Trafalgar High School is celebrating its 110th anniversary, and principal Salwa Southgate says she hopes it will continue to build on its legacy to benefit future generations of pupils.
The history of Trafalgar High School can be traced back to 1911 when Dr Abdullah Abdurahman, from the African Political Organisation, was putting pressure on the Cape School Board at the time to establish a school for “people of colour”.
Harold Cressy became the first principal when the school opened in 1912 with five teachers and 60 pupils. Today it has 26 teachers and 814 pupils.
The school has had 12 principals, and Ms Southgate, the school’s first female principal, was appointed in 2018.
The school’s history is interwoven with that of District Six, and its alumni include struggle veterans Dullah Omar, who would later serve as a cabinet minister, and Cissy Gool, who founded the National Liberation League and helped to create the Non-European United Front (NEUF); and retired high court judge Siraj Desai.
Attorney Igshaan Higgins, who is the curator of the Cape Malay Heritage Museum, matriculated from the school in 1987.
“We endured the harsh actions of the apartheid government amidst the destruction of District Six,” he said, adding that the school had created many great leaders who had been part of the struggle.
“My message for future generations is that you are all part of a proud heritage and tradition and always remember the school’s motto, ‘Per Angusta Ad Augusta’ (Through difficulties to success).”
Ms Southgate, who has been a part of the school for the past 38 years, said it had an illustrious past that could be built on.
“We are passionate about our pupils, give them our very best and provide them with the best possible opportunities.”
School secretary Karin Dedrick said she had started working at Trafalgar High 41 years ago, and it had always been a part of her life.
“It has been very rewarding working with the staff, and whenever we see former pupils succeeding we realise they went through our hands at Trafalgar.”
Acting deputy principal Rezah Hayat, who has worked at Trafalgar High for 32 years, matriculated from the school in 1984. “It’s an honour to be part of the school’s history, to continue the legacy of many great people that came ahead of me at this school, and those are big shoes to fill.”
Grade 10 pupil Bessie Longwe, 17, said it was inspiring to be part of a school with such a rich history. “The teachers are so passionate and determined to take us forward, and I was inspired to meet Judge Desai who has achieved success, and I even got to share my goals with him.”
