One of Johannesburg’s most prestigious schools in the inner-city has gone back to its echelon status by launching its revamped swimming pool on Saturday after facing a four-year dilapidation state.
Johannesburg Girls Preparatory School’s (JGPS) pool had been grimly affected by sewage and overgrown weeds since Covid-19.
The launch follows a report by the “The Star” that the pool needed a revamp to offer swimming lessons to JGPS’ 1100 pupils, including children in local areas.
Commemorating 137 years of bettering the girl child’s education, parents and teachers flocked in numbers to celebrate this milestone.
Co-founder and CEO at 36ONE, Cy Jacobs, heeded the call and injected a large amount of money towards the pool project following years of pleading for donations from the public.
Jacobs learned of JGPS’ need for a donor through Grade 5 teacher, Rene Donenberg.
Donenberg and her husband, Robin Donenberg, are the founders of “Swim Smart Kids: Empowering Kids with Water Safety” initiative. They are the brains behind the pool project.
“Rene reached out on Joburg Jewish Mommies, which is a social media platform that asks for people who are interested in potentially helping with charitable causes.
“The swimming pool had not been in use for many years. It had to be rebuilt, refiltered, refixed, and tiled. Luckily, I was in a position where I could help,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs expressed his passion for supporting schools with a long rich history. He believed swimming is an important life skill for learners to have.
“Every school needs a swimming team and the ability to be not only academically tutored, but to be involved in all sports, including swimming,” he said.
He hailed the school’s principal, Risimati Chauke, for his passionate and dedicated work towards improving JGPS’ status.
Chauke is the first male principal to head JGPS – he was appointed nine months ago.
“Chauke is doing a very fine job, and he’s reinvigorated the school. We hope that it continues to improve over the years. He has a very good ethos and love in this school, you can see it. All the children are very well-mannered and keen to learn and participate in all activities,” said Jacobs.
Amid the school’s debt of R2 million to the City of Johannesburg for unpaid electricity, Chauke told parents that he is dedicated to rendering a high-quality education for the girl child.
He urged parents to assist in paying off the staggering debt.
“I want this school to be a better school. I want to better the girl child’s life through this school. That swimming pool was making me cry everyday. It pained me that a beautiful school like this had a dilapidated pool,” said Chauke.
A representative from the Gauteng Department of Education echoed Chauke’s words.
“A school without funds cannot function. We need funds. To the parents here, contribute whatever you have so this school can be a better place,” she said.
Among other esteemed guests, the launch was honoured with the attendance of JGPS’ previous principals Mrs Ashman, Mrs Levitas and Mrs Mashapa.
The jubilant principal said he has more projects up his sleeve, such as installing a borehole in the wake of the city’s water crisis.
Chauke called on the community’s help to support the demolition of a road near the school to build an additional school as there is enough space.
He hinted that the road endangers children’s lives.
JGPS learners who are part of Gauteng Aquatics led a swimming demonstration, including learners from Roedean School (SA).
Roedean (SA) Junior School renders swimming lessons to JGPS learners.
Head of Department at JGPS, Nkazimulo Dube, said: “Teachers are really happy about the revamp of the pool. There was no hope, but we can now go into all sporting disciplines.”
He said the pool might start operating in two weeks, provided a lifeguard is appointed.
Mkhululi Zondi, a parent whose daughter is in Grade 3, expressed his gratitude for the pool revamp.
“I’d like to thank the school as the pool is really beautiful. Mr Chauke is going forward with the school, we hope as parents all will go well,” said Zondi.
The Star