The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department hosted the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa, as part of the Teacher Appreciation and Support Programme (TASP) – a multi-stakeholder programme that celebrates teachers on an ongoing basis. The event took place at the Beacon Ridge Primary School in Durban on 03 December 2020, with the Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Mr Kwazi Mshengu, amongst the dignitaries who attended the commemoration.  

Beacon Ridge Primary School was founded in 1989 in the location of Chatsworth, a large township in Durban, which was established by the apartheid government in the 1950s to segregate the Indian population and create a buffer between the white suburbs to the north and the black townships to the south. The school has become an oasis for the poorest of the poor in Durban because the areas’ population is faced with high rates of unemployment, HIV infections, health challenges and extreme poverty.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Mhaule indicated that teachers are the heartbeat of the nation, adding that, “they should be honoured for the sacrifices they make in their teaching careers. It is critical for us as a nation to acknowledge the selfless service rendered by the teachers in transforming people’s lives through education. The teachers are continuing their selfless service by feeding not only the learners but also providing monthly food hampers to all families who are in need. We are here in this community to honour the significant work done by the Indian teachers in this province,” added Deputy Minister.