Trojan Horse incident. Have you heard about it? Alexander Sinton Secondary School stands as a testament to resilience. It is a beacon of education in Athlone, Cape Town. This English-medium school has a rich history dating back to 1951. It is more than just a place of learning. It is located in the Cape Flats. This area was designated as non-white during apartheid.
Alexander Sinton Secondary School’s story begins with its namesake. Alexander Sinton was a Scottish teacher. He bequeathed money for the school’s founding. His generosity laid the foundation for generations of students.
Franklin Joshua was the first principal. He found it undesirable to have two schools operate under the same name at Central School. The ever-increasing number of pupils at Central led directly to the need of a high school named Alexander Sinton. In January 1951, Alexander Sinton High School opened its doors in the Bakoedratoellah Hall. It was located in Buckley Avenue, Athlone. There were 90 pupils and three teachers. They were Mr F. P. Joshua, principal; Mr W.J. Arendse, vice principal and Mr September.
The school quickly grew. It excelled in academics and sports. This was especially true during the 1960s and 1970s under Mr. F. P Joshua’s leadership. He even checked up on Matric students at home. He wanted to ensure they were studying.
Alexander Sinton Secondary School became synonymous with Art, Ballet and Drama in the 1970s. The school even had a Ballet studio when other schools of colour did not. In 1976 Mr K. Desai became principal.
Alexander Sinton played a significant role in the anti-apartheid student uprisings. Staff and students made headlines in September 1985. They barricaded the police into their school. The following month, tragedy struck. Three youths were killed near the school. Police officers opened fire on protesters during the Trojan Horse Incident.
The school defied apartheid laws. It accepted African students before it was allowed. In 1985, students boycotted classes. The Education Department closed the schools. A countrywide campaign called for the re-opening of schools. The Sinton community tried to re-open the school. The police arrived and locked the gates. They arrested those on the premises. The Siege of Sinton had begun.
Alexander Sinton Secondary School holds a unique place in history. It was the first school Nelson Mandela visited after his release from prison. As of 2014, the school had 1,100 pupils. Half were boys and half were girls. The school employed 40 teachers and six non-teaching staff.
Today, Alexander Sinton continues to thrive. It strives to be a dynamic center. It focuses on academic achievement and enrichment. This is for both teachers and students. The school’s motto, “Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis,” reflects its commitment to excellence. It means “If not the best, amongst the best.”
Alexander Sinton Secondary School stands as a symbol of hope. It is a testament to the power of education. It embodies the spirit of resistance against injustice.