadh Najaar, his wife, Rochan Najaar, principal of Spine Road High School, Mark Fairbairn and deputy principal Spine Road High School, Robert Carelse.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Spine Road High School marked its 40th anniversary by renaming its hall in honour of former principal Riyaadh Najaar.
The Spine Road High School hall is called the Riyaadh Najaar Education Centre.
The event, held on Thursday April 17, celebrated four decades of community-driven progress and recognised the leadership that helped the school become one of Mitchell’s Plain’s top-performing institutions.
The school was established in 1984 as Mitchell’s Plain High School number 12 under the founding former principal Moegamat Adnaan Davis. Soon after, it was renamed Spine Road High by staff and leadership.
FRONT PAGE PICTURE!! Spine Road High School marked its 40th anniversary by renaming its hall in honour of former principal Riyaadh Najaar. The Spine Road High School hall is called the Riyaadh Najaar Education Centre. Pictured are former principal of Spine Road High School, Riyaadh Najaar, his wife, Rochan Najaar. Ms Najaar said she is very proud of her husband as this is a very special moment in time.
Image: Marsha Bothma
In 1993, Riyaadh Najaar became principal, taking over a school with a 40% pass rate and transforming it into one that would later boast multiple 100% matric pass rates — in 2014 and 2017 — along with a consistent average of 99%, and pupils earning top university placements.
“It started with nothing. We had no money, but with faith, support, and hard work, we built a school that serves its people with dignity and excellence,” said Mr Najaar.
He credited Mr Davis as the person who laid the foundation for the hall and said it was built with the support of staff and community members committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities despite financial challenges.
Former teachers and staff gathered on Thursday April 17 to celebrate the school's 40 year milestone along with the renaming of the school hall.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Mark Fairbairn, current principal, joined Spine Road in 1988. Coming from a primary school background, he recalled the shift as a cultural adjustment.
“Most spoke English and I spoke Afrikaans. For five years, I kept to my classroom,” said Mr Fairbairn. “But each teacher here played a vital role in building this school. When Mr Najaar left in 2017, we weren’t ready. But that’s how he led — he threw you into the deep end so you could learn and grow.”
Mr Fairbairn took over as principal in 2018. Under his leadership, the school has continued to thrive, with the most pupils in the district taking pure mathematics and science. Spine Road now boasts modern robotics labs, consumer studies rooms, dance studios, and sports facilities, ("Two 'Plain schools tie for top spot with 100% matric pass" Plainsman Jan 14 and "Tech donation boosts Spine Road's robotics programme" Plainsman March 14).
Rehana Harnekar, deputy principal who delivered the vote of thanks, said the hall renaming recognises a legacy of excellence.
“This will enable us to continue the foundation Mr Najaar built. His vision shaped this institution, and under Mr Fairbairn’s leadership, it’s grown stronger,” said Ms Harnekar.
Former teacher Suroor Christian, who joined the school in 1985, reflected on how far the school has come, from a small field to a modern hall. He coined the school’s slogan, Via ad successorem — “the road to success. This is not just Spine Road. All roads must pass through here,” said Mr Christian.
Former secretary Sandra O’Ryan, who worked at the school from 1984 to 2017, spoke of the community’s determination to build the school from the ground up. “We sold newspapers and water to raise money, especially for the school hall. Different donors came in over time. Mr Najaar was the force behind it all. A strong leader,” said Ms O’Ryan.
The arts department at their school showcased their talent at the 40th celebration on Thursday April 17.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Former Springbok and alumnus Dale Santon, who matriculated in 1987, remembered Mr Najaar as both his teacher and rugby teammate.
“He was a hard worker, and this school is still a beacon of hope for academics and for sport,” said Mr Santon.
Norman Jordaan, former Springbok and current U21 DHL Stormers coach, matriculated in 1993.
“There were challenges, but the teachers were committed. I wish them the best as they continue to uplift the school and community,” said Mr Jordaan.
Pictured are former and current pupils of Spine Road High School with former principal Riyaadh Najaar.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Mitchell’s Plain SAPS Captain Mornay Kleinhans, also an alumnus and current sector commander, shared how the school impacted his life.
“My children also attended here. This is one of the most outstanding schools in Mitchell’s Plain,” he said.
Deputy head girl Yonwaba James closed the event with a heartfelt message.
“Seeing everyone here inspires me to better my life and make my school proud. I want to be a part of this for a long time,” she said.