Gedenksteen
Memorial Monument
Geskiedenis van monument (Klik hier om Geskiedenis van Monument te lees)
The Andrew Rabie Memorial Monument stands as a tribute to former learners of the school who lost their lives while serving in uniform in defence of their country and its people. The monument reflects the school's commitment to honouring the sacrifice, courage, and legacy of those who gave their lives in service.
The idea for the monument arose after several former learners died during military service during the late 1960s and early 1980s. In response, the school community decided to create a permanent memorial on the school grounds so that their sacrifice would never be forgotten. Learners were invited to submit design proposals, and the winning design was created by Karel Leerink, a matriculant of 1982. The monument was officially unveiled on 27 September 1984 during the tenure of principal Mr Meyer Sauermann.
The design of the monument carries deep symbolic meaning. The pedestal represents the Christian foundation of the school. A smaller column represents birth, while the surrounding walls symbolise the journey of life. The taller columns represent the culmination of life and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Five former learners are commemorated on the monument:
Daniël du Toit – the first South African Police counter-insurgency member killed during operations in Rhodesia in 1968.
Ruben van Niekerk – who died during military service in Ovamboland in 1977.
Ronald Potgieter – who died in 1981 after injuries sustained during military training.
Karel Johannes van Heerden – who passed away in 1984 following a vehicle accident while returning to his military base.
Petrus Cornelius (Pieta) Victor – who died in 1984 after injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while on military duty.
For many years the school held annual ceremonies at the monument, including flag-raising and wreath-laying events, where guest speakers addressed learners. These ceremonies served to instil patriotism, respect, and remembrance among the school community.
In 2024 the monument underwent significant restoration and landscaping to restore its dignity and ensure that future generations understand its importance. The renovation project was made possible through the support of former learners, the Andrew Rabie Trust, and Bay Tool & Die Makers, whose contribution helped fund the building work, paving, and restoration.
Today, the monument remains an important symbol of the school’s history and values. It reminds the Rabie community that the legacy of those who served will always be remembered — a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of Andrew Rabie High School.
