Throughout August 2026, Rustenburg commemorated Women’s Month with a dynamic series of cultural, artistic, and educational events that highlighted the exceptional talent and resilience of women in our community.
The celebrations launched with Music Week from 11–14 August, following the public holiday weekend. Breaks were transformed by live performances from small music groups to guest artists, culminating in a sold-out Music Gala Concert that featured the school’s various ensembles, choirs, and talented musicians.
In drama, sixteen students premiered Maid of Steel, an original production workshopped specifically for the occasion. The play directly tackled the question, “What does it mean to be a woman?” through scenes reflecting female complexity, strength, and history.
Visual Arts and Design also took centre stage at the annual Celebration of Creativity Exhibition, organised by the Art, Design, and Photography department to showcase student works created throughout the year.
The evening of the exhibition also marked the launch of the Women & Wisdom in-Conversation series. Guest speaker and alumna Samantha Lehoko-Jansen van Vüren (E 2009), a prominent television presenter, radio personality, and public speaker, joined Jan Thorne, RGHS TEB Head, to discuss her career and personal growth. Samantha later addressed the entire student body at a dedicated Women’s Month Assembly the following morning.
The assembly also featured a historic presentation by RGHS History learners, who traced the interconnected legacies of South Africa’s 1956 Women’s Day and the 1976 Youth Uprising. The event opened with a traditional isiXhosa greeting by the Jabulani Choir and included a moment of silence to honour those who lost their lives in the struggle for equality.
This almost month-long tribute underscored Rustenburg’s commitment to uplifting the next generation of female leaders, creative visionaries, and changemakers. By blending performance, visual art, and historical reflection, the community not only honoured the trailblazers of the past but also amplified the bright potential of the young women shaping its future.