Southfield Primary School marks 100 years of educational excellence

Southfield Primary School commemorated 100 years of educational excellence at a centenary interfaith service on Tuesday, February 10, celebrating its enduring impact on pupils from Parkwood, Grassy Park, Steenberg, Retreat, Mitchell’s Plain, and neighbouring communities.

Special guests at the interfaith service included ward councillor Kevin Southgate, community worker Pastor Paul Philips, Sheikh Abduragmaan Sadien, and long-time alumna and former teacher Liesbet Van Wyk.

Ms Van Wyk has a lifelong bond with Southfield Primary. She attended the school from 1959 to 1966 and later taught Grade 1 and Grade 3 between 2009 and 2018. One of her fondest memories as a pupil was “the building and completion of the school hall in 1966,” she said.

As an educator, she loved watching her pupils grow. “It was rewarding to see them embrace learning, and meeting them years later, seeing their success,” she said. She called the centenary celebration “wonderful, well-organised and very special” and felt honoured to light the commemorative candle.

Principal Bevil Velensky, who has led the school for nine years, said it has been a wonderful experience guiding the school into its next centenary.

The school currently has 459 pupils from diverse backgrounds across the Southfield area. Reflecting on its origins, Mr Velensky said: “Our first principal was Mr P.H. Baartman, serving in 1926. He left a lasting legacy, with Baartman Street in Southfield named after him.”

Founded in 1926 in a one-room corrugated classroom, Southfield Primary has grown into a diverse, welcoming school. “Every child deserves an education, and we are committed to providing that,” Mr Velensky said. 

Southfield Primary’s motto, “Aim High”, encourages pupils to strive for excellence. This year’s theme, “The Road Less Travelled”, challenges children to ask questions, embrace the unexpected, and explore new ways of learning, said Mr Velensky.

“We focus on academics, sports, and personal growth,” said Mr Velensky. “Our kids excel at independence, mindfulness, respect, and community service.” Southfield has also produced nationally recognised athletes in high jump, sprints, cricket, soccer, netball, and cross-country. 

 Mr Velensky said many of their pupils excel at high schools like Zwaanswyk and Bergvliet. "One alumnus, now completing degrees in both quantum physics and chemistry, credits Southfield Primary for inspiring his love of mathematics."

Despite its successes, Southfield Primary faces financial challenges.

“Unpaid fees forced us to retrench staff, yet we’ve maintained small classes, offered diverse sports, and delivered quality education,” said Mr Velensky.

The school's Centenary Infrastructure Rejuvenation Programme targets 11 key areas, including the sports field, playgrounds, and a computer lab. The programme will transform key spaces into safe, inspiring, and dignified learning environments, said Mr Velensky. 

“Children play on sandy fields, navigate areas with pothole-damaged roads, and learn in classrooms that urgently need upgrades. We need community and corporate support to make the next 100 years remarkable,” he added.

Socioeconomic challenges make the school a vital haven. “Our holistic approach supports these learners, with help from a full-time social worker, counsellor, and the Unisa-backed Boys Belonging Research project,” said Mr Velensky.

Join Southfield Primary in building a “school of hope” for the next generation. Every donation - big or small - directly improves the learning experience of hundreds of children, with full transparency and recognition, said Mr Velensky.

Mr Southgate (Ward 72) said: “Congratulations to Southfield Primary on this remarkable milestone. For 100 years, the school has shaped young minds, nurtured talent, and upheld strong community values - a testament to its educators, leaders, parents, and alumni."

As Southfield Primary embarks on its next century, the community is called to help create facilities that reflect the talent, resilience, and potential of its pupils. For more information call 021 705 6156.

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