Dr Alicia English, Mitchell’s Plain
On Thursday, February 12, we gathered at Highlands Primary in Woodlands in unity and faith to mark the beginning of Mitchell’s Plain’s community-led 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Mitchell’s Plain Legacy Project Team wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to every community member, leader, organisation, ward councillor, and local, provincia,l and national government representatives that joined us for our interfaith service and media launch.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the stakeholders and leaders who have walked this road with us through monthly engagements. Your voices are the heartbeat of this project. To those who haven't yet joined, our doors remain wide open. This legacy belongs to every forum, club, neighbourhood watch, and street committee in Mitchell’s Plain.
Our sincere appreciation goes to principal Tanya van Graan and teachers of Mitchell’s Plain’s oldest school, Highlands Primary, which first opened its doors in October 1976.
Thank you for being such gracious hosts. Your hall and technical support provided the perfect canvas for this historic moment.
Thank you to our interfaith leaders, especially Reverend Gail Manoek of Christ the King Anglican Church, Moulana Tawfeeq Ely of the Imam Council of Mitchell’s Plain, and Pastor Theo Roman of the West Reach Assemblies of God.
Thank you for the scriptures, prayers, and messages of hope that reminded us that we are a community built on a foundation of faith.
Our hearts were full watching Marsha Bothma and the little ones of Mizpah Educare in Beacon Valley lead us in the national anthem.
To the pupils of Highlands, Perseverance, and Yellowwood primary schools, your poetry, dance, and song proved that the talent in our classrooms is world-class.
A special shout-out to Strandfontein resident Mario Oostendorp for compiling a special song celebrating Mitchell’s Plain’s 50-year journey, and sharing your musical gift so graciously.
Heartfelt thanks to Mr Shamiel Kolbee (Mitchell’s Plain Business Hive) and Zaida Julius (Edubiz Media and Foundation) for sponsoring the refreshments. Your support reminds us that local business is the backbone of community upliftment.
As we move forward into this Golden Jubilee, let us continue to tell the stories that matter—stories of resilience, excellence, and a shared heritage.
Thank You! Baie dankie! Enkosi kakhulu! Shukran!
The Mitchell’s Plain Legacy Project is a collective, apolitical, and voluntary effort by various local organisations and leaders to promote social cohesion and unity as we celebrate 50 decades of resilience and more.
Our next public engagement will be held on Thursday, March 12 at Westridge Library, from 9.30am to 11am. For more information, follow the Mitchell’s Plain Legacy Project Facebook page and WhatsApp channel.