A former South Peninsula High School pupil, Dr Shirley Zinn, has created a trust that is giving the school’s matriculants and ex-pupils the financial means to study further.
The Cebisani Youth Development Trust was officially launched on Monday February 28 at the school where Dr Zinn and Cebisani trustee Sharmla Chetty presented 15 matriculants and ex-pupils each with R75 000 bursaries.
The trust has also sponsored a physical science teacher and after-school classes.
Principal Zeid Baker said the school, which is celebrating its 72 anniversary this year, had long had a reputation for excellence.
“SP ex-students are found all over the world making their mark and giving back to humanity upholding our motto, non ministrari, sed ministrare – not to be served, but to serve,” he said.
The schools’ matric class of 2021 achieved 97.4%.
Mr Baker said many of the pupils came from homes in Steenberg Lotus River and Philippi.
He encouraged the bursary recipients to read Dr Zinn’s book, Swimming Upstream, which he felt would inspire them to greater heights.
Dr Zinn encouraged recipients to give back to the community and support their school.
School governing body chairman Andre Williams said the school was referred to as a poor school. “But today we are rich. These young people have an opportunity from the fruits of their labour, and the hard work of teachers has paid off in these trying Covid times.”
Isobel Sanosi, the deputy director of the Department of Basic Education in the district, said there was high demand for enrolment at the school.
“Generation after generation have been to the school and know what it offers,” she said.
In a video shown at the launch, one of the bursary recipients, Lee-Roy van der Vent said he was the first person in his family to study at a university. “I will take full advantage of this opportunity. It’s almost impossible to get a job so having an education will improve my chances,” he said.
Adam Ahmed said the bursary lightened the financial burden on him and his family so he could focus on learning.
Zandile Aranes said the bursary had been life changing as he could now study further. Mishka Allie said she had always wanted to study further, but the finances had held her back. The bursary now gave her and her family hope.
Dr Zinn serves as executive director on the Board of Boston Consulting Group and heads her own company, Shirley Zinn Consulting, that provides consulting and advisory services in human resources, transformation, leadership, and education.
She is a coach, mentor, and entrepreneur who has served on the boards of several major companies, trusts, charities, and universities.
