Sarepta Primary School - Kuils River

Aka: Rhenish Mission School

Built: 1843 : 1891 : ?

* Not to be confused with Kuils River Primary School
* Also see Rhenish Mission Church

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Location

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Notes

Established in 1843 by the German Rhenish Missionary Society specifically for the non-white/formerly enslaved population (emancipated in 1838) living in the sandy dunes around Kuils River, it was the first school in the Kuils River area and the first multiracial school in the region. It provided basic education and Christian instruction to the mission congregation (former slaves and their descendants). It grew steadily (e.g., 78 pupils by 1872 under teacher Hendrik January).

In 1843, the Superintendent-General of Education, James Rose Innes, introduced two types of schools in the Cape Colony: first-class schools ("principal schools") and second-class schools ("secondary schools"). In addition, the so-called supported schools were also established. The latter schools, which later became known among the Boer population as third-class schools, had to be established through local initiative. The parent community was also responsible for erecting a suitable schoolroom, for part of the teacher's salary, as well as for providing a teacher's residence. These schools were entitled to a financial subsidy from the government, provided they met certain conditions. Among other things, they had to agree to the promotion of English.

• James Rose Innes (1799 Scotland - 1873 Port Elizabeth) was a Scottish-born educationist who became the first Superintendent-General of Education in the Cape Colony, a position he held from 1839 to 1859. He is widely regarded as the founder of organized public education in South Africa.

"It needs to be emphasised that Sarepta is not only the first and oldest school in Kuilsriver, it was also the first multiracial school in Kuilsriver and surrounding areas. Sarepta, the first school building was very small, namely, 50 feet by 15 feet. The first school building was erected on the place where the current Jana van den Berg Hall is situated." (Hamann)

The small school building gradually began to fall into disrepair. No money had been voted by the government for the buildings of mission schools. Thereupon, Rev. Rath himself took the initiative: the old wooden room was demolished, and in December 1890 the foundations of a new school building were laid. Some farmers in the neighbourhood and congregation members were requested to donate 500 or more bricks each. On Easter Monday, 30 March 1891, the school - consisting of two classrooms - was solemnly inaugurated.

• Johannes Rath (1816-1903) was an Austrian-born Rhenish missionary who operated in South West Africa before moving to South Africa. His daughter, Anna Pauw (née Rath), taught at the school in Sarepta from 1882 to 1898.

Sarepta High School

Sarepta High School, the first for Coloured learners in Kuils River, opened in January 1987.

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Sources

• A Forgotten History: A Historical Overview of Kuilsriver Primary School 1908–2023. Hamann, G.