Alumni and friends of St Mark's School in Eswatini have raised E40,000 in under 10 minutes at a fundraising dinner held at Happy Valley Hotel. The funds were raised through an auction and individual pledges in support of restoring the school's infrastructure. The event, which took place on Friday, October 2, 2026, was part of a larger campaign to raise E300,000 for the school.
The biggest contribution came from the auction of a framed portrait of golfing legend Gary Player. Bidding opened at E10,000, and after a competitive bidding process, Thabo Magagula and his wife, Lomkhosi Magagula, secured the portrait for E20,000. Immediately after the auction, Tshepo Mazibuko pledged another E10,000, while Times of Eswatini Managing Director Martin Dlamini committed E10,000, bringing the total amount raised to E40,000.
The funds raised will be used 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 welcomed the initiative, highlighting the school's maintained academic excellence despite requiring investment in its facilities. The school has produced professionals and leaders across business, politics, and other sectors.
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. Participants included former FNB Chief Executive Officer Dennis Mbingo, professional golfer Raymond Mathonsi, and other notable individuals.
The gala dinner also heard from alumni who spoke about St Mark's contribution to their lives and careers. Sabelo Magagula said the school had grown from humble beginnings into an institution whose former pupils worked in different professions and countries. He reminded guests that St Mark's was established in 1908 and required support to maintain its facilities.
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 committee handed alumni blank cheques and encouraged them 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 event also included birthday celebrations for Esicojeni Foundation Deputy Chairperson Marjorie Balarin, adding a celebratory element to an evening focused largely on giving back. The initiative has brought together alumni and friends of St Mark's School, demonstrating their commitment to supporting their former school.
Key points
- St Mark's alumni raise E40,000 in under 10 minutes to support restoring their former school in Eswatini.
- The funds will be used to support work on the school's infrastructure, including floors, painting, furniture, and the swimming pool.
- The campaign aims to raise E300,000 in its first edition to support the school's development.
