Steelcrest High School
This caused much unhappiness among the English-speaking pupils and their parents, and they started, as early as 1970, to campaign for a new English high school in Middelburg. As a result of their efforts and dedication, by 1984 an amount of R650,000 was raised and handed over to the authorities, who then approved the establishment of an English high school in Middelburg. This was an occasion of much joy for all who had so long borne the frustrations of attempting to obtain this approval. In January 1985, the doors were opened to Standard 6 and 7 pupils, using a few classrooms made available by the Middelburg English Medium Primary School. One hundred and fifty-one pupils enrolled, and nine teachers were appointed. The Headmaster and newly appointed secretary used a donated caravan as the school office for the next two years. Much to the excitement of pupils, parents, and teachers alike, in January 1987 we moved to the permanent school building which had been erected in Springbok Avenue, Kanonkop.
The reason for the choice of the name Steelcrest is given below in an extract from a letter penned by R.M. Eden, the Chairperson of the School Name Subcommittee. He stated: "STEELCREST: STEEL is an alloy, a mixture of metals which results in a stronger, more durable, and superior substance. This is symbolic of our high school.
The community and the staff combined with young Middelburgers to form a school — an institution that will increase the strength of and perpetuate our community. The school takes its identity from Middelburg, widely known as 'steel country.' For many, the two names are synonymous.
The town’s main resource is steel; our main resource is education. Both are images of great strength. For the Middelburg community, the establishment of this school, like the establishment of any educational institution, has meant a long uphill journey, and finally the crest of the hill has been reached. A child’s education is also a long, uphill journey.
The crest is symbolic of these achievements. We thus find it fitting that these two symbols combine — 'STEELCREST' appropriately represents what our school means to the community, the pupils, and the staff."
Our motto, "Fortune favours the bold," is also in keeping with the tradition of the school, where pupils are motivated and encouraged to assert themselves academically, culturally, and ethically, thus preparing them to enter the adult world without fear and with total confidence in themselves and their future.
Welcome to Steelcrest High School — where excellence, integrity, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.
As the proud principal of this dynamic school, I am honoured to lead a team of passionate educators who are dedicated to shaping the minds and futures of our learners. At Steelcrest, we believe that education is more than academics — it’s about building character, encouraging curiosity, and preparing young people for a changing world.
Our school has a rich history of achievement and a strong sense of community. We are proud of the traditions that define us and excited about the innovation that lies ahead. With a strong focus on discipline, respect, and hard work, we create an environment where each learner is given the opportunity to succeed and grow.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I invite you to explore more about who we are, what we stand for, and how we’re shaping futures — one learner at a time.
11 and 12)
