Women's Day is around the corner—a wonderful opportunity to honour and celebrate women's achievements. While this special day invites us to pause and celebrate, we are reminded daily of the invaluable role women play in shaping society and building a brighter future. At RAN, we joyfully recognise the remarkable women who inspire, uplift, and strengthen our communities every day. We also remember those who have passed on.
The late Kay Stegen (née Dahl) co-founded the Cedar Academy International (NPC) in KwaZulu-Natal, an institution that has trained world-class teachers for many decades. Kay had a profound impact on many people and made an immense contribution to education. She was a lecturer at two training colleges before founding Cedar, and she continued lecturing during her years at the Academy until her passing. Kay also co-founded Domino Servite School (DSS) in Kranskop.
She was the first rector of the college, providing leadership during its challenging early years. She held this position until her death in the early 2000s. Through her dedication and perseverance, each student who successfully completed their studies helped establish the Academy's spiritual and academic standards at the outset, and these standards remain the basis on which the training principles operate today. Kay's contribution to the Academy's successes is immense. She developed the mission and vision and defined the purpose, values and long-term goals. Through her dedication and loyalty, she built a culture of excellence. By setting high expectations for teaching and learning, she was instrumental in shaping the Academy's culture.
An outstanding characteristic of Kay's contribution to education was her emphasis on practical skills such as sewing, woodwork, bricklaying, and sports. She believed this would enable students to lay bricks and build a school when necessary. Cedar began in 1994 as an off-campus training facility for teachers affiliated with the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University (NWU), formerly known as Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. Due to changes in government legislation, Cedar chose to go private, and it was registered as a Private Higher Education Institution in 2021.
Cedar has maintained an excellent track record of achievements and milestones since its establishment. Its mission statement clarifies its pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and excellence. Its goal is to instil in its students a commitment to what is true, honourable, and consistent with the highest values of the Word of God. Its foundation is therefore based on the truths and values of God's Word. Kay Stegen created a legacy which is now part of the institution's traditions, reputation and, most of all, its long-term success. The work she started is now reflected in the collective vision, dedication, and leadership of both past and current members and leaders. It provided the foundation for sustainable growth and educational excellence.
(Visit the website: www.cedar.ac.za)