Peaceful High School Pupils’ Demonstration

Article Updated

Aberdeen Secondary School pupils demonstrated in Aberdeen Town this week over the right to have the subject “Life Science” taught to them in their mother tongue Afrikaans. A newly appointed English speaking teacher had been chosen to replace their existing teacher, and as the pupils had not been given a valid reason for this change or for the reason why they should not be taught in their home language, they were extremely unhappy about the circumstances, although the average mark attained was well below a pass.
This situation arose as a vacant post was advertised within the Provincial Department of Education, with a view to employing a teacher with the correct qualifications, also with a view to bringing a measure of discipline into the school, and as a future support for the Principal of the school in the form of a Deputy Principal.
The Director of Education for the Graaff-Reinet Districts Mr Kane, who has achieved a “No1 School Status” in the Eastern Cape, had realized that Aberdeen Secondary School has been grossly under achieving in terms of their results and in discipline. He therefore took a holistic view of the situation and made a decision not on subject matter only (Life Science) in which a dire need for improvement was evident, but on all aspects. He therefore made the decision to override the Governing School Body’s recommendation according to the School’s Act, and appoint a more suitable candidate who could fulfill all aspects of the position.
As politics is never far from the surface of any happenings in a small town, the Principal of Aberdeen Secondary School Mr Kamfer, invited the leaders of all the political parties and their committee members to attend and assist, together with the Governing Body of the School, the Department of Education, the Aberdeen Police Commander, SADTU and parents of the children.
On Friday 15th appreciating how volatile the situation could become, police reinforcements were sent from Graaff-Reinet, but by 1pm the “back-up” police contingent had left Aberdeen and the local police community office reported no incidents. At a 3 hour meeting on Thursday14th decisions were made, however the school community remain dissatisfied with the situation and accordingly Mr Kani has undertaken to meet with the parents of the school during the forthcoming week to discuss the issues further. Those present at the meeting on Thursday have resolved to be available in playing a supportive role in the following week until all issues have been resolved.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Garden Club Enjoys A Morning At Obesa

On Thursday 7 May, Aberdeen Garden Club visited the wondrous cacti world of Obesa. Anton guided the club members through a forest-like maze with so many different cacti and succulents that it was difficult to memorize all the information he gave of the different plant species and their ages.
This three acre area known as Obesa should be filmed as a centuries old forest, as it is filled with strange plants of all different shapes and enormous growth in height and age, and there should be weird creatures living in and around them to complete the picture.

Some cacti are prickly beyond comprehension and seem to be growing arms, yet they are beautiful in their starkness. Some are over thirty years old and if it was not for the soft misty rain falling, it could have been Arizona or Mexico.

The succulents are beautiful in colour and shape, and it is beyond comprehension that there could be so many different colours of green. Some are like roses in full bloom with an almost bluish tinge.
The covered areas where all the nursery plants are kept are immaculate with row after row of tiny varieties of plant life.
Anton then presented all the club members with a beautiful rose like succulent in remembrance of a walk in ‘cacti wonderland’.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Mother’s Day At Alwynhof In Aberdeen

Mother’s Day in Aberdeen was celebrated a little earlier in the week at Alwynhof, a retirement home for the elderly of Aberdeen and nearby areas. The occasion was opened with a prayer read by Christa, who expressed thankfulness to all mothers everywhere.
Morning sunshine streamed into the comfortable lounge area from large windows, and a dining table was decorated with flowers, candle lights and later with cakes, delicacies and savoury snacks. Each chair was decorated with flowers and Padgie Pienaar had made a beautiful corsage for everyone. A laminated prayer for mothers was given to all attending this celebration.

All the mothers seemed happy to be sharing this special day with each other and with their children and grandchildren. This day was all about the mothers, their love for their children, their husbands and the family life which they had all individually created.
Most of the elderly woman residents had survived their husbands, and some of them had children living in different parts of the world. Many had grown up without knowing the love and comfort of having had a mother. A few of the “oumas” shared experiences of their lives, and of their gratitude for those memories, and a general prayer was said in thankfulness for having had good and productive lives.
These mothers, some who are of an earlier generation, are now being cared for in this remarkable place, Alwynhof. It is a sunny comfortable home with pretty cared for gardens. Alwynhof relies on donations from the general public and Sister Pierce, in the closing prayer, gave warm thanks to all those people who continue to contribute so generously.

Article By: Joan Tinker