After the fire incident at EBHS, the EBHESA chairperson, accompanied by Elyan Masuku (EM) visited the school and gave the following feedback: Elyan Masuku & I had a safe journey to EBHS this morning and we arrived in time for assembly @ 7:20am. When addressing the students (total 1,041) and teaching staff of 68 including two in-service trainees, I sympathized with the students and teachers about what had befallen the school. I pointed out that the students must not be demoralized, but focus their energies on studies. Above all they must demonstrate respect at all times. I told them that we want to see the best school exam results coming from EBHS always. I further told them that we are, as EBHESA, are committed to continue supporting the school so that every child aspires to be part of EBHS because of her excellent results. I also took the opportunity to congratulate the school for coming tops in the choral music competition finals on Saturday that took place in Manzini. Three of their peers were awarded trophies for excelling in music as soloists. We want to see such results in all sports disciplines going forward. We also had a separate meeting with all teachers where we thanked them for the continued good work in producing outstanding exam results in both Form III & V. We share the dream of the Principal that A Levels be introduced at EBHS. We also cautioned them about making reckless comments that could incite the pupils into rioting unnecessarily instead of concentrating on their studies. We also reminded them that everyone at the school and the community at large must help the police with their investigation so that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and justice be seen to be done. Right now there is no clue as to what is the motive of the culprits until police investigations are finalized with arrests and conviction. The school was gutted by fire at dusk on Saturday and although the fire brigade responded to calls for help in reasonable time, extensive damage had already occurred especially on the stage because of the curtains. All one sees is bare walls and its a sorrowful sight indeed. The ceiling is all burnt, the entire floor is covered in slut and debris, and so are all the chairs. It would seem the tiles and chairs have not been damaged. When cleaning has been undertaken perhaps itll be discovered that the new tiles have not been damaged at all. We really hope so. Further shocking news is that on the next day or Monday morning three fire incidents occurred in succession on separate school structures: 1st it was at the Social Dept. 2nd at the Commerce Dept & 3rd at the English Dept. This means the fire brigade was called thrice to put out fire on the three different structures. Lets hope therell be no such other incidents again. Our separate meeting with the teachers coincided with the arrival of the REO Mrs G T Nxumalo (née Sibandze) and also a Baringer. As she was in a hurry to go to the MoE in Mbabane she was given the chance to speak first. She advised the teachers that they should not despair. She was going to report the incident at EBHS as a disaster so that the MoE can help with necessary repairs as a matter of urgency. Both EM & I assured the school of EBHESAs continued support. Our visit to the school so soon after the calamitous incidents of fire was demonstration of the commitment of all former students. We then took the opportunity to recruit over 10 teachers at EBHS who are Baringers. We insisted that they join us in our noble crusade to help rebuilt EBHS so that its former glory is restored eventually as a centre of excellence. The Principal thanked EBHESA profusely and proudly told both the students and teachers that he is encouraged by our continued support. He particularly thanked us for patting them on the back whenever the school has excelled in all aspects of its activities whether academic, choral music, and other sports disciplines. We left them with hope and renewed encouragement. We pray to God that He guides all of us and help us defeat uSatan permanently for the good of EBHS. ExcelsiorThumbs up sign Needless to say that this feedback was well received by many fellow Baringers through the social networks both in Swaziland and South Africa. There are some who have strongly suggested that social workers must be sought to urgently council the students especially the boarders. You really need a professional psychiatrist and we are wondering whether you are (a) agreeable to this suggestion? And (b) whether there is such expertise in Shiselweni area? We again condemn the unprecedented vandalism of our school and we trust the police reaction will be swift in bringing the culprits to book. We are also anxious to know the costs implications and the extent of help from MoE so that EBHESA can consider fundraising strategies. We want to see the school hall repaired within a reasonable period of time. Its new appearance must be better that before but we still strongly suggest that its historic original structure must not be changed. We are proud of this invaluable heritage in Nhlangano at our school EBHS. With Gods guidance and benevolence we shall all conquer the devils evil ways. Kind regards, Harry Nxumalo Chairperson Evelyn Baring High Ex-Students Association P O Box C1437 The Hub Manzini Swaziland Africa
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:40:47 +0000
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