The Old School Tie

Somewhere at the back of a wardrobe, we all have one. Mine was stretched to its limits; having knotted it in Standard 6, it had to keep up with the times, dragged over my head, like a noose, the knot wound tighter.  The tie grew filthier and grubbier with each passing term, and as the years passed, it frayed and grew duller and softer, like an old hankie, until at last I could roll it up with the scrunched-up Panama hat, a nostalgic reminder of my school years.  Now it lies, in state, preserved in mothballs, recovered only for the occasional “School Days” party.

I have a heritage spanning five generations of the Panama hat and the Cheese cutter, heavy woollen black pleated school pinafores, cotton bloomers, which came in half-dozens, black buckled shoes, and Bobby socks. I grew up with two wardrobes, one for school uniforms, the other for "Mufti"! I was the last generation subjected to the suspender belt and nylon stockings. Institutions such as Roedean, Western Province Primary, St Andrews, Uplands Preparatory School, and Pretoria Girls' High educated our motley crew.  Sometimes they succeeded.  All with histories and traditions flying their flags with pride.

While driving along the highways in Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, I’ve seen children being taught in the shade of trees; I’ve seen classrooms that barely have walls or windows. Old, discarded ships’ containers are upcycled and often used as classrooms.  I survived the 1976 riots in my country, remembering tear gas charges in Adderley Street.   These children and students have all had one thing in common—an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, change and freedom.

The sun was setting behind us when we turned off the main road in Chinhoyi.  We were all tired and irritable.  We’d had a long day, and none of us knew what to expect once we got to Lomagundi College. As we drove up to the school along the narrow strip road, lined with large African flame trees, I wondered about this Marius Erlank who so generously offered us a bed for the night.  I couldn’t imagine Tom Walmsley or Miss Mullins doing the same 50 years ago!  Things certainly have changed, and much of that change is due to technology, social media, and the inherent kindness of strangers.  Thanks to the Friends of Mana Pools Facebook page, Marius extended his invitation to sleep over when Precious asked about accommodation in the area.

Whisked through the main gates with a map in hand, we headed up to the headteacher's house to be greeted by two massive Bull Mastiffs. The freshly brewed coffee was exactly what we all needed as we introduced ourselves, settled and spent a while unwinding while listening to Marius tell us all about the school.

I hung on to every word.  Such enthusiasm is hard to dismiss. Lomagundi College opened on 14th February 1983 and occupies 120 ha of land amidst the low hills of the Hunyani Range, 8km west of Chinhoyi. The College aims to encourage pupils to be self-confident, well-rounded individuals, to propel them to the highest level of achievement in both academics and extra-curricular activities, to provide them with the life skills they will need when they leave the College, and to prepare them to be of value to society.

With about 450 pupils and nearly equal numbers of boys and girls, Lomagundi College fosters a strong sense of community and pride in its achievements.

An English-speaking Christian school committed to the highest international standards, Lomagundi fosters a vibrant community that values respect, accountability, and cultural diversity. The school promotes traditions rooted in Zimbabwe's history while encouraging students to embrace global perspectives, nurturing confident young adults ready to lead responsibly in their communities.

Upholding the best traditions of Zimbabwe’s independent schooling, promoting a respect for others and accountability.  An acute awareness of the Community and the Environment is fostered and nurtured, producing confident young adults who are keen to play a positive, responsible role and take the lead in their global communities.

Since returning from Zimbabwe, I’ve joined the school's Facebook page, and I’m amazed by the achievements of past and present pupils. Imagine that one finalist in “The Voice” was an ex-pupil, Jeremy Olivier, who grew up in Chinhoyi—small world. Vuyani Dhlomo, a pupil, has been selected for the Zimbabwe U19 Rugby team. Past Pupil Brennan Seward is a very successful artist. Others include Greg Lamb (Cricket), Sean Ervine (Cricket), Brendan Taylor (Cricket) and Margaret Odendaal (Athletics).

Thank you for offering us your “Guest house”, Marius.  We slept like happy, contented kids! I must confess I was rather impressed with breakfast, not at all institutionalised as I remember it. Unlike my memories of our meagre meals, stodgy oats porridge, floor polish (tomato jam), spirogyra (watermelon jam), frogs’ eggs (sago pudding) and occasionally a revamped powdered egg.   From your kitchen, we had a delicious English breakfast with all the trimmings! 

If you should require accommodation in the area, I highly recommend staying at the guest house or camping at their campsite.

Marius, you have renewed my faith in teachers, their commitment, excitement, enthusiasm and passion to teach, educate and uplift our children.  I salute you for the sheer pleasure you have in being an exceptional leader, teacher, father, husband and friend.  We wish you every success in the future; may your star shine ever brightly.

The school's setting is quite beautiful, with manicured sports fields, modern classrooms, and lively students chatting, skipping, and strolling to class. The well-maintained grounds include state-of-the-art facilities for sports, arts, and sciences, creating an inspiring environment. I experienced a Déjà vu moment: parents mingling on lawns with champagne flutes, mothers in organza dresses, and Fathers in safari suits, all contributing to a lively, proud school community that celebrates achievement and tradition.

We’ve told everyone about our visit to the school; this remark took the cake: “Chinhoyi!” my father, a very quiet, dignified and reserved person, says, “I worked there on a farm; I was 19, with two older men, Peter and Tom.”  He giggles and says, “Tom had the largest piles I’ve ever seen, like a bunch of bloody grapes!”  My memories of Lomagundi College will stay with me too, albeit not as vivid or graphic.  We will be back; the famous caves beckon.

Contact:

Marius ERLANK:

LOMGUNDI COLLEGE:

Post Script. Mr Erlank is no longer at the school. He has retired and in now teaching his grandchildren in a grandfatherly way! The Erlanks returned to South Africa and if memory serves are living in the Goeie Ou Kaap somewhere.