Celebrating 40 years of excellence Spine Road High School

Spine Road High School marked its 40th anniversary by renaming its hall in honour of former principal Riyaadh Najaar.

The Spine Road High School hall is called the Riyaadh Najaar Education Centre.

The event, held on Thursday April 17, celebrated four decades of community-driven progress and recognised the leadership that helped the school become one of Mitchell’s Plain’s top-performing institutions.

The school was established in 1984 as Mitchell’s Plain High School number 12 under the founding former principal Moegamat Adnaan Davis. Soon after, it was renamed Spine Road High by staff and leadership. 

In 1993, Riyaadh Najaar became principal, taking over a school with a 40% pass rate and transforming it into one that would later boast multiple 100% matric pass rates — in 2014 and 2017 — along with a consistent average of 99%, and pupils earning top university placements.

“It started with nothing. We had no money, but with faith, support, and hard work, we built a school that serves its people with dignity and excellence,” said Mr Najaar.

He credited Mr Davis as the person who laid the foundation for the hall and said it was built with the support of staff and community members committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities despite financial challenges.

Mark Fairbairn, current principal, joined Spine Road in 1988. Coming from a primary school background, he recalled the shift as a cultural adjustment.

“Most spoke English and I spoke Afrikaans. For five years, I kept to my classroom,” said Mr Fairbairn. “But each teacher here played a vital role in building this school. When Mr Najaar left in 2017, we weren’t ready. But that’s how he led — he threw you into the deep end so you could learn and grow.”

Mr Fairbairn took over as principal in 2018. Under his leadership, the school has continued to thrive, with the most pupils in the district taking pure mathematics and science. Spine Road now boasts modern robotics labs, consumer studies rooms, dance studios, and sports facilities, ("Two 'Plain schools tie for top spot with 100% matric pass" Plainsman Jan 14 and "Tech donation boosts Spine Road's robotics programme" Plainsman March 14).

Rehana Harnekar, deputy principal who delivered the vote of thanks, said the hall renaming recognises a legacy of excellence.

“This will enable us to continue the foundation Mr Najaar built. His vision shaped this institution, and under Mr Fairbairn’s leadership, it’s grown stronger,” said Ms Harnekar.

Former teacher Suroor Christian, who joined the school in 1985, reflected on how far the school has come, from a small field to a modern hall. He coined the school’s slogan, Via ad successorem — “the road to success. This is not just Spine Road. All roads must pass through here,” said Mr Christian.

Former secretary Sandra O’Ryan, who worked at the school from 1984 to 2017, spoke of the community’s determination to build the school from the ground up. “We sold newspapers and water to raise money, especially for the school hall. Different donors came in over time. Mr Najaar was the force behind it all. A strong leader,” said Ms O’Ryan.

Former Springbok and alumnus Dale Santon, who matriculated in 1987, remembered Mr Najaar as both his teacher and rugby teammate.

“He was a hard worker, and this school is still a beacon of hope for academics and for sport,” said Mr Santon.

Norman Jordaan, former Springbok and current U21 DHL Stormers coach, matriculated in 1993.

“There were challenges, but the teachers were committed. I wish them the best as they continue to uplift the school and community,” said Mr Jordaan.

Mitchell’s Plain SAPS Captain Mornay Kleinhans, also an alumnus and current sector commander, shared how the school impacted his life.

“My children also attended here. This is one of the most outstanding schools in Mitchell’s Plain,” he said.

Deputy head girl Yonwaba James closed the event with a heartfelt message.

“Seeing everyone here inspires me to better my life and make my school proud. I want to be a part of this for a long time,” she said.