History Timeline


Year/Date

Description

January 1963The first 252 learners were enrolled in Standards 6 to 8. Learners were Afrikaans- and English-speaking. Experienced senior teachers were appointed for the technical divisions and school subjects. The buildings were still under construction and were completed in 1964. Mr A.M. van Zyl was the first principal.
1966A total of 387 learners participated in the Cadet programme under the supervision of 12 staff members. The Cadets performed at several high-profile events and received commendable praise.
1963Skotnes was a South African artist known for painted and incised wooden panels, woodblock prints, public murals, tapestries and sculpture. His work often used earth pigments and indigenous wood to tell visual stories about the African past.
In 1963, he adapted an inlaid cement technique for the exterior mural on the entrance facade of H.T.S. Pretoria-Tuine. The design resembles a wind devil moving across the veld. The deeply gouged lines were left grey rather than filled with black plaster. As the light changes throughout the day, the mural’s colour and texture shift with the sun, shadows and clouds. His artworks are displayed inside and outside the main building of H.T.S. Pretoria-Tuine  and are of significant cultural and financial value.
1970Mr B.B.J. Coetzee became the first deputy principal of H.T.S. Pretoria-Tuine.
1972The school fees were R3,00 per learner per year and could be paid off in instalments. School started at 07:40 and ended at 14:10.
1976An amount of R505 000 was approved for the construction of the new wing. A further R4 000 was approved for the purchase of 600 hall chairs and the building of the gymnasium. A fair raised R9 735. Construction began in June 1977.
1979The main gate was designed and made by Johan van Heerden.
8 June 1983The first girl joined the school.
26 October 1984The pavilion was commissioned.
1984Softball became an official sport at H.T.S. Pretoria-Tuine. The school made a strong contribution to the Northern Transvaal softball league, and two Junior Springboks emerged from the school in 1986.
1995The first boys’ hockey team was established. The team practised in the LO Hall with limited equipment and still achieved success.
1986-2005The school band was known as the Marching Band, with Mr Danie Smith as maestro.
2022-2025The band was revived with Mr Danie Smith as maestro. 2023 – SA winners; 2024 – 2nd; 2025 – 3rd.
2026H.T.S. Pretoria-Tuine changed to Pretoria-Tuine Engineering School of Specialisation, under the leadership of Mr. van der Nest as principal. A new school emblem was introduced, as well as new opportunities.