Celebrating 60 years: Rustenburg Girls’ High School class of 1966 reunites

Memories of school days past came alive when members of the Rustenburg Alumnae Class of 1966 reunited on Thursday, February 5, marking 60 years since they matriculated from Rustenburg Girls’ High School.

Twenty-five former pupils gathered to reminisce and celebrate their shared history, commemorating the occasion by planting a white pear tree (Apodytes dimidiata) on the grounds of the all-girls school.

Rustenburg Alumnae, Colleen de Villiers, said she started at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School, where she began what was then called Sub A (Grade 1), and later attended Rustenburg Girls’ High School, where she had to travel from Pinelands to attend school.

“We are so proud of how the school has grown. I have a granddaughter who attends the school,” she said.

Ms de Villiers said they had been preparing for their reunion party since last April. “It is fantastic that we can come together and share this amazing reunion,” she said.

Another Rustenburg Alumnae, Doreen Malan, shared the significance of planting a new tree.

“We heard from the principal that many of the plants have reached their lifespan, some of them fell over, while others were affected by the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle. We are happy that we can contribute new trees,” she said.

Alumnae Jean De Jager said she had an amazing experience at Rustenburg Girls and that they created a strong camaraderie with their classmates.

“Our education was special, the teachers taught with integrity and encouraged us to be adaptable in life, to accept challenges and be the people who we became today,” she said.

Rustenburg Girls’ High School principal, Michael Gates, said it was amazing to see all these former pupils come back together after 60 years.

“I have conversations with them, where they share how they still love this school and appreciate how the school has changed. It is always fun to hear their stories, hear them laughing and enjoying each other’s company,” he said. 

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