There wasn’t a dry eye in sight at Hillwood Primary School in Lavender Hill when family and friends gathered for the handover of a new computer lab – a generous legacy donation made in honour of the late Murray Carlyle. 

On Friday, after a successful fundraising campaign which raised R200,441, the beneficiary school proudly opened the doors of their new computer lab, sporting 36 PCs, interactive whiteboards, as well as a financial contribution towards staff appreciation.

The campaign, Murray for Mountains, carried Murray’s spirit forward, encouraging everyone who knew him to do one more rep, one more step, or one more act of generosity, so Hillwood’s pupils get more chances. 

Murray had raised over R160,000 for Hillwood Primary in Lavender Hill on behalf of Fella’s Army, but tragically passed away in September last year after suffering a heart attack while hiking Table Mountain.

Murray’s loved ones, devastated by their loss and united in grief, celebrated the bittersweet moments with Murray’s siblings, mother, and life partner at the opening ceremony. 

Murray’s brother, Rob Carlyle, said it was an honour to be associated with Hillwood Primary School, and reflected on the physical paces he was put through, when he and friends of Murray obliged to a 10,000 sit up challenge at the school before his brother passed away. 

“It made it all so worthwhile seeing all those faces and you see that you are making a difference. We tragically lost Murray and he was a very quiet, unassuming, wonderful man. He didn’t look for a pat on the back, he just went about and did things. I think he is looking down and is very happy and proud that he can be associated and that his passing has actually done something for other people,” said Rob. 

Friend, Suzie Allderman, said seeing the vision Murray had come to fruition “was an absolutely incredible experience”. 

“I know the importance of a legacy… There is something very special about having a legacy. It doesn’t bring them back, but at least they are not forgotten. It’s a sad day, but it’s also wonderful to be opening this room. 

“As a Capetonian, I know, and many of you know, that it starts here. It starts with these kids, and it starts with making sure that they have a proper education because we are ultimately all going to benefit from that further down the line. Our kids need a good education, and this is a good step,” said Allderman.

Teachers at the school celebrated the donation and said they opened more than just a computer room. “We open more than just a room… we open doors to knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.” 

Teacher Letasha Abrahams said they are grateful after learning of the generous donation, through which the school’s computer accessibility tripled. 

“We have learners who come from all kinds of backgrounds. You have the rough ones who talk back to you and give you a word, but if you put them in front of a computer, they become just so small. So for our learners, it’s an opportunity to build their confidence. We want to say thank you on their behalf. They are going to appreciate it and enjoy it,” said Abrahams.

Principal Gavin Alkana said the new lab poses a new world of opportunities. 

“Last year, we only had 10 computers; now we have 36 computers. It has been a challenge for us because the biggest class is 38 pupils and we couldn’t take them all at once.

“We had to take 10 at a time, but now each learner will have a working space. That is creating an oasis in Lavender Hill. New opportunity and growth – that is what education is all about,” said Alkana.  

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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