“Komaan!” Ever wondered what that spirited word means when you hear it shouted near Helpmekaar Kollege? It means “come on, help each other”. Helpmekaar Kollege stands as a testament to the enduring power of Afrikaans education in Johannesburg. This private, co-educational high school has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1921.
Helpmekaar was born from a desire among Afrikaners to provide an alternative to English-medium schools for their children. Imagine Johannesburg in the early 20th century. A growing city, it held diverse communities and a need for varied educational institutions. Helpmekaar Kollege stepped in to fill that need. The school officially began in the Irene Church. Later, construction began in 1925 on land donated by the Johannesburg City Council in Milner Park, Braamfontein. General Barry Hertzog himself laid the foundation stone.
The school’s location on the corner of Empire and Melle Street is now home to a multifaceted campus. It includes the Old Building with its iconic clock tower. Newer buildings complement it, along with terraces. The campus also features the Far East, the DI Hub, the Far West, and the Towers. Beyond classrooms, Helpmekaar boasts a rugby field, uniform shop, tennis courts, netball courts, halls, a swimming pool, and a boarding house.
Helpmekaar’s curriculum follows the IEB system. The school prepares students for higher education and offers unique opportunities. Grade 11 pupils can even take the SAT, a standardized college admission test used in the United States.
But Helpmekaar is more than just academics. The school provides a wide array of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in sports like rugby, netball, tennis, hockey, swimming, and cricket. Cultural activities include choir, school paper, speech guild, debating, and public speaking. Academic enrichment comes through Olympiads in Afrikaans, English, and Mathematics.
The traditions at Helpmekaar Kollege are as important as its academics. The school uniform is steeped in history. It includes a brown blazer, khaki jersey, white shirt, brown tie, and khaki trousers or shorts for boys. Girls wear a khaki dress. Boys wear caps, and girls wear bashers. Special blazers signify excellence in academics, sports, and culture. White blazers are reserved for cheerleaders and the head boy and head girl.
The Klets, Knibbel en Kykfees is a highlight of the school year. This festival allows students to showcase their creativity. Activities range from boat-building to stand-up comedy.
Rugby spirit runs deep at Helpmekaar. The entire school supports the first team at home games. The Golden Boys, school mascots in brown cloaks and golden body paint, add to the excitement at major events. Helpmekaar Kollege has shaped numerous notable alumni including Mimi Coertse and Marius Kloppers. Helpmekaar Kollege stands as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of fostering a spirit of mutual support.