New Traditions for Founders' Day - SDC turns 13!

Bernhard van der Walt • March 2, 2020

“A tree signifies being rooted in your values and anchored in who you are." - Mr. Kok

A large group of people are posing for a picture in front of a building

13 Years ago, a school started. A school that no one knew. A school with only one class per grade. A school situated between dirt roads, uncleared trees and natural surroundings and barely visible from the nearest road. Little did we know, that this school would become a home to so many.

On the 27th of February 2020, Southdowns College celebrated its annual Founders’ Day. A day to commemorate the founding of the school and the people who made it possible. It is a time for pupils and teachers alike to reflect on how far we have come together and to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that we are part of this incredible community. This year was Southdowns College’s 13th birthday! It seems almost surreal to conjure up memories of how the school has changed and grown over the years.

This year, Southdowns started a new Founders’ Day tradition. Each high school grade planted a tree on the campus. This tree symbolises growth and prosperity, representing the development of all the pupils in their respective grades for that year. Mr Kok, the school’s Dramatic Arts teacher, very aptly addressed the grade 11’s in saying, “A tree signifies being rooted in your values and anchored in who you are. No matter what happens in your life, this tree will always be here to show you how far you have come.”

In addition to the tree-planting initiative, each pupil also received a cupcake. It is, after all, the school’s birthday! This was followed by an entertaining assembly, where the school was serenaded by the choir’s mellifluous sound after being welcomed in by the tuneful playing of the school’s marimba band. It was a magnificent performance, consisting of a medley of euphoniously performed songs with harmonies, actions and more; captivating the audience from start to finish. The choir’s magnificent Founders’ Day performances have almost become a tradition in their own right.

Finally, the day came to a close, when all the pupils departed for mid-term break; an excellent way to conclude the festivities. It seems almost funny the think that just a few years ago, the entire school from grade 000 to 12 was able to fit into the SAX Arena for Founder’s Day assembly. And now, the high school can barely fit by themselves. It is truly amazing to see how far we have come, and even more amazing to think how far we will still go.

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SDC Open Day: Showcasing the Best of the Best

By Anoyolo Ndzamela • October 6, 2025

Southdowns College’s second open day of 2025 was an absolute success! Various departments of the school came together to showcase the excellence that the school provides and highlighted the values of integrity, hard work and humility that the school stands for. All the newly elected SEC members provided tours of the campus and explained the environment in which the future pupils will be in - one conducive for growth. It is a difficult task to encapsulate all the school has to offer into a few minutes, but the prefects went above and beyond to ensure that parents were left with a sparkling impression. The teachers invested their hearts and soul into their mini exhibitions, experiments, decorations and (most importantly) explaining what is offered in their respective subjects to the parents. Simultaneously, the Sports and Culture departments put together performances and workshops, to display the wonders and talents of Southdowns College. Not only did the wind blow strongly through the trees – the parents’ socks were blown off! A job well done, College!

What Does it Mean to Wear the Black Blazer?

By Rofhiwa Sipho Tshikhudo • October 6, 2025

At Southdowns College, the rust blazer unites us all. It is the symbol of belonging, of being part of something bigger than ourselves. But for the Black Blazer? It’s not just uniform, but a statement. The Black Blazer is earned – it isn’t handed out for show. It is a commitment to service, leadership and discipline. Wearing it doesn’t elevate us above anyone, it places us under the everlasting pressure of great power and greater responsibility. We don’t wear the blazer for status: we wear it because we chose to serve, and because the school community expects us to deliver. We serve the blazer, it does not serve us. Every morning when we put it on, we are reminded: “We represent more than ourselves. Our peers look to us for guidance; our teachers trust us to carry the values of Southdowns, and our actions reflect on the entire SEC.” That is no small weight... it isn’t supposed to be. The blazer demands respect – not because of its colour, but because of the responsibility stitched into it. It is a promise to lead by example, to stand firm when it’s easier to sit back, to make tough calls, and to act when silence would be easier. It is a challenge to work harder, listen better, and to push ourselves further. The Black Blazer does not make us special. What makes it special is that it holds us accountable every single day. It demands humility, pride, and strength. It reminds us that leadership isn’t about being seen – its about making a difference, even when no one is watching. This is why we wear it with conviction. This is why it matters. The Black Blazer is not about privilege. It is about service. It is about being the best version of ourselves.

The Black Blazer – A New Chapter Begins

By Jayden Paulse • October 6, 2025

There are a few moments you will never forget during your high school career: your first day in grade 8; the first test you failed; your first crush. However, few shine as bright as the moment being inducted into the Student Executive Council (SEC) of 2025/2026. On 3 September 2025, the new prefect body’s blood, sweat and tears were finally acknowledged as they were cheered onto the stage by peers, teachers, parents and their predecessors (the SEC of 2024/2025). The road to acquiring the black blazer is never easy: rounds of voting, hours putting in the extra work to prove yourself, while trying to cheer on your friends and competing against them at the same time, is no easy feat. None of the new SEC members knew their portfolios or the role that they would be playing for the next 12 months before being called upon. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation and bitter-sweet moments: while not all the prefects got the role their hearts desired, every one of them knew what a privilege it was to be walking the stage and exchanging their rust blazer for their black one. Amongst the nerves were moments of pride, tears and joy as the school community watched parents beam at their children’s accomplishments, signing their declaration to the school and taking their seats. The crowd also cooed at the cute childhood photos that were sported proudly next to their current school photo. The adorable kindergarten faces and poses simply won over everyone’s hearts! To our new SEC of 2025/2026: CONGRATULATIONS! We know that the journey has not been easy and is far from being done. We look forward to seeing your vision for Southdowns College come to fruition and seeing what story your lanterns will tell!