Interfaith service to open Mitchell’s Plain’s golden jubilee celebrations

Mitchell’s Plain will officially begin its golden jubilee celebrations with an interfaith service, marking the launch of events planned to commemorate the area’s 50th anniversary.

The interfaith service and media launch will take place on Thursday, February 12, at Highlands Primary School from 10am to 12pm.

The service is a result of a series of engagements that have taken place since last year and was confirmed at a stakeholder meeting held on Thursday, January 22, at Westridge Library.

Just over 50 people attended the meeting, which brought together organisations from various sectors to coordinate activities for the year ahead (“Mitchell’s Plain prepares for a vibrant 50th anniversary celebration” Plainsman November 12).

Dr Alicia English, former Plainsman reporter and one of the coordinators of the Mitchell’s Plain 50th Legacy Project team, said stakeholders agreed that an interfaith service was an important starting point for the celebrations.

She said faith leaders were identified as key partners who could set the tone for the year and offer a blessing for the programme of events.

Dr English said the event aims to bring together the faith-based community while signalling the start of a year-long celebration led by residents and organisations.

She said the Mitchell’s Plain 50th Legacy Project is a collective of volunteers and their organisations working together to encourage programmes, activities and events throughout the year. The focus, she said, is on unity, collaboration and celebrating the people and organisations that have made a lasting impact on the community.

Dr English said social media platforms, including a Facebook page and WhatsApp channels, have also been launched to keep the community involved.

She said the project is not a fundraising initiative and does not seek donations from the public. Instead, organisations are encouraged to contribute in ways that reflect their capacity and strengths.

Dr English, an author and a former journalist, reflected on her personal connection to Mitchell’s Plain, where she has lived since childhood and where she is now raising her own children. She said the anniversary is an opportunity not only to confront ongoing challenges, but also to honour resilience, creativity, and community leadership.

Norman Jantjes, a member of the project’s coordinating committee, said the most recent stakeholder engagement showed strong interest from leaders and their organisations. He said the religious and education sectors will play an important role, and he hopes more organisations will come on board.

He said the 50th anniversary presents an opportunity to highlight positive stories, strengthen cohesion, and restore pride in Mitchell’s Plain as a community many residents are proud to call home.

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