Seventy years on, Kewtown Primary remains a cornerstone of its community

Kewtown Primary School will this month celebrate 70 years of educating children from across the Cape Flats, marking a milestone for a school that has long been a cornerstone of the Kewtown community.

Since opening its doors on July 16, 1956, the school gates have seen generations of pupils from Bokmakierie, Athlone, Hazendal, Bridgetown, Langa, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, and Philippi walk through. 

Principal Cecil Balie spoke about the school’s rich history. “Back then, we were known as Zone A, while Athlone North Primary was Zone B. Over the decades, Kewtown Primary School has grown into a safe, thriving space where pupils are supported both academically and personally,” he said.

The school has been led by a series of dedicated principals, including the late Mr Hendricks, the late Mr Kleinhans, Frederick De Kock, the late Winston Pietersen, and Peter Hull.

Mr Balie joined the school as a teacher in 1993 and was appointed principal in 2000. He has served the school for 32 years, 26 of those as principal, travelling daily from Maitland by train and on foot to teach.

Kewtown Primary has a long-standing reputation for sporting excellence, particularly in soccer, cricket, and netball, which flourished in the 1990s, he said.

The school became a no-fee-paying institution in 2014, and while financial resources remain limited, the commitment of parents, staff, and fundraising initiatives has helped bridge the gap.

Like many township schools, Kewtown has faced challenges, including apartheid, teacher shortages, socio-economic struggles, and changes in the education system, said Mr Balie.

“Our pupils, around 580, are mostly stable and engaged, but some face trauma, neglect, mental health challenges, and special needs.

“We manage these challenges carefully in classrooms to ensure every pupil has the support they need.”

The school transitioned from Afrikaans to English after 2000, a change that helped stabilise enrolment and strengthen academic outcomes.

“Through God’s grace, we have risen above our challenges thanks to our committed staff, management, parents, and community supporters,” Mr Balie said.

Alumnus Gideon De Jager, who wrote the school song and prayer, reflected on his time at the school: “Being part of Kewtown since the late 1980s has been special. I was involved in sports, the tuck shop, and other activities. The school continues to do wonderful things for pupils in the area.”

Former school-governing body (SGB) chairperson Natasha Mess said, “This milestone reflects seven decades of dedication, growth, and excellence. I thank the hardworking teachers, staff, and SGB members who nurture and guide our pupils. Kewtown has built strong academic foundations while providing meaningful experiences beyond the classroom, like the memorable Grade 7 prom.”

The school expressed gratitude to the wider community, including Herschel Girls School, The Capetonian Hotel, Tahillah House of Worship, New Dawn organisation, St George’s Anglican Church, WCED, MCED, neighbouring schools, parents, guardians, and pupils for their support over the years, Mr Balie said.

As part of the 70th celebrations, Kewtown Primary School will host a thanksgiving service on Thursday, July 23, at the Calvynist Church in Kewtown at 10am, as well as a school snack dance and reunion on Friday, July 31, at the Dulcie September Civic.

Tickets cost R150, and attendees must bring their own platters and drinks.

For more information, contact the school on 021 637 7020.

Follow Athlone News on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza