Phiwokuhle Mothemela
Collegiate Girls High School in Gqeberha unveiled its Blue Heritage Plaque on its campus on Thursday afternoon, recognising its rich history since its establishment in 1874.
Its the second school in the Eastern Cape to be awarded the plaque by the Heritage Association of South Africa, after Muir College in Kariega.
Collegiate school principal Louise Erasmus says the plaque means a lot to them because it emphasises the school's rich history as it celebrates 150 years in existence.
"It really means a lot to the school, and it means a lot to me because it recognises and places a mark on the history of the school and the fact that for 150 years to date the school has been part of the growing city of Gqeberha.
"We are here and we are here to stay and we are proud of the role that we play in society and the young women that we educate and then go out it the world to make a difference," she said.
The chairperson of the Historical Society, Graham Taylor, said the society partners with the Heritage Association of South Africa to accept applications from schools with features or events of historical or heritage importance for these awards.
Its motivation to the Historical Society of South Africa noted that the journey of Collegiate Girls' High School began with a noble vision: to provide girls with access to a first-class high school education under qualified lady teachers in a town of 14,000 inhabitants.
It said the establishment of the school was announced on 19 September 1873 in the Eastern Province Herald, and the school opened its doors to 38 pupils in February 1874 at its premises at 15 Western Road under the leadership of the first Lady Principal, Virginia Isitt.
"Moreover, Collegiate Girls' High School has, from its earliest days in the 1800s, been actively involved in charitable endeavours and community service, upholding the school’s motto, “Facta non-Verba”.
"In 1964, the foundation stone for the new school on its Parsons Hill campus of today was laid and the school today accommodates 700 pupils. Its dedication to academic rigor, community service, and gender equality remains unwavering, making it a deserving recipient of a blue heritage plaque.
"By honouring Collegiate Girls' High School's 150-year journey, we celebrate not only its past achievements but also its ongoing commitment to shaping the future female leaders of tomorrow," the motivation read.
