EZULWINI – St Mark’s alumni raised E40 000 in under 10 minutes at a fundraising dinner on Friday night.
The money was raised through an auction and individual pledges at the St Mark’s Alumni and Friends Gala Dinner at Happy Valley Hotel in support of restoring the former pupils’ school.
The biggest contribution came from the auction of a framed portrait of golfing legend Gary Player. Bidding opened at E10 000, with Tshepo Mazibuko entering the contest before Thabo Magagula and his wife, Lomkhosi Magagula, secured the portrait for E20 000.
Immediately afterwards, Mazibuko pledged another E10 000, while Times of Eswatini Managing Director Martin Dlamini committed E10 000.
The three contributions brought the amount raised during the opening fundraising drive to E40 000.
The pledges did not end there. Alumni were handed blank cheques and encouraged to write down any amount they wished to contribute towards restoring St Mark’s. The campaign is expected to continue beyond Friday’s dinner.
The funds are intended to support work on the school’s infrastructure, including floors, painting, furniture and the swimming pool.
St Mark’s School Committee Chairman Bongani ‘Bhanyaza’ Mdluli, who also serves in football administration and chairs the Premier League of Eswatini Development Committee, welcomed the initiative.
He said the school had maintained its academic excellence, but still required investment in its facilities.
The fundraising drive began earlier on Friday with the St Mark’s Alumni and Friends Invitational Golf Day at Ezulwini Golf and Country Club. Teams of four paid an entry fee, with proceeds also going towards the school project.
The initiative is targeting E300 000 in its first edition.
Participants included former FNB Chief Executive Officer Dennis Mbingo, professional golfer Raymond Mathonsi, Futhi Dlamini, Nomvuyo Dludlu, Felicity Shiba, Gcina Bhembe and Olive Simelane.
The dinner also heard from alumni who spoke about St Mark’s contribution to their lives and careers.
Sabelo Magagula said the school had produced professionals and leaders across business, politics and other sectors. He reminded guests that St Mark’s was established in 1908 and had grown from humble beginnings into an institution whose former pupils worked in different professions and countries.
He said the swimming pool required proper maintenance, while classrooms needed painting and the floors and furniture required attention. The fundraising committee said the aim was not only to raise money, but also to reconnect former pupils and create a network that could continue supporting the school.
The gala dinner also included birthday celebrations for Esicojeni Foundation Deputy Chairperson Marjorie Balarin, adding a celebratory element to an evening focused largely on giving back.
