About Us
Selebi Phikwe, a town born from the discovery of a copper mine, quickly grew to become a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities, and dreams. When the mine began its operations, it wasn’t just a source of employment – it was the heartbeat that brought people from all corners together, creating a close-knit community where every person you met on the street greeted you with a warm smile. This wasn’t just an ordinary mine, because in addition to unearthing minerals, it also unearthed dreams, ambitions, and resilience. People flocked into this burgeoning town, drawn by the promise of opportunity and greener pastures. In Phikwe, there were no natives; everyone was a newcomer, making it a place where unity and belonging were not only ideals, but lived experiences.
Amidst the backdrop of ambition and excellence that characterised Phikwe, Selebi Phikwe Senior School emerged as a beacon of educational excellence. The school wasn’t just an institution, it was also symbolic of the town’s relentless pursuit of success. And since the proof is in the pudding, the school consistently ranking among the top 10 best performing schools in Botswana is very much indicative of the collective determination of its students, and the community’s unwavering support. It’s also a testament to the hard work, dedication, and ambition that the community instilled in its children. Even until today, the close-knit nature of the town means that every success is shared, and every achievement signifies the community’s spirit.
However, like every great story, the story of Phikwe is not without its own challenges. The closure of the mine in 2016 left most people unemployed, with families losing their primary source of income and economic hardship looming. Left with no choice but to migrate, the exodus turned the once-bustling town into a shadow of its former self. SPSS too felt the impact, with lower admission rates and dwindling resources.
But regardless of the challenges faced, our resilient town remains unbroken, with its drawbacks simply serving as an addition to the town’s rich and vibrant tapestry. Despite challenges, SPSS has continued to thrive, with its students, teachers and the community at large driven by the same spirit of resilience that has become the lifeblood of the people of Phikwe. It’s evident from this that in Phikwe, challenges and hurdles may slow us down, but they’ll never be strong enough to stop us. As is said in Setswana, “Tlou ya gaabo e kgona go e itshwere.” Translated, this means that an elephant does not remain stuck in the mud. Phikwe, a town small in size but Herculean in spirit, will always find a way to rise again. The split tree, still grows.
One of the many ways SPSS has continued to thrive was through the founding of the alumni association in 2004. When we formed this association, there were no proper structures in place, and no clear agenda. We just knew that we wanted to give back to SPSS and the community of Phikwe at large. Years later, our association has grown in leaps and bounds, spearheaded by alumni who will always consider SPSS their second home.
We’ve significantly contributed to our alma mater by sponsoring its annual prize givings, and awarding outstanding students with laptops. We’ve also sought to empower the students by organising career guidance events. Our efforts are, more than anything, a labour of love that has emerged as a result of the spirit of Phikwe remaining in our hearts, no matter where our lives have taken us.