Celebrating 75 Years of excellence at Alexander Sinton High School

Alexander Sinton High School is celebrating its rich history, legacy, achievements, and community as it prepares to mark a major milestone - its 75th anniversary - with celebrations set to begin this weekend, February 14, and continue throughout the year.

Principal Ashraf Barday said the school, located in Crawford, has a long-standing reputation for excellence that has been built through dedication, resilience, and the collective effort of its learners, staff, and community.

He stated that the anniversary programme will provide a blend of nostalgia and new opportunities for connection. “This milestone is a chance to celebrate our memories while also creating new ones,” he said.

Mr Barday said the school’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of the Cape Flats and the country. He highlighted its role during the 1976 nationwide uprising and its tradition of resistance to apartheid-era “gutter education” in the 1980s through stay-aways, boycotts, and marches.

The school had also hosted the late President Nelson Mandela in 1992, shortly after his release from prison. In addition, it received a Blue Plaque from the Simon van der Stel Foundation in recognition of its survival and continued excellence under difficult circumstances, among other accolades.

To mark the anniversary, the school has planned a series of events, including a gala dinner bringing together alumni, business leaders, and community stakeholders.

“The school reaches a remarkable milestone of 75 years of service, excellence, and commitment to education. This anniversary is not merely a celebration of the past but a tribute to generations of learners, educators, parents, alumni, and community partners who have shaped our proud legacy,” Mr Barday said.

From the Bakoedratoellah Hall on Buckley Avenue in 1951, the school has grown into a beacon of learning, a centre of resistance to injustice, and a source of hope and opportunity for the community, said Mr Barday.

“Guided by our motto, Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis (If not the best, among the best), we have remained steadfast in our commitment to education and the pursuit of excellence for the thousands of learners who have walked our corridors and carried the values of this school into the world beyond our gates."

The anniversary events are open to all who wish to celebrate with the school. Mr Barday called on supporters to assist through sponsorships and donations.

“We request your support, whether financial, in-kind, or through services. Every contribution, regardless of size, will play a vital role in helping us honour our past, celebrate our present, and invest in our future. Sponsors and donors will be acknowledged as valued partners in this milestone,” he said.

Alexander Sinton lumnus Tristan Jacobs, encouraged former pupils to take part in the celebrations. She said the school has played a significant role in shaping many lives and careers.

“This is the best school. It has produced thousands of professionals. A heartfelt thank you is extended to both past and present teachers for their loyalty and commitment to achieving the best possible results,” she said.

Those wishing to make donations can do so via the school’s bank account: First National Bank, Account number 50150038500, branch code 204209 (Vineyard). The account holder is Alexander Sinton High School Fund.

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