OFFICIAL STATEMENT

22 July 2026

The Edgar Legoale Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Education – Circuit 5, Fezile Dabi District, proudly commemorates Tumahole Day through the Tumahole Schools Celebration, an educational and heritage initiative dedicated to preserving the history of Tumahole while empowering young people to become custodians of the community’s rich legacy.

The Tumahole Schools Celebration forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing Tumahole Heritage Project, an initiative dedicated to documenting, preserving and promoting the stories of the men and women whose courage, sacrifice and leadership shaped the history of Tumahole.

The Tumahole Schools Celebration is founded on the belief that preserving local history begins with educating young people. As generations pass, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that learners understand the significance of the events that shaped their community and recognise the individuals whose contributions laid the foundation for the Tumahole they know today. By bringing heritage into schools through research, storytelling and artistic expression, the Foundation is investing in a generation that understands its past, appreciates its identity and is inspired to shape a brighter future.

Tumahole Day remains a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience and unity demonstrated by the people of Tumahole during the historic events of 1984. It is an opportunity to honour those who stood against injustice while inspiring young people to embrace the values of servant leadership, social justice, community service and active citizenship.

This year’s programme has been carefully designed to place education at the centre of the commemoration. Through debate, public speaking, praise poetry, A Cappella, gumboot dance, solo performances, folklore, cultural performances, drum majorettes and brass band performances, learners will celebrate Tumahole’s rich heritage while developing confidence, leadership, creativity and critical thinking skills.

A unique feature of this year’s celebration is the allocation of local heritage figures to participating schools. Each school has been assigned a Tumahole hero or heroine to research, celebrate and present through Public Speaking and Praise Poetry presentations, ensuring that the stories of these remarkable individuals continue to educate and inspire future generations.

The participating schools and their allocated heritage figures are:

* Boitlamo Secondary School – Vivian Mangwane
* Selogilwe Primary School – Israel Makhaza
* Sindekile Primary School – Vuyo Dabi
* Phehellang Secondary School – Tate Makgoe
* Aha-Setjhaba Primary School – Archie Tlhobelo
* Ntshwephepha Primary School – Stompi
* Lister Skhosana School – Lister Skhosana
* A.M. Lembede Primary School – Anton Lembede
* Barnard Molokoane Technical School – Barnard Molokoane
* Yakhisizwe Secondary School – Tom Letsoenyo
* Botjhabatsatsi Primary School – Mosepedi
* Schonkenville Combined School – Fezile Dabi

Through research, storytelling, poetry and creative visual presentations, learners will bring the lives and legacies of these distinguished figures to life, ensuring that their contributions remain an integral part of Tumahole’s collective memory.

The Foundation further acknowledges and honours the families of the heroes and heroines being celebrated. Their presence serves as a powerful reminder that the legacy of these remarkable individuals lives on through the generations they inspired and the community they helped shape.

The Foundation believes that education extends beyond the classroom. By creating platforms that combine heritage education with arts, culture and leadership development, the Tumahole Schools Celebration nurtures well-rounded young people who understand where they come from and are inspired to contribute meaningfully to where their community is going.

The initiative further strengthens collaboration between the Edgar Legoale Foundation, the Department of Education, schools, educators, families of the honoured heroes and key stakeholders, demonstrating that preserving local heritage is a shared responsibility requiring collective action and sustained commitment.

Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, Mr Edgar Legoale, said the Foundation has a responsibility to ensure that local history remains alive through education and active community participation.

“The Tumahole Schools Celebration represents the continuation of our commitment to preserving the history of Tumahole through education. As part of the Tumahole Heritage Project, we believe every young person should know the stories of the heroes and heroines who shaped this community. By placing our learners at the centre of heritage preservation, we are ensuring that the legacy of Tumahole is not only remembered, but carried forward by a generation that understands its identity, values its history and is prepared to lead with purpose. Preserving our heritage is not simply about remembering the past—it is about empowering future generations to build upon it with pride, responsibility and vision,” said Mr Legoale.

As the Foundation commemorates Tumahole Day, it calls upon educators, learners, families, community members, government institutions and stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that preserve local history, promote education and inspire young people to become proud ambassadors of their heritage.

As we commemorate Tumahole Day, let us remember that a community which preserves its history equips future generations with the wisdom, identity and courage to shape a better tomorrow. Together, let us honour our heroes, preserve our heritage and continue building a legacy of unity, leadership and service.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the programme.

EVENT DETAILS

Tumahole Schools Celebration
Commemorating Tumahole Day

Date: Friday, 24 July 2026

Time: 08:30

Commemorative March: From the Tumahole Old Taxi Rank to Phehellang Secondary School Hall

Main Programme Venue: Phehellang Secondary School Hall

Presented by: Edgar Legoale Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Education – Circuit 5, Fezile Dabi District

Creating a Brighter Future

Issued by:

Nthabiseng Molejane
Foundation Manager
Edgar Legoale Foundation

082 287 2290

nthabiseng@edgarlegoale.com

www.edgarlegoale.com