Dear Friends of the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust,
The Annual Function this year was an afternoon we never wanted to end! It was a day of celebration, reflection and anticipation for the future. The day was filled with heartfelt moments, inspiring stories, and remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of our scholarship programme.
Matrics and new Scholarship Recipients, along with Kevin Tait, Robyn Hill, Di Thompson, Zelda La Grange, Carolyn Steyn and Bongani Mshibe
Our guest speaker, Zelda La Grange, left an indelible mark on all of us. Her honest and engaging talk took us on a journey, from her early days of supporting Apartheid, to becoming the trusted personal assistant of Mr. Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest presidents in history. Zelda shared with us invaluable lessons she learned from Mr. Mandela – the importance of treating everyone with respect, the power of empathy, and the art of truly listening, especially to those with whom we disagree. Her words resonated deeply, inspiring both the adults and the teenage scholarship recipients in attendance.
In a special moment of serendipity, Zelda was introduced by none other than Shaun Slovo, the daughter of Ruth First. Shaun was the guest speaker in 2019 when this year’s Matrics were first introduced as the 2020 scholarship recipients.
How wonderful it was to have her play a part in their journey once again as we now wished our Matrics farewell.
Shaun Slovo
Sokhna (a Matriculant), and her mother (pictured here with Zelda La Grange) gave an emotional account of how being awarded the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust scholarship changed their lives.
The scholarship provided much-needed support through the challenging years of Covid and beyond, offering not only the release of the burden of the cost of high-quality education, but a community of encouragement and hope.
One of the highlights of the afternoon came when our new scholarship recipients for 2025 introduced themselves, stealing the hearts of everyone in the room with their enthusiasm and dreams for the future. We are thrilled to see what lies ahead for these bright young minds.
To top off an already memorable day, our wonderful ambassador, Carolyn Steyn, welcomed Jeppe Old Girl, Di Thompson, to the team as a new Ambassador for the Trust. Di’s passion for Jeppe Girls and girls’ education makes her a fantastic addition, joining Carolyn Steyn, Kevin Tait and Dr. Emmanuel Taban in this esteemed role. We look forward to the impact her energy and vision will bring to our cause.
Di Thompson and Carolyn Steyn
The Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust family continues to thrive thanks to your unwavering support. As was reflected at the event: our generous donors, long-term and new supporters, mentors, and alumnae, your commitment and belief in the transformative power of education make everything we do possible. As we look ahead to new horizons, we remain deeply committed to empowering future generations through education.
With gratitude, Robyn Hill Manager: Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust ruthfirstjeppetrust@jeppegirls.co.za
Should you wish to make a donation, payment is accepted by SnapScan or eft to Absa, Eastgate, Branch code 632005, Account number 4076706321. Many thanks.
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