Another radiant milestone was witnessed on Saturday 15th October 2022, in the ongoing history of DITAU Primary School (now DITAU Higher Primary School whose motto stipulates that – ‘Knowledge is Power’), based at 6604 Madala Street in Orlando East, Soweto, as 89-year-old ex- principal Edward TM Tenza was honored.
At present the initial address of DITAU Primary School on Taukobong Street in Orlando East, Soweto is occupied by DITAWANA Lower Primary School.
Since both schools are in Orlando East, it is presumed that on completion at DITAWANA Lower Primary School, pupils can progress with their basic education by enrolling at DITAU Higher Primary School.
The aforesaid occasion was divided into two sessions, to enable alumni of DITAU Primary School, to pay homage to their ex-headmaster Tenza.
This commemoration was announced to the intergenerational audience, as the brainchild of alumni Motlalepula Motsoane, who chaired the organising committee.
The pros and cons and eventual relief of having marshaled, the vast duties for this occasion, were evident among members of the organizing committee, which wholly consisted of alumni of DITAU Primary School.
The first session (according to the overall programme) was entitled the “Life and Legacy Celebration of Mr. Edward Tenza”, which took place at the present site, of DITAU Primary School.
The intergenerational audience included sparse alumni of DITAU Primary School and current pupils, led by their student leaders namely Neo Malindi (Head-Girl), Tshiu Tshingoane (Head-Boy), and Iviwe Mtsila (Deputy-Head-Girl).
Representatives of Old Mutual Insurance Company and those from the Education District of Gauteng also formed part of the attendees.
Alumni Ntoko Mogotsi chaired the first session, to observe all protocols, as part of the formalities of introducing and launching, the brand new DITAU Primary School library.
The library is yet to receive books. After an opening prayer by pastor Fidian Matsepe, the celebrant Edward Tenza, under the slot of ‘Legacy Hour’ addressed the intergenerational audience.
In line with the core feature of launching a new library for DITAU Primary School, ex-principal Tenza’s address emphasized the significance of investing in projects, which prioritized school libraries.
Amongst fond memories that he shared, Tenza recalled how his principal’s office was located next to the school library.
He also lauded how Old Mutual as the key sponsor for DITAU Primary School’s projects, including its latest sponsorship of the new library being launched that morning, demonstrated hope in private companies who used to do the same during his years as the principal.
Uppermost in mind was Tenza’s experience in teacher training and overcoming illiteracy, while a member of the READ Educational Trust formed in 1979.
After the celebrant’s remarks, the programme proceeded to launch the library, by first allowing former principal Tenza to ceremoniously cut the ribbon, which revealed the plague, at the left side of the entrance of the new library.
District Director of Education Vuyiswa Cindi registered words of endorsement on behalf of her department. DITAU Primary School alumni Paballo Maketha, an author and Deputy Director of International Relations and Cooperation, read out the words scribed in the newly unveiled plaque.
Another DITAU Primary School alumnus Maserame Mouyeme, who currently serves as Old Mutual’s Director of Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability, then shared remarks that cemented renewed support from Old Mutual. Mouyeme fondly credited her former principal Tenza, for having inspired her love of books.
Such pedagogic influence subsequently empowered Mouyeme, to become a thriving library assistant during her tertiary years at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
The incumbent principal of DITAU Primary School Dikeledi Koopedi, gave the vote of thanks thus ending the first session.
The second session was hosted at the Diepkloof Welfare Centre (Marthinus Smuts Drive, Zone 1 Diepkloof).
This venue was symbolic for most of the alumni in attendance, as it was a stone’s throw away from the original site, where DITAU PRIMARY SCHOOL commenced.
A guard of honour, consisting of former pupils, a youth choir, and graduates in their full regalia lined on either side of a red carpet, to welcome ex-principal Tenza to the second venue.
Canon Thandi Chaane and alumni Desiree Chauke officiated as masters of the ceremony.
Pastor Matsepe’s opening prayer, was followed by a keynote address by Mathole Motshekga, then a brief history of DITAU prepared by ex-teacher Popi Kgaswane was presented by her granddaughter.
Ex-teacher Elsie Diale also paid homage to ex-principal Tenza.
Xolani Sojola gave a message on behalf of the retired teachers’ choir.
Chairperson Motsoane alongside fellow alumni Charles Manaka shared their tributes.
A student oration session followed.
Then an apt academic parade followed, to share and inspire the intergenerational audience.
Dr. Peter Ngatane spoke of Tenza as his boxing mentor.
Generally, the alumni of DITAU Primary School recalled their past headmaster, as having been an avid reader and a disciplinarian, who was also quite a charmer.
Alas, the celebrant ended the second session with a riveting keynote address.
*Dr. Tshepo Mvulane Moloi – Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Ali Mazrui Center for Higher Education Studies, and University of Johannesburg
