Summit Primary School marked their former principal Alfred William Willenberg’s 80th birthday, by renaming its computer lab in honour of him.
Current principal Erfaan Isaacs said that room – now the AW Willenberg computer lab – held fond memories of Mr Willenberg, who would host religious ceremonies there for all the pupils every Friday to “be spiritually fed” before the weekend.
“Mr Willenberg might have left the school, but he doesn’t realise how much he left behind.
“We still practise what he implemented many years ago, today. We still pride ourselves on cleanliness, and being courteous. Mr Willenberg was a strict principal, and he often reminded us that we come to school to work and learn. We have a lot of respect for him. That is why we decided to honour him by naming the computer lab after him. We don’t have a hall, otherwise we would have done the same to our hall,” Mr Isaacs said.
The school also honoured Stan Maart, 79, the former caretaker, who also recently celebrated his birthday.
Both men were presented with a plaque in celebration of their birthdays, as well as a luxury hamper.
Mr Maart said: “This is a real privilege for me. I would recommend all the staff to stay here until such time they retire. I really enjoyed my time here and have huge respect for Mr Willenberg. He is among the best. He is a role model and I admire that.”
Mr Willenberg said this honour bestowed on him came as a surprise.
“It’s a real honour. I didn’t expect this, especially not as an 80th birthday gift. I would like to thank the school for this honour and ask them to continue the good work.”
Former pupil, who is also a teacher now, Henry Esau, led the school in prayer in honour of the occassion. Mr Esau is currently studying theology.
Mr Willenberg, after briefly speaking to the pupils, cut the ribbon at the computer lab, to mark the renaming ceremony official.