Chatsworth Secondary falls victim to vandalism
Former pupil of the school during the 70s, and teacher at Chatsworth Secondary during the early 80s, Dr Vijay Reddy, an executive at the Human Sciences Research Council, expressed a sense of sadness at the sight of the school’s deterioration.
Two weeks before a Bayview high school could celebrate their grand diamond jubilee, marking a rich history of the school, producing top academics, sports personalities, struggle heroes and social activists, it has been picked clean in an act of vandalism. The school’s aluminium window frames, doors and electrical wiring have been ripped, leaving the school in a state of disarray in the lead-up to the 2024 academic year.
Chatsworth Secondary School, situated on Lenny Naidu Drive, which has been hailed by its community, pupils and the province at large time and time again throughout its 60 years as one of the most excellent schools in the country, has been left stripped of much of its infrastructure.
Glass shards and debris litter the school’s floors merely eight days before the school year commences. Some burglar bars were bent inwards, and fluorescent light fittings and bulbs, along with its electrical ducting were stripped out of the trusses along the classroom ceilings.
Nelson Govender, one of the school’s former staff of the 70s to 80s, was at a loss for words, saying that he could not understand how anyone could do that to the beloved school.
“It is so sad to see. We were able to turn out some extraordinary pupils over the years- top 10 pupils every year. It angers me. It is going to take time. I feel immensely sorry for the principal, staff and the school’s pupils,” said Govender.
Former pupil of the school during the 70s, and teacher at Chatsworth Secondary during the early 80s, Dr Vijay Reddy, an executive at the Human Sciences Research Council, expressed a sense of sadness at the sight of the school’s deterioration.
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“It hurts to see a community not take care of the school. This was once a top school in the country, but over the years, performance and enrolment have suffered. I was a physical sciences teacher and I was tremendously proud to see the achievements of my pupils. Education is a societal matter and with the vandalism of the school, it is painful to see it deteriorate. It is up to society to build up the school- to care for it,” said Dr Reddy. Upon speaking to the principal, Arthur Lukhan, it was explained that recent reports of the vandalism to the school were exaggerated.
“It was primarily the aluminium window frames and electrical wiring, which were stolen. Some of the doors, which were reported as removed from their hinges, were unfortunately in that state for longer,” said Lukhan.
He added that it is unclear who could be responsible for the damage and that the factors at play could be anything from an organised crime syndicate to disgruntled ex-pupils or political reasons.
Lukhan, however, was clear that the school instead looks to the future and expresses that both he and the staff plan to do everything in their power to drive forward the restoration of the school not only to working order, but to its former glory.
“We extend a heartfelt appeal to join us at the Chatsworth Secondary diamond jubilee restoration fundraiser gala- a night dedicated to rebuilding our cherished school after a recent unfortunate incident. Set against the backdrop of our school’s 60 glorious years, this event promises an evening of purpose and solidarity. Embark on a journey of resilience as we come together to overcome adversity and celebrate the legacy of Chatsworth Secondary. Your presence will make a meaningful impact on the future of our pupils,” stated Lukhan.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 27, at the Umhlatuzana Civic Hall at 5pm. It will include music by the Crescendos Band and DJ Marlin, food by Deluxe Caterers, including a hearty threecourse meal, tea and snacks and will be a BYOD event, wherein patrons personalise their celebration by bringing their favourite beverages to toast to the spirit of rebuilding.
For more information, contact the school on 031 400-3173, or call 083-775-8856, 071-876-0372, or 083-787-6833. The school earnestly seeks community support in order to repair and uplift the school.
Donations and sponsorships will go towards renovations and essential elements, such as electrical work, wooden window frames, glass, and doors.
