Richards Bay

History

Where today the busy town of Richards Bay is sprawling out, there were 40 years ago, a few fishermen’s houses and a little hotel amid dunes and bush. It was in 1965 that the Government decided that this would be the place to build the biggest harbour in the country to serve the export of coal. In 1970, the work commenced: the ground was cleared; the harbour was started; houses and factories began to mushroom. A year later, 1500 people had already settled. The Catholic Church of Eshowe watched in surprise as this area of the Diocese developed rapidly. Here was an opportunity for the Church, an opportunity to be taken or to be missed. Decisions had to be made quickly. As the See of Eshowe was vacant, the Administrator Elmar Kimmel OSB had to act. With his consultants, he decided that the Diocese was to obtain ground and start a project. Religious sisters would not only be a bonus but a necessity. Our Superior General at Mallersdorf, Germany, was approached with the request for sisters to open and run a Pre-Primary school. Mother Salesia Eder agreed: Sisters, already working in South Africa, should be made available for the intended project. In 1975, the Diocese, through the new Bishop Mansuet D. Biyase, could buy a piece of ground in Meerensee.

1978

August

Mother Alexia Fischer opened the Pre-Primary School with 35 children in two groups. As the convent was not yet ready, Mother Alexia found accommodation with the Dominican Sisters in Empangeni. In 1979, at last, the new convent building could be occupied. In 1986, Sr Carmelina Zinkl became the principal and Mother Alexia Fischer stayed on as a staff member.

In 1987, the Education Department registered the school as ‘private’. That meant continued hard work for the staff to raise money for the teachers’ salaries and the upkeep of the property. Our thanks go to the Congregation for not only financing the building of the school but also continuing to assist in its running.

The tenth anniversary in 1988 was celebrated with gratitude and a sense of achievement. In four groups, 125 children were now cared for.

1989

Our St Francis Pre-Primary School was opened to all races.

In 1994, Sr Hilbalda Ferch joined the teaching.

Sr Sanelisiwe-Pio Shezi took over the school as principal from 2020 – 2023.

Outreach

In Richards Bay Pre-Primary School we have four groups and aftercare.

GROUPS

Butterflies & Bees

Grade RRR

In the Butterflies and the Bees we take children who are 3-4 years old. We teach them respect, counting, sharing and communication and to familiarise themselves with letters and numbers.

Bambies

Grade RR

In the Bambies, we take children who are 5 years old. We teach them creativity, counting, human development, decision-making, self-control and respect.

Bunnies

Grade R

In the Bunnies we take children who are 6 years old and we teach them to understand the concept of numbers, how to read and write, have listening skills and always take responsibility and human development.

AFTERCARE

Here we take care of the different age groups of children who will be fetched after the regular Pre-Primary School hours. During that time we get them together to play, sing and learn.

Pastoral Work

The sisters assist in the parish:

With decorations
Proclaiming the Word
Teaching catechism and preparing youth for Confirmation

Support The Nardini Sisters

The Nardini Sisters have been a pillar of faith, service, and compassion in their community. Your support, in any form, can make a meaningful difference in sustaining their vital work. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps them continue their mission.

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