{"id":33724,"date":"2026-03-24T14:46:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=33724"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:46:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:46:15","slug":"pinedene-primary-school-and-vut-easter-treasure-hunt-celebrates-a-shared-60-year-legacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/pinedene-primary-school-and-vut-easter-treasure-hunt-celebrates-a-shared-60-year-legacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Pinedene Primary School and VUT Easter treasure hunt celebrates a shared 60-year legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

“A joyful Easter treasure hunt at Pinedene Primary School in Vanderbijlpark, hosted with VUT, united learners and educators through fun and celebration.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

24 March 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe\u00a0| Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pinedene<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On 24 March 2026, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with Pinedene Primary School, hosted a vibrant Easter treasure hunt in Vanderbijlpark as part of the build up to their shared 60-year anniversary milestone. The event brought together learners, educators, stakeholders, and distinguished guests in an atmosphere defined by celebration, reflection, and a deep sense of shared purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme was directed by Mr Vincent Mdluli from the HIV and AIDS Unit at VUT, whose steady coordination ensured a seamless flow from beginning to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day opened with a warm welcome from the Principal of Pinedene Primary School, Ms Bea du Pont, who extended her appreciation to the School Governing Body (SGB), the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of VUT, staff from both institutions, learners, and invited guests. In her address, she reflected on the significance of a partnership rooted in time, noting that both institutions were established in 1966 and will mark their 60-year anniversaries in 2026. She framed this shared milestone as a symbol of endurance, growth, and transformation, shaped by decades of commitment to education and community development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms du Pont also paid tribute to the late former Principal, Mr Johan van Pletzen, who passed away in 2020. She honoured his legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the school\u2019s values of honour, faith, and loyalty. His contribution to infrastructure development and community building, she noted, continues to echo through the life of the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a moment of personal reflection, she shared that 2026 will carry a deeply personal significance, marking her 60th birthday and 34 years of service since joining the school in 1993. She described this convergence as three defining milestones, a reflection of a life shaped by education, commitment, and continuity. She closed by encouraging gratitude and reflection as the school entered the Easter period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The formal proceedings gave way to vibrant learner performances that filled the space with energy, colour, and confidence. These moments of expression spoke to a living culture within the school, one that nurtures creativity and celebrates young voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of VUT, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, reflected on the enduring connection between the two institutions. He traced the University\u2019s origins from Vaal Technikon in 1966 to its evolution into a university of technology in 2004, reinforcing a shared historical foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is not merely a celebration of years,\u201d he remarked. \u201cIt is a reflection of journeys shaped by learning, resilience, and possibility. What begins in classrooms such as these finds its way into institutions like VUT, where those early dreams are given form.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an engaging moment, he invited four learners to share their aspirations. A Grade R learner, Ms Lesego Mako, spoke of her dream to become a doctor, while Grade 1 learner, Mr Zweli Mmbulelo, confidently declared his ambition to become a police officer, already rehearsing his role through playful acts of authority among his peers. The exchange drew laughter and admiration, while underscoring a deeper truth about the importance of nurturing ambition from an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The celebration continued with an energetic performance by the Lala Layla group, whose vibrant presence elevated the atmosphere and drew enthusiastic applause from learners and guests alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing the formal programme, Ms Ndumi Lufele, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at VUT, delivered a vote of thanks that captured the spirit of partnership at the heart of the day. She acknowledged the collective effort behind the event and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning to the learners, she reminded them that the future rests in their hands, urging them to pursue their dreams with courage and purpose. In a symbolic gesture, she led the audience in singing \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d in anticipation of the shared 60-year milestone, a moment that brought warmth and unity to the gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The celebration concluded outdoors with the much-anticipated Easter egg hunt. The grounds came alive with laughter and excitement as learners eagerly searched for hidden treasures, bringing the day to a joyful close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the echoes of laughter faded into the afternoon, what remained was more than memory. It was a reaffirmation of a shared journey, one that binds Pinedene Primary School and the VUT through history, purpose, and possibility. This moment marked not only the beginning of their 60-year celebrations, but the continuation of a legacy that will shape generations still to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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