Bosmansdam Primary was the first school established in Bothasig.  The school opened its doors on 19 January 1966.  Just a year earlier, when the first residents had moved into Bothasig, the new town was described as follows:

“Acres of sandy wasteland, one tree, two barely identifiable roads (Tafelberg and Nassau), thirty houses, no access road, no garden fences, no public transport, no parks, no shops, no churches, no Civic Centre, no sports fields.  Not even the most tightly sealed door or window could keep out the sand that blew insidiously into every corner of one’s house.” (Tyger Burger 1986-10-08).

49 pupils were enrolled for different grades and ready for the historic day.  They arrived on the first school day to find that there were no desks or tables and chairs and not enough teachers.  16 of these pupils were in a combined Sub A & B (Grade 1 & 2) class.  The principal appointed to see the school through its pioneering days was Mr Jan Botes. The teaching staff were Ms Alice Heyneman and Ms Helene Venter.

By January 1967 the staff of Bosmansdam Primary School had grown to eleven (Mr Botes, the principal, included).  The community of Bothasig grew and thrived and by 1974 the staff increased to forty-three!

Today, a far cry from the small community in a sandy waste just off the national road, the school has an enrolment of about 800 learners.  The present staff comprises of thirty-two educators. The school also has three administrative staff members and a team of seven maintenance staff. A vast difference compared to the school’s humble beginnings in 1966!

Principals of Bosmansdam Primary School

• Mr Botes (1966 – 1982)

• Mr Pretorius (1982 – 1990)

• Mr Eldred Käsner (1991 – 1996)

• Mr Ben van den Berg (1997 – 2009)

• Mr Charles Fontini (2009 – 2018)

• Mr Willem Hendrikse (2019 – 2024)

• Mr Ben van Rooyen (2024 – Present)