In the quiet, picturesque valley of Genadendal, where the shadows of the Riviersonderend Mountains meet a history stretching back centuries, something special happened in February earlier this year. The streets of South Africa’s oldest mission station, once known as Baviaanskloof, were filled with a familiar sound: the laughter and chatter of the Emil Weder High School Alumni.
They came from every corner of the globe—from across South Africa and Namibia to as far as Canada, Italy, and Qatar—all drawn back to the place that shaped them.
A Legacy of “Deeds, Not Words”
Founded in 1938 and named after the chairperson of the Caledon School Council, Emil Weder High School has always been more than just a building. It was established during a pivotal time as one of the few secondary schools for coloured pupils in the country.
For the alumni gathering in 2016, the school’s original motto, Facta non verba (Deeds, not words), and its later guiding principle, Mens Sana in Corpore Sano (A sound mind in a sound body), resonated deeply. The event wasn’t just a party; it was a celebration of the “magic” that happens when a community sees itself as one big family.
Highlights of the Gathering
The 2016 reunion, specifically honoring the 1974–1978 graduates, was a masterclass in nostalgia and gratitude.
- The Arrival: As the autumn sun set over the valley, the quiet air was broken by the joy of former classmates reconnecting, some for the first time in decades.
- Walking Down Memory Lane: Alumni took “meaningful walks” through the historic streets of Genadendal, visiting the Moravian Church Square where their school was first inaugurated under the oak trees.
- The Milestone Collection: The event was so impactful that it was immortalized in a short memorable video and a commemorative 42-page photobook titled Milestone, capturing the essence of their shared history.
Why Genadendal Matters
To understand the alumni’s pride is to understand Genadendal itself. As the site of the first Teachers’ Training College in South Africa (founded in 1838), education is woven into the very soil of this village. When these former students returned, they weren’t just visiting a school; they were returning to a “fixed rock” that provided the foundation for their success.
A Message for the Next Generation
The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the school’s anthem:
“Ou Emil groet jul met die woord, Dra voort my naam, na elke oord.”
(Old Emil greets you with the word, carry my name to every place.)
The 2016 reunion proved that no matter how far an Emil Weder graduate travels, the valley of Genadendal remains their home. It was a weekend defined by the realization that they are, and always will be, “one big happy family”.