Celebrating 50 Years: Battswood Teacher Training College Class of 1975 reunites

The Battswood Teacher Training College Class of 1975 celebrated its 50th reunion at a former college student’s home in Grassy Park, on Saturday, November 29. 

The gathering was attended by 17 former students, from Grassy Park, Wynberg, Lotus River, Retreat,  Mitchell’s Plain, Bellville, Ocean View and Strand, including one special guest who travelled all the way from Windhoek, Namibia.

The Class of 1975 reunion was a “memorable” occasion, celebrating lifelong friendships, shared history, and the “remarkable” journey of women who have left a lasting impact on generations of pupils.

This teacher training college was one of many that either closed, merged, or were repurposed in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of a national restructuring of teacher education in South Africa. It is a significant part of Cape Town's educational history, particularly within the “coloured community" during the apartheid era.

Discussions and exhibitions often document its history and the impact it had on education in the region.

One of the organisers, Magdalene Marco, from Bellville, said the reunion was sparked by a WhatsApp group started on October 27, for all the women who graduated in 1975. “The group quickly grew to 29 members, mostly from Cape Town but also from across the country,” she said.

During the reunion, the attendees lit a candle in memory of those who have passed, shared stories and memories - funny and heartfelt alike - and toasted friendships and the future.

The gathering was further enriched by an address from their drama teacher, Farouk Valley-Omar, who encouraged the group to continue cherishing their shared past.

Many of the women had gone on to become primary school teachers, making a lasting impact in communities. “The excitement and joy on the faces of the attendees, many seeing each other for the first time in over 50 years, was evident as they created new memories together,” said Ms Marco.

Audrey Jacobs said: "The 50th reunion gave us time to reminisce about our days at Battswood College. It was good to see Mr Valley-Omar, our drama teacher, who actually encouraged us to start writing books, especially children’s books. It was a day of fun, excitement, socialising, and laughter. We also shared our funniest moments at college, and the girls roared with laughter."

Sheila Hendricks said: "Our 50th reunion was only possible by the grace of God. The setting was perfect for the occasion. The warmth, love, and joy shared will be remembered for a lifetime. It was a time for reflection, and we were greatly inspired by Mr Valley-Omar. It is encouraging to realise that we are still very relevant in our twilight years. A wonderful time was had by all."

Fatima Sylvester said: "I felt special and spoiled. The warmth, care, and kindness was so heart-warming and soothing. It was a perfect setting for the celebration. I am blessed and fortunate to experience this, and we ponder those who are no longer with us. I am grateful for going down memory lane. Lincoln, my driver, said that collectively we have touched so many little lives over the years.” 

Mr Valley-Omar said: “We must make this an annual thing - I agree. I want to thank everyone for making new memories."