Lilita Gcwabe|Published
The launch of a centenary coffee table book at Livingstone High School on Saturday brought generations of alumni together in the school hall, blending celebration with reflection as the institution marked 100 years of history, resilience and community.
Held at the school itself, the event drew families spanning decades, many bound by deep-rooted ties to the institution, as former pupils, educators, and supporters gathered to honour a legacy shaped across a century.
Among those paging through the publication was Gadija Fakier Vallie, Class of 1965, who paused as memories resurfaced.
“It brings back so many mixed emotions, sadness, and joy. My brothers were also here, and my husband. We all met here at Livingstone,” she said.
Her reflection captured the spirit of the afternoon, where the turning of each page revealed not just photographs and milestones, but deeply personal histories woven into the fabric of the school.
Welcoming guests, principal Ralia Ganie described the book as a record of lived experience across generations, documenting both ordinary and defining moments in the school’s history.
“Within it, you will find stories, memories, and reflections that span an entire century. It captures laughter in classrooms, challenges overcome, and achievements celebrated. To hold this book is to hold 100 years of lived experience,” Ganie said.
She added that the publication serves as a lasting gift to future generations, ensuring that the ethos and identity of the school remain preserved beyond the centenary year.
The milestone was further underscored by the presence of 101-year-old alumnus Susan Apollis, the oldest known member of the school’s alumni, whose attendance highlighted the institution’s enduring reach across time and generations.
Alumni chair Simon Banda said the book reflects both struggle and success, offering a comprehensive look at the journey of those who passed through the school.
“The book traces generations. The struggles, and more importantly, the successes of those who have walked the humble halls of Livingstone,” he said.
Banda’s own connection to the school spans decades, from his time as a learner to his role as an educator and now as part of the alumni leadership, with multiple members of his family having attended the school.
“The day was heavy with nostalgia and inspiration. It’s not just about longevity, but about 100 years of struggle, challenge, and victory,” he said.
For Nikki Hendricks, from the Class of 1980 and a member of the alumni association, the launch was also a moment of personal reflection on the role the school played in her upbringing.
“I was in my 40s when I realised that I actually grew up poor. But as a child, I didn’t realise it, because the school filled the gaps for me,” she said.
Now actively involved in alumni initiatives, Hendricks contributes to programmes that support learners with meals, transport, and other essential needs, continuing a culture of care she credits with shaping her own life.
The school’s influence is reflected in the achievements of its alumni, including Dr Iqbal Survé, a medical doctor, Chairman of Independent Media and founder of Sekunjalo Group, and Ebrahim Rasool, a diplomat and former Western Cape premier, who has served as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, among others who have contributed to public life, education, and community development.
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