Domino Servite School marked its 40th anniversary on 3 May 2026, celebrating four decades of dedicated service to education, character formation and community development. The vision of the school was established by the founders, Reverend Erlo Stegen and his wife, Kay in 1986. The school commemorated this milestone with a special celebration that honoured its history, recognised the contributions of educators and alumni and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing learners through values‑based education.
The celebration was attended by a wide range of distinguished guests and members of the school community, including the Honourable Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, members of the Board of Directors, KwaSizabantu Mission leadership and co‑workers, as well as present and past learners, parents and teachers. Their presence reflected the deep support, shared history and strong partnerships that have shaped Domino Servite School over the past four decades.
The 350‑plus voice anniversary choir and orchestra, under the direction of Martin Jaeger, rendered two soul-stirring items of praise to the Lord. The choir, made up of past and present learners and staff, was truly special.
We were encouraged by messages from Confidence Dikgole, CEO of IEB and Lebogang Montjane, Executive Director of ISASA who extended warm congratulations and wished Domino Servite “every success as you celebrate 40 years of excellence and service.”
Nico Bosman, parent and member of the board, paid tribute to Dorothy Newlands, the principal of the school who has dedicated her life to education at KwaSizabantu and Domino Servite. “Ms Newlands has guided the school through good years, difficult years, COVID years and transition years. We applaud her leadership.”
Ms Newlands captured the true spirit of the school in her words, “The heart of the school has not changed. Truth is still taught. Character is still formed. Young lives are still shaped with purpose and, most importantly, God is still at the centre because while methods may change values are eternal.”
Dirk Combrink, past pupil and parent, honoured Ms Newlands for taking up the baton of this ministry from Rev and Mrs Stegen and carrying it forward with faithfulness. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of Rev and Mrs Stegen, KwaSizabantu Mission, parents, learners, past pupils, and South Africa as a whole.
Mr Hans Koller and Ms Lidia Veciunca, principal of Domino Servite, Romania, were also in attendance. Mr Koller gifted the school with a scripture from 2 Timothy 2:21, encouraging them to remain vessels honourable to God—cleansed, useful, and prepared for every good work. “This is my desire for this precious school,” Mr Koller said.
Singing has long united people, and this has been a cherished tradition at DSS for generations. When the 250+ past pupils group performed Ingummangaliso Imisebenzi kaThixo, Uyakubusiswa and the school anthem in beautiful harmony, it stirred many warm memories of school days gone by.
The Honourable Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli paid tribute in his address to “the visionaries who laid this foundation – the parents of the first intake of learners, members of KwaSizabantu Mission who desired an education rooted in strong moral and Christian values. We honour Rev Erlo Stegen and his wife, Mrs Kay Stegen whose leadership turned this vision into reality with Mrs Kay Stegen serving as the founding principal in 1986.” He stated that Domino Servite“stands as a remarkable testament to what South Africa could become even before democracy was realised. During the dark days of apartheid, this institution broke barriers by embracing learners of all races, learning together, playing together and sharing meals together.” He noted that the excellent academic results spanning 4 decades make Domino “…no longer just a school it is a global centre of excellence rooted in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Mr Detlef Stegen centered the message of the day on Psalm 103:1–3 Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases… He encouraged the audience to continually remember God and all He has done, reflecting on how He has lovingly nurtured and sustained Domino Servite over the past 40 years. He further highlighted Psalm 40:5, acknowledging the countless wonderful works of God and His immeasurable thoughts toward His people. Mr Stegen concluded by echoing the enduring hope expressed in Isaac Watts’ hymn, O God, Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope for Years to Come, affirming God’s faithfulness through every season.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal in beautifully decorated venues. Joyful reunions followed, with familiar faces recognised and cherished memories fondly shared. What a memorable day!
