Rondebosch, Cape Town – October 2024
Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School proudly announces the launch of its inspiring new school song, a vibrant anthem that reflects the school’s rich heritage, core values, and vision for the future. The song’s unveiling marks a significant moment in the school’s history, celebrating its commitment to inclusivity, transformation, and diversity. The previous school song was sung for 130 years and will always be a significant part of the school’s history and a reflection of its tradition and excellence. It will not be erased or forgotten.
The newly launched school song was composed by Babette Viljoen and Olga Leonard with input from staff, the school governing body (SGB), students, and alumnae. The new song captures the spirit of unity and diversity that is at the heart of Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School. RGJS integrated the three languages mostly spoken in the Western Cape – English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa. This ensures the song is inclusive and representative of our diverse school community.
Hendrik Marais, HOD of Creative Arts at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School said “Since the song is now specific to the junior school, with a younger audience performing it, we’ve changed the musical style to a ballad. This allows the song to tell a story, making it more engaging and appropriate for the students.”
The chorus powerfully declares, “Rustenburg Girls’ Junior where we all belong, Here all our differences make us strong.” The SGB chairperson, Unathi Stofile, said, “The new school song resonates with the African proverb – ‘You plant trees that you will not enjoy the shade of.’ We hope that the message of the song will continue to impact the girls’ lives even after they leave RGJS.”
The school’s principal, Belinda Petersen, expressed her excitement about the launch, saying, “This is something worth celebrating and embracing. The song will hold great significance for our girls in the years to come. The new song reflects our current position and our future aspirations…”
The launch of the school song has been accompanied by a captivating podcast conversation video featuring the principal, Belinda Petersen, the SGB chairperson, Unathi Stofile, and the HOD of the Creative Arts department, Hendrik Marais. The podcast can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP-IU519GtU.
The new school song is a celebration of Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School’s enduring values and its forward-looking vision, ensuring that generations of “Rustybugs” will continue to carry the school’s legacy into the future with pride.
ENDS.
About Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School
Rustenburg Girls’ Junior is a beautiful school in the heart of Rondebosch. Although we cherish the traditions of our long history, our girls are provided with an excellent 21st-century academic, sporting, and cultural programme. The school is a happy, vibrant, and caring place and has a strong sense of purpose. Learning is important! The knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom are linked to the life lessons learnt during sport, music, cultural and community service activities. Teamwork, dedication, hard work, respect, consideration, and compassion for those less fortunate are some of the values we hold dear. Our girls are encouraged to develop thinking, problem-solving and research skills and to reach their unique potential. There is something for everyone at Rustenburg and the girls embrace the opportunities provided. They are enthusiastic, energetic and excited by each new experience.
For more information please contact:
Marketing and Communications Manager
Thapelo Phukuje
Mobile: 079 425 4914
Tel: 021 689 1981
thaphu@rgjs.org.za
