07/07/2026
Dear Principal
I hope you are well.
This is Jumah Mohammed, your former learner of Paterson High School, Class of 1991.
Last year, I had the honour of being invited to perform at the Paterson High School 100-year centenary event. I was also included in the centenary booklet, which was an incredibly special and meaningful moment for me.
To be recognised by the school in that way, and to return to perform at such a historic occasion, reminded me where I come from, how far the journey has taken me, and how important it is to continue representing the people and places that helped shape me.
That moment meant more to me than I can fully express. Being welcomed back by Paterson High School, included in the centenary booklet, and allowed to share my gift through dance at the centenary event fueled my perseverance and determination to achieve more, do more, and continue raising the South African flag with pride.
A year later, I wanted to take a moment to update the school on how my journey has continued to grow since that special occasion, and also to express my appreciation for the support, encouragement and pride that Paterson High School has shown towards my achievements.
Since the centenary event, my international dance career has reached another level. In 2025, I became a multiple world champion in ballroom and Latin dancing, representing South Africa on the international stage.
So far in 2026, I reached another major milestone by bringing back seven gold medals, one silver medal, two third places and multiple top-seven finishes across events in a single international competition. That kind of result, across multiple events at one competition, is a milestone that is not commonly seen in South African ballroom and Latin dancing.
For me, this is not only about medals or titles. It is about continuation, growth and representation. It is about showing that someone who once walked the corridors of Paterson High School can go on to compete internationally, stand on world championship podiums, and achieve results that may be among the first of their kind for South African ballroom and Latin dancing.
My journey has not always been easy. Much of it has been self-driven, self-funded and often walked alone. I have had to train, choreograph, travel and compete internationally without the kind of full support structure that many athletes from other countries have behind them. Yet, through discipline, sacrifice and perseverance, I have continued to push forward and represent South Africa with dignity.
Knowing that Paterson High School has supported and acknowledged my journey means a great deal to me. Sometimes, when one is competing far from home, that sense of support from your roots, your school and your community becomes very important. It reminds you that your achievements are not only personal, but also connected to the people and places that helped shape you.
This email is therefore also my way of saying thank you.
Thank you for inviting me to perform at the centenary event. Thank you for including me in the centenary booklet. Thank you for making me feel connected to the Paterson High School story. Thank you for the encouragement, pride and support shown to me. That moment helped fuel my determination to keep going, keep growing, and keep achieving.
I hope that my journey can serve as motivation to the current learners and remind them that their dreams are valid, no matter where they start. A learner from Paterson High School can go on to represent South Africa, stand proudly on world championship podiums, and achieve on the international stage.
I would be honoured if the school would consider sharing this update with the Paterson High School community.
Thank you once again for your continued support and encouragement.
Kind regards
Jumah Mohammed
Paterson High School Class of 1991
South African Multi-World Champion Ballroom & Latin Dancer
International Dance Coach and International Championship Adjudicator
Founder: Saint Ballroom Dance Studio
Cell: 084 553 2937
