Jo Keppler, from the Class of 2006, made a stop at the Mandisa statue during a 26km run
Image: Supplied
The St Anne’s Diocesan College Class of 2006 is approaching its 20-year reunion with a shared goal: to make a meaningful and lasting impact. As part of this milestone, the class has launched a fundraising campaign to raise R1 million for the school’s Mandisa Fund.
This bursary fund creates life-changing opportunities by supporting the daughters of facilities staff, as well as academically talented girls from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands who meet the school’s standards but lack the financial means to attend.
Through this initiative, the Class of 2006 hopes to honour their reunion by giving back in a way that opens doors for future generations.
Named in honour of Mandisa Penny Ntloko-Petersen, the first black pupil to matriculate from the school in 1985, the fund reflects both transformation and opportunity within the institution.
Alumna Lize Hartley said she was inspired by the initiative and had already begun contributing through personal fundraising efforts abroad.
"I started fundraising for them individually and did two half marathons in Europe and used that to raise money for the fund. Between the two races I raised about R150 000.
"Leading up to our 20-year reunion we formed a Whatsapp group and it were amazing to see that of the 79 girls in that year, 75 were on this group. I thought my fundraising effort had gone well, why not do something collectively. I then pitched the idea and set the target of R1-million. That is ambitious, but if we don't reach the target whatever money we raise we will be really happy with," said Hartley, who now lives in Amsterdam.
The group had initially hoped to meet the target before their reunion in June but plans to continue fundraising efforts beyond the event.
"Some have reached out to family and friends and said they don't need anymore stuff so ahead of birthdays they have told their family that instead of a gift rather consider donating towards their fundraiser.
"One of the girls did a successful paddle tournament, some of the ladies in the food industry may do dinner clubs where the proceeds will go towards the fund, and various other ideas," she said.
Hartley added that support has extended beyond her year group, with other alumnae contributing independently to the class of 2006 campaign.
She highlighted the impact of the bursary, noting that it covers full boarding, tuition and additional costs for the duration of a recipient’s high school career.
"I grew up in Standerton and I went to a local Afrikaans government school and I didn't know schools could have libraries or swimming pools. When I went to St Anne's in 2002, it completely blew my mind. Coming from a conservative town this exposed me to girls from not only all around the country and diverse backgrounds, but also other African countries and exchanges students from abroad.
"It also opened my eyes to opportunities beyond school that was available to me. It shaped my outlook in life and in many ways shaped my personality.
She said the initiative also speaks to broader transformation goals within South Africa.
"Economic inequality in South Africa is still very much along racial lines. This is a way to make sure the school becomes more diverse and representative of South Africa as a country," she said.
Located in Hilton, St Anne’s Diocesan College is a leading independent girls’ school and has been ranked among the top 100 globally in the Spear’s Schools Index.
Notable alumnae include supermodel Candice Swanepoel, Africana collector Killie Campbell, writer and winemaker Caro Feely, sculptor Mary Stainbank and business executive Fundi Sithebe.