Motto
"Super Omnia Veritas" — The Truth Above All Things
Vision Statement: “Excellence and Equity for All”
Our Mission:
- Maintain high academic standards and develop the child holistically.
- Maintain a school environment conducive to learning and teaching.
- Promote democratic principles, mutual respect, and non-racial schooling.
- Prepare children on all levels for the next step in their education.
- Maintain our Christian character while practicing tolerance for all religions.
School Song & Hymn
We are very proud of our school song, written in 1996 in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa by founding staff members Mr. Potgieter and Mrs. Ndlwana.
| School Song | Direct Translation | The School Hymn |
| Isi bhaka bhaka lintaba zigadile, zigadile
Phezu kwethu, phezu kwethu Sidume, sidume Kwisi kolo iTPS Om jou naam, om jou naam, hoog te hou, sal ons werk, sal ons werk, sal ons speel. Jou standaarde steeds handhaaf, soos n honderd jare heen. We shall follow pupils’ past. On the path of South Africa. We shall follow true and steadfast, to bring honour to our school. The Truth Above All Things Super Omnia Veritas |
Built on solid rock Honouring our traditions It is our honour, It is our pride It is our school TPS We follow in the footsteps Of our South African leaders In all honesty, We bring honour to our school |
O God we bring before thee, Our own beloved school, We ask thee to behold it, In mercy of thy rule. We shall work, each pupil and teacher, To gain knowledge, courage, wisdom, That TPS will bring forth worthy men and women of Truth Above All Things. |
Our Historical Journey (1892 – 1994)
The history of Transkei Primary School dates back to 1892, when a small three-classroom school for boys was built in Umtata. In 1908, the school was named Umtata Public School and began admitting girls. In those early years, high school students required accommodation, leading to the construction of Viljoen House, which now serves as the Umtata High School hostel.
By 1950, the current school buildings were completed. These premises initially served Afrikaans-speaking pupils, while English-speaking pupils attended Umtata High School. In 1991, the high school section of the Afrikaans school closed, and it became a primary school known as Laerskool Transkei. A pivotal moment occurred in 1994 when the Afrikaans and English primary schools merged to officially form Transkei Primary School.
Enrolment Growth & Expansion
In 2023, the school introduced a fourth class per grade for Grades R through 3. This expansion has now progressed to Grade 6, resulting in significant growth in our learner population:
| Academic Year | Total Enrolment |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 745 Learners |
| 2024 | 859 Learners |
| 2025 | 998 Learners |
| 2026 | 1028 Learners |
Modern Era Milestones
Since our unification, the school has undergone continuous transformation:
- 1996: Three classrooms were built out of school funds, now occupied by Grade 3.
- 1997: Pre-primary hall was built with help from the local business economy.
- 1999: Establishment of our first computer room with 34 computers.
- 2001: Opening of the Gus Cameron Staffroom and the J M Schenk swimming pool
- 2002: Full renovation of the school library and implementation of a computerized management program.
- 2003: The old woodwork room was transformed into a Technology Centre.
- 2004: Junior Primary received its own dedicated computer room.
- 2005: The entire school was repainted with materials supplied by the Department of Education.
- 2006/2007: Major IT investment in new computers, school-wide internet, and a new school bus.
- 2008: Quad retarred and CCTV cameras installed for enhanced security
- 2022: A Solar Power Backup System was installed:
- 2022: A significant leadership milestone was reached with the retirement of Principal Mr. Munro.
- 2023: Mr. Tela was appointed as the new Principal to lead the school through its current phase of rapid growth.
- 2023: Four class were introduced from Grade R to 3
- 2026: A new section for the Preppies was opened to carter for Grade RR 3-4year old and Babies 3-2year old