Cutting the ribbon: Pitso Mosimane(left), Acting Principal Mrs Manamela, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Rosina Sedibane Modiba.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has officially launched the Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School of Specialisation with a focus on Sports and Sports Science in Laudium on Tuesday morning.
Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sport School is a fully functional Sports School that has proficiency in Chess, Tennis, Soccer, Netball, Aerobics, Athletics, Swimming, Basketball and Gymnastics.
Ward 61 Council representative, Shakeel Bhaktawar was tasked to welcome the guests.
Rosina pupils looked smart in their blue, white and red uniform, ushering in the guests into the school’s hall and showcasing their talents through song, poetry, and gumboot dance.
The learners sang the National Anthem and hoisted three flags; the South African flag, the Rosina Sedibane Modiba flag and the African Union Flag.
A number of dignitaries, football stars and representatives from nearby schools were present including former Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly Coach Pitso Mosimane, Mark Williams the star of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane.
Pictured at the launch from left: Joe Suliman, Panyaza Lesufi, Atlehang Kekana(Grade 11), Shakeel Bhaktawar, Mrs Manamela and Nabawi Jaffer(Laudium Disaster Management).
The school's been around for nearly 20 years and is named after Veteran Athlete Rosina Sedibane Modiba, born in Atteridgeville. She made history when she became the first black South African woman athlete to win a gold medal in 1500m during the multi-racial provincial championships in the 1970’s.
"I'm the first Black woman to run at Pilditch Stadium….. first Black woman to win a national title." Sedibane told the crowd.
At some point, Sedibane held the national record across four distances between the 400m & 3000m.
Panyaza Lesufi stressed on the importance of Education. He told learners, “We want to prove that you can be a star and still have education as well. Live up to the name and protect the school.”
“When the National team is looking for players, we are coming to select them first from this school. The best sports players must come from this school.” Lesufi said.
First Principal of the school Daya Chetty with Rosina Sedibane Modiba
The school is currently led by Acting Principal Mrs Manamela who is doing a sterling job.
Former Orlando Pirates Captain Lucky Lekgwathi, Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane, Orlando Pirates Legend Edward 'Magents' Motale, Former Bafana Bafana striker Mark Williams and Pitso 'Jingles' Mosimane.
