I am working in a rural area called Kuebung JSS in Mount Fletcher. Our school is well-built and was finished by the Independent Development Trust early last year. The principal, staff and school governing body (SGB) all agreed that we should have an official opening of our new school.
We called a meeting to which we invited all the parents and we discussed the idea of the opening.
One of the parents was confused about the meaning of an official opening and wanted to know if it was the same as with a house where they have amadlozi. She asked: ‘Are there any amadlozi at schools?” We all laughed.
After the meeting, we started preparing for the event. Our SGB and teachers, as well as learners and teachers of neighbouring schools, worked very hard, because we wanted the opening to be a success.
On the day, we welcomed our guests and the were entertained by gymnasts and drum majorettes.
Our MEC, Nomsa Jajula, arrived very early and we were able to start early as we had planned.
The stage, where the VIPs were seated, was traditionally decorated with Sesotho blankets (masolanka) and inglawe were beautifully displayed against the walls. Traditional foods, such as polokoe and motoho, were cooked, because we love our culture and are proud of it.
Different items were on offer for the entertainment of our guests. Even learners from neighbouring schools performed during the show. Young boys and girls wore traditional clothes while playing traditional games: mohobelo for the boys and mokhibo for the girls.
Our foundation-phase learners performed so well that they are still invited by other schools to perform there.
Our MEC was given a sheep as a gift.
She cried, because she was so happy. She did not expect such a special gift.
I still want to laugh when I think about the lady who asked about the ancestors. I told her that at school, we have different ancestors, such as teaching, assessment, extra-mural activities and examinations.