Nestled in the hills of the historic Bo-Kaap is a school that has just etched its name in the history books.
Schotsche Kloof Primary School (SKPS) is celebrating 100 years in existence this year after the first buildings were opened back in 1922. It was established by Dr Abdullah Abdurahman, a South African politician and physician, who saw the need for a school with an Islamic culture.
Dr Abdurahman’s daughter, Zainunnisa Gool, also known as Cissie Gool, was known as an anti-apartheid political and civil rights leader and helped create the Non-European United Front. She was also the first woman of colour to receive a Master’s degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
In 1952, exactly 30 years after the first establishment was built, they built the rest of the school as it stands today.
Faadil Kamish, who taught at the school for 25 years before taking over as principal nine years ago, said it was important not to forget where it all started.
“We also have to pay homeage to the founders of this excellent institution, such as Dr Abdurahman, the first principal, Mr A Abdurahman and all the previous, and current principals and staff that so diligently and selflessly contributed towards making SKPS an institution where quality learning and teaching is the order of the day,” he said.
Another long-serving staffer is Faieza Albertus, who has been there for 38 years. Among her charges was the writer of this story, who reports for Atlantic Sun’s sister paper, Sentinel News.
“It is amazing to see an adult with a bright future who was once just a small child in my class,” Ms Albertus said, “one such as yourself.”
When asked why she had spent so many years at the same school, she said: “The cultural ethos of the school aligned beautifully with my values of helping learners to grow into happy and productive citizens in society. I am proud of my legacy of contributing to a positive society where everyone does their best to help each other.
“It was and still is great to have spent 38 years at this institution which is celebrating its 100 years this year.”
Ms Albertus looked back on the years as “a great journey of self-discovery”.
“It’s an honour to have spent it at SKPS,” she said.
Mr Kamish said in celebration of their centenary, the school had hosted a number of events such as the recent surf walk in Sea Point, and cake-making competitions, with a mass Thikr, Moulood and food fair still on the cards.
He said excitement rippled through the school with current staff and pupils excited to celebrate the school’s milestone anniversary.
Mr Kamish said celebrations would run from this month into next year, when they look to bring back the food fair in the first term. They also plan to close off the year with their annual concert, set to make a return in the third term of 2023.
“Firstly, let us give praise and gratitude to the Almighty for having allowed our school to be in existence for 100 wonderful years, and to ask His guidance and protection to be in existence for a 100 years more InshaAllah (God willing)”, Mr Kamish said.
