A TRIBUTE TO DAVID GRIFFITHS (’59)
by John Maconachie (’59)
David Griffiths, who died recently, was a member of the 1959 matric class, the last to pass through the old School.
David came to Dryfe House, SACS Junior in 1953, from what was then Northern Rhodesia. He was a Guardian of the Banner and then excelled academically in the High School, winning the Victoria Scholarship. He was both a School and Rosedale prefect.
He enrolled at UCT and had earned a BSc Civil Engineering degree before he had turned 21! He would have been a worthy Rhodes Scholar had there been one that year.
He returned to what had then become Zambia and was involved in Computers, Casinos and a bit of engineering! Computers were in their infancy then, and David, with his sharp brain, took to it like a duck to water!
After a 7 year break from studies, he enrolled at Wits Medical School and gained an MB ChB degree in 1977. He went into private practice in Klerksdorp and ended up as head of Anglo American’s hospital at Stilfontein. He was a committed Rotarian, and actively involved in the Klerksdorp community.
He is survived by his wife, Carol and five children, as well as his Mother, May and brothers Keith and Roger, both of whom had similar careers at SACS.
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Tibute to Dr Hans Freund
by his wife Kitty Freund
Dr Hans Freund who died on 18th November 2007 was a man of many accomplishments and talents. He influenced a great number of young people by his teaching and gave pleasure with his music both in London and SA to young and old. He always intended to write about his adventurous life but only got as far as the title which was to be called ”My Three Passports”.
He was born in Berlin in 1910. His father ran a store specializing in linens and materials. His two uncles were Rabbis, the one in Berlin, the other in Hanover. Both held major positions. His grandfather was the Director of Weissensee, the largest Jewish Cemetery in Europe. Hans always loved music in all its forms. As a boy, he sang in the synagogue choir something he was to do all his life. He studied violin with a pupil of Joachim and delighted in playing the Harmonica especially on country walks. Hans studied German Literature and Philosophy at the Universities of Berlin, Greifsweld and Freiburg where he gained his doctorate a few months after Hitler came to power. At his father’s suggestion Hans came to England which he already knew and taught temporarily at University College London.
At this time Hans met Kitty, his future wife, at a Jewish social dance. Unfortunately the Aliens Act meant that foreigners were not allowed to earn money in England, so Hans accepted an offer of a passage and work in South Africa. His father had always hoped to join him there. But when Hans arrived in SA he was told that his father had died while Hans was on the boat. In 1936 and 1937, Hans worked in a large Johannesburg store opening boxes as a packer and later became a Commercial traveler in the Orange Free State and the Northern Transvaal incidentally learning to converse in Afrikaans.
By the time Kitty had come as an exchange teacher to SA, Hans had acquired enough money to attend the Witwatersrand University to qualify for a Government Teacher’s Diploma and obtained post at the famous Gymnasium School Pretoria. Famous because Winston Churchill had been imprisoned there during the Boer War.
After they were married came the outbreak of the 2nd World War. Hans volunteered for the South African Army to fight fascism. He joined as a private but was soon seconded to the newly formed Information Corps, beginning as a first Lieutenant and ending the war as a Captain. The first South African Brigade soon went up to North Africa and “Lieutenant Harold Friend” went with them. At the battle of Sidi Rezegh, Rommel’s forces surprised and captured all members of the Brigade Head Quarters. Hans was wounded and taken prisoner and held at the field Hospital prison.
Shortly after this, Hans made a daring escape in a reclaimed British Army Lorry posing next to the driver as a vociferous German officer and taking with him at least 20 New Zealand soldiers hidden away at the back. The story of his escape was published in many newspapers at that time.
After taking early retirement, the family decided to return to London, England. In 1966 both Hans and Kitty took up their careers as Teachers. Hans at Hendon County School and Kitty at the Main Grey College of Education. When Hans finally retired, he still continued part time teaching at the Yehudi Menuhim Music School and at harrow Public School teaching the Jewish boys. He was active in Ajex (Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen) and in the New London Synagogue Choir of Rabbi Jacobs for many years. He organized and sang in about every possible North London venue concert so that the audiences always listened to new songs from his wide repertoire in many languages.
He leaves his wife Kitty, to whom he was married for 68 years, son David, daughter in law Nina and granddaughter Leah, his daughter Erica, granddaughters Louisa and Ester. His only grandson Jeremiah Duggan died in 2003.
A final quote from a friend – “He had a great zest for life. He transformed so many of our lives with the joy of his music – and uplifted our minds as an inspiring educator.
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Internationally Famed Master Potter Hyme Rabinowitz Dies at 88
by Natasha Joseph (from the Cape Times, 17/02/2009)
Internationally renowned potter Hyme Rabinowitz has died at his Constantia home, aged 88.
Hyme was born in Namaqualand in 1921 and grew up in Port Nolloth.
According to art website artthrob.co.za, Hyme qualified as a chartered accountant but later decided this was not really the career for him and instead turned his hand to making pots.
Hyme started doing pottery part-time in the early 1950s and set up his own fulltime pottery workshop at Eagle’s Nest farm in Constantia in 1962.
He attended South African College Schools (SACS) in Newlands and received the Spectemur Agendo award, for outstanding old boys, in 1997. He was also awarded an honorary Masters degree in Fine Art by the University of Cape Town in 1992. The University of Pretoria awarded him a silver medal for Singular Merit and Rare Achievement in 1990 on his 70th birthday.
In 2000, at a retrospective exhibition held on his 80th birthday at the Cultural History Museum, Hyme was presented with the award of “Master Potter” by the Association of Potters of SA.
In an interview three years ago, Hyme said: “I don’t pretend I’m a great artist or even an artist at all – I just want to get along and make pots as long as I can.”
He is survived by his wife Jenni, son Nikolas and twin brother Sol.
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Tribute to Marcello da Sliva
('94) 1977-2009
by Chris Botha ('94 Head Prefect)
Marcello da Silva (Class of 1994) passed away on 16 February 2009. He will be remembered by a generation of SACS Old Boys as a gifted athlete, a true sportsman and a thorough gentleman.
Marcello was an exceptionally talented athlete. He won Western Province colours in no less than seven sports at various stages of his life - athletics, cross country, soccer, swimming, biathlon, duathlon and triathlon. He was humble, almost embarrassed, about the success that seemed to follow his every effort on the sportsfield. He should not have been – he trained hard and remained gracious whatever the outcome of the contests he so enjoyed.
Off the field, Marcello was a popular school mate, well-liked and admired by staff and boys alike. He was a leader throughout his high school career, captaining Athletics and Cross Country in his Matric year, and serving as a school Prefect with distinction.
But the image that will remain with so many of his contemporaries at SACS will be of Marcello the runner. His light, effortless gait and easy balance, his face always relaxed and giving no hint of the determination that drove him. His was a rare, natural talent.
After school, he continued his studies at Varsity College and, later, through UNISA.
In 1996, Marcello capitalised on his gifts, representing South Africa at the World Triathlon Championships in the USA. He returned from the trip stronger and more determined to do well. He trained hard and spent time coaching, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with younger athletes.
Three years later, his life changed abruptly. Marcello was involved in a serious accident. He was fortunate to survive, but - cruelly - lost his left leg, putting a premature halt to his sporting career. Despite discomfort and frustration, he seldom complained; but lived every day with the reminder of what might have been.
Having been such a determined competitor, Marcello channelled his energy and commitment into supporting others. His love for sport remained and he was an eager volunteer at sporting events and at his church.
He was always interested in the achievements and lives of his friends, offering vocal encouragement from the side of the field or letting loose a flurry of emails to share word of someone’s good fortune. Those who were struggling with health or happiness were more likely to receive a cheery visit and simple, honest encouragement.
Marcello was fiercely proud of his school and was a regular feature at first team rugby games and Old Boys’ Dinners. He scoured the media for news of Old Boys’ sporting successes and shared them eagerly with his classmates and friends. Most recently, he contributed a column to this newsletter covering the same topic.
Always willing to lend a hand or to drum up support, he was a stalwart of the Old Boys’ Union, serving on the committee for the past eight years.
In recent years, he returned to competitive sport, playing for the Old Boys’ Waterpolo team and winning his Western Province colours for swimming. His bravery was an example to many of us.
Marcello was always a gentleman – a thoroughly decent man. With never a harsh word to say about anyone, he was a concerned and committed friend and a loving father to Liano. He mixed easily and widely and was involved well beyond the school, although his heart always remained close to SACS.
He died tragically and too soon. We trust that he has found peace.
Marcello is survived by his son, Liano, his parents Joe and Lucia, sister Nicky and brother Elio (Class of 2004). They can feel proud – as his friends are - of the man that Marcello was.
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