A Manenberg principal received a surprise party yesterday as he said his final farewells to the learners, teachers and staff at Phoenix Secondary School.
Rafiek Abrahams, 60, spent his last day at the school which he helped open 35 years ago and served 20 years as the principal.
Abrahams was lauded by learners and staff for his transparent and caring approach to education.
“I was a Maths teacher at Saambou Primary School and at the time we had Grade 8 learners that were at the primary school, so when the school opened they moved over,” he says.
“In 1998, I was appointed as the acting principal and a year later we won a national award for the most improved school and just a year later we got our first 100% matric pass.”
LAUDED: Mr Abrahams with some pupils
Teacher Shameeg Fredericks, 43, says when he started at the school in 1999 he was keen to learn from Abrahams.
“He took me under his wing and mentored me from day one. He has such a calming way of talking and always went the extra mile for his students.
“When learners could not afford Matric Ball tickets or there was no food at their homes he would make donations out of his own pocket, but always told us not to tell the children where it came from.”
Abrahams says he looks forward to spending time at home with his family.