Westside family united by Fun Day and Potjiekos Competition

Westside High
-Raymondii Basson

Westside High School held a Fun Day and Potjiekos Competition on 30 July 2016. This day proved to be nothing but a glowing success.

Learners, teachers, parents and members of the community as a whole extended their full support by attending this event in numbers. The event was held with the idea of granting a platform for the different grades to work together and showcase not only their “potjie-making” skills but just for the mere art of having fun and enjoying themselves. Each grade had the task of creating a “potjie”, out of which 25 selling portions were to be made, coming up with a theme and decorating their stall according to that theme and of course present their dishes to the esteemed judges. The style of which the “potjie” were to be made, was up to the class group. The judges critiquing these dishes were, Mrs Kotze, Mr Cloete, Mr Van Wyk and Mr Ziegenoppaser. There was a total of 12 stalls, as well as complementary cool drink, snacks and cupcake stalls.

This day was extremely entertaining and satisfying. "The ambience was so pleasant, despite having to help out with the rest of the LRC''s. I even got to devour a delicious “potjie” dish prepared by the grade 3 class," said Tulimeke Ngushikungu, a grade 11 learner.

The LRC''s had their separate stall, selling braai plates from pre-sold tickets. The LRC''s showed their commendable commitment and team work along with their guardian, Mr Innes.

The principal, Mrs Louw, was definitely not to be missed. She illuminated her continuous support, assisting with the selling of the coupons, walking from stall to stall, even posing for a picture with some learners when asked. Mr Ugam, the high school Accounting and Entrepreneurship teacher showed off his quad- biking skills by offering rides to the enthusiastic learners so eager to play.

This day also played host to an auction with hopes of raising money for the school. This was a blunt success clear to see due to the profit made. As the day was drawing to an end judges joined forces to cast their votes.

The announcer, Mr Innes, called upon everyone to gather closer to him. Everyone waited eagerly as he announced the results. The third place winners were the grade 11 class walking away with N$ 300. Second place went to the grade 8 class winning N$ 500. First place went to the deserving grade 5 class accompanied by the prize money of N$ 1000. The grade five class along with their dedicated teachers, Mrs Swartz and Mrs Hindjou, celebrated their triumph with loud cheers and applause.

After the winners were announced, the day was brought to a fitting end with the pristine cleaning of the area and packing up. This day was but a definite broadcast of the diverse, yet unified Westside High showing nothing but support and enjoyment.

We sat down with the winning teams to get the insiders on how they did it.

The triumphant first place winners was directed by Mrs Swartz. This is what Mrs Swartz had to say on the event as a whole:

“The judgement was fair from my point of view, at each stall the judges sat long enough to taste and process the food as well as take in the ambience and stall setting. People won''t believe it but our décor was thought upon a day or two days before the initial event. Lastly I can''t let you in on our secret ingredient to success but I can surely expose the name of our pot and it''s “Don''t Touch”. I was so taken aback by the immense support of the parents. We should definitely do this again. Our grade group went home with the big prize for which we are ever so thankful.”

The second place hosted by the grade 8''s and their success story.

Ms Januarie has shown her happiness by cheering her loudest after the announcement. She all in all just wanted to thank all the supportive parents, especially Ms Charmaine Van Wyk who prepared the Worcestershire chicken “potjie”, Ms Blaauw, Mr D Louw as well as Mr and Mrs Herman.

This is what the third place winners directed by Mr Kuriakose had to say.

“Due to us getting a prize I believe the judgement was fair (laughs)”.I honestly didn''t get to taste the other competitors “potjie” but I believe all were judged fairly.

Next time they should include things from other tribes because “Potjie” in general is only embraced the Afrikaans way. Other ethnic traditional food can be included like Vamboe chicken, Herero butter and call the event as a whole ''traditional dish festival''. The whole event was definitely well organised and everyone enjoyed themselves.”