The quest to see the former students of Tsogo Mercy High School, which is situated in Mmakau in the North West Province of South Africa, coming together at a reunion meeting eventually came to fruition on Saturday the 30th August, 2014. Held at the Fountains Valley in Pretoria, the event drew students who matriculated at Tsogo from 1983 to 1992. The aim of the reunion was twofold: to reunite the former students with their old schoolmates and their teachers, and to acknowledge the contribution of the Sisters of Mercy in shaping their lives through educating them at the school.
Valerie Khomo, Neo Boditse and Sr. Colmcille Roche
Let by a vibrant organizing team that spearheaded the event, the reunion lived up to its expectation. Cameras and cellphones were in competition to capture the moment when the Sisters of Mercy – Srs. Majella, Colmcille, Immaculata, Goretti and Myra – and the teachers – Mr Morobe, Mrs Rapodile, Mr Moatshe and Mr Manaiwa – arrived in the minibus specially arranged for their transport. It was an emotional moment for all as we recalled our days at Tsogo Mercy High. As if planned, the former students behaved just like they did during their school days, trying to see how well the teachers and Sisters could remember their names.
Sr. Colmcille Roche and Sr. Majella Quinn remember the ‘old days’ with Valerie Khomo
Soon after the greeting session, the Sisters and teachers were seated at tables decorated in green and gold (the colours of the school). Former students were dressed in special white T-shirts printed with the words “Tsogo High School Reunion” at the back and with the school badge on the front.
After the opening prayer, there was a ritual in memory of the teachers and the students who had passed away over the past twenty years. The names of the deceased had been inscribed on a temporary wall of remembrance.
The formal programme was started with the school song “On this school your blessing Lord”. Surely, there is no other fitting song than this one, given the aim of the event. The keynote speakers were the two former Principals, Sr. Majella and Sr. Colmcille. Mrs Rapodile, a former teacher, spoke on behalf of the teachers. The highlight of the day was an impromptu fund raising event which saw all present digging deep into their pockets. We raised about R6,000.00 for the support of the ministries of the Sisters of Mercy. In addition to the money raised that day, donations in the form of gift vouchers, food supplies and clothes were handed over to the Sisters who greatly appreciated the generosity of their former students.
Former Tsogo students sporting their special T-shirts
In closing the formal proceedings, the song “On this school you are blessing Lord” was sung again, this time even better than the first time. Having concluded the formal programme, refreshments were served and the informal proceedings began. After chatting with pupils for a while, the Sisters were transported back to Iona Convent. The rest of us partied on until late in the evening. What a joyous occasion it was.
Our plan now is to meet annually and to continue to support the work of the Sisters.
Prof. Mpedi Madue – former student of Tsogo Mercy High School
South African Province
