Bothasig, Cape Town

The Cape Town Suburb of Bothasig is known for the wonderful Christmas lights displays that residents have been putting up for the last few Years. Decorated Houses are mainly found in the smaller streets East of Bosmansdam Road, on the Plattekloof Road to the end of Bothasig. Bosmansdam High School in this Suburb, was founded in 1971. It is a dual medium Afrikaans and English School. The School is state assisted, like most other schools in South Africa, it charges a set amount of money for its services. The School offers a wide variety of sporting and cultural activities in addition to its academic program. Bothasig and Bosmansdam High School are located on what was originally the Farm, 'Bosmansdam'. Part of the land was taken over by the Municipality between 1961 and 1989. Bosmansdam was renamed Bothasig ("Botha's Vision") after the then Minister of Housing and later President; P.W. Botha. He subsequently presented a house to the first resident! The Town grew rapidly and it soon became clear that there was a need for a High School. The first staff consisted of only seven members. The first school committee was elected on 17 March 1971 under chairmanship of Mr. M.J. van Schoor. Initially the school motto was UNITAS but changed to UNITATE FORTIOR ('stronger through unity'). The School colours were also different at first with blue, orange and white making way in 1982 for blue, red and gold. The official emblem and tie were adopted in 1989. The school song was composed by the well-known; Dirkie de Villiers with lyrics by his wife Doll. 1980 saw the first appearance of VOX (voice), the School paper.