30 years of Cedar
Cedar’s 30-year celebration was a jubilant occasion spanning the weekend of the 11th and 12th of May. The celebration started briskly with a fun walk, for the whole family. Delicious refreshing drinks, and foods were on sale from the stalls of Bonlé, Aquellé, The Coffee Company and Emseni bakery and butchery. Tantalising smells from the braai fires filled the sports field. All sorts of activities, jumping castles and fascinating games of volleyball kept the youth busy, while the adults enjoyed time socialising. The evening had a wonderful and memorable presentation of the history of Cedar by the alumni. The thanksgiving service and meal on Sunday acknowledged with thankfulness the 30 years past and spurred everyone on to continue in the same way for the next 30 years.
R Williams
In a joyous celebration filled with laughter and fond memories, Cedar marked its impressive 30-year journey on May 11th and 12th, 2024, in a manner that honoured its legacy. The festivities kicked off with a scenic 10km and 5km fun walk along the pathways of KwaSizabantu Mission, attracting participants of all ages.
The DSS sports field buzzed with activity throughout the day, offering delicious samoosas, refreshing smoothies, and a delightful bring-and-braai feast that drew eager guests. Amidst the festivities, alumni gathered to reminisce on cherished memories, sharing tales of years gone by.
As evening approached, the Alumni-hosted celebration began, featuring heartfelt reflections on the legacy of Mrs. Kay Stegen and inspiring testimonials of redemption from the alumni. Lidia Veciunca, alumni and now principal of DSS Romania, expressed gratitude to the Mission, Cedar, and Dr Vermaak for their steadfast support. The evening concluded with uplifting musical performances that filled the air with joy in thankfulness for what God has done.
Sunday morning brought a spirit of thanksgiving, with Prof. Hannes van der Walt delivering an encouraging message to students and the importance of Christian education, echoed by Rev. N Nhlabathi's remarks on the importance of Christ in education. Rev Nhlabathi expressed his concern about the state of Education throughout the country and pointed to the importance of teachers to build on a solid foundation, which is Christ.
The celebrations concluded with a festive banquet in the school hall, bringing colleagues, staff, and alumni together to savour the moment. It was a meaningful celebration, highlighting three decades of dedication and divine blessings, and offering hope for the future. The underlying theme of this whole event was thankfulness towards God, for what He has accomplished.
Dr E Fleischmann
It was a great joy, after 16 years from my graduation, to meet Cedar alumni, some with grey hair and many years of teaching experience and other young and enthusiastic ones.
It was also a delightful encounter with our dear lectures and the entire KwaSizabantu community!
I experienced a dream weekend. It felt as though I had returned from the battlefield, and now I was granted days of rest for both body and soul.
I recalled memories with colleagues, took a 10 km walk together, indulged in delicious meals at Tannie Ilsa's house or in a big hall decorated as for a special wedding and celebrated by singing and expressing gratitude to God for 30 years of truth and grace.
What resonated with me the most were the accounts from older alumni who shared how Auntie Kay taught them to be servant leaders. I return now to the battlefield with this fervent desire in my heart: to lead the school with humility.
My heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making this weekend truly exceptional for Cedar! It's an honour for me to be part of this work born through the vision of Uncle Erlo and his wife.
L Veciunca
Prof. J.L. van der Walt delivered an address at Cedar International Academy, reflecting on the historical partnership between Cedar College of Education and the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE). He recounted how in 1993, Cedar sought accreditation from PU for CHE, which initially declined but later facilitated collaboration with the Potchefstroom College of Teacher Education (PCTE). This collaboration led to Cedar's accreditation in 1996. The partnership continued through institutional mergers, eventually leading to the creation of North-West University (NWU) in 2004. However, policy changes in 2014 ended university accreditation for colleges, prompting Cedar to obtain its own accreditation and rebrand as Cedar International Academy in 2021.
Van der Walt emphasized the importance of Christian principles in education, outlining four key theological concepts: creation, the fall, redemption, and sanctification. He urged educators to reflect on these principles to equip teachers for their roles in a broken world, emphasizing the need to educate young people to contribute positively to society.
He concluded by congratulating Cedar International Academy on its 30th anniversary, praising their dedication to Christian-based education and expressing hopes for their continued success and blessings.
During the last weekend, Cedar International Academy celebrated its 30th anniversary at KwaSizabantu Mission. Alumni from all over South Africa and even overseas gathered at KwaSizabantu Mission to share in the celebration. Present as well were Professor van der Walt who was involved in Cedar’s earliest beginnings and Professor van Vuuren with his wife.
While the academy only became an independent institution in 2021, its existence as an organisation for Christian teacher training goes back much further. Cedar International Academy began as an educational mission project of the KwaSizabantu Mission in 1994 with the aim to send out Biblically trained teachers to carry out the Great Commission and, in the spirit of the revival, and to transform the lives of young people all over the world. Over the 30 years, Cedar experienced God’s guidance and blessings through times of prosperity and challenges.
Our hearts are full of gratitude and celebration as God has led us into our 30th year of operation. We are also grateful for the constant, dedicated support from the KwaSizabantu Mission who supported us in this work and even during last weekend’s celebration. We pray that for many more years, Cedar will be able to extend God’s transforming work into schools all over the world.
M Schoepen
