How The OBU Has Supported the School Over the Past 80 Years?
Prior to 1930 – the OBU purchased the fields of St. Michaels and Leeuwenhof (previously hired from the Administrator of the Cape Province) for the High School and Junior School respectively; also paid for building the changerooms and groundman’s flatlet at each field. With the relocation of the high school these fields were sold and the proceeds used to develop the Old Boys’ War Memorial fields at the High School in 1960.
The Russell Clock was donated and installed in the High School Quadrangle in Orange Street and later relocated to Newlands.
After World War II the finances of the OBU stepped up, particularly after a large fete held in 1947 in conjunction with both schools, which was opened by the Prime Minister, General Jan Smuts.
Victoria Scholarships established approx. 1935
SACS Old Boys’ War Memorial Scholarships established for each grade after World War II
War Memorial plaques featuring names of SACS Old Boys who lost their lives in both World Wars. (Transferred to Newlands Campus in 1960)
Prominent Old Boys negotiated with the Cape Province Administration to move SACS from Orange Street in Cape Town to one school campus in Newlands.
With the move to Newlands – High School in 1960 and Junior School in 1954 – fund raising by OBU was incorporated into the J H Hofmeyr Memorial Fund, which was organised by the OBU. Appeals were made throughout the country with Chief Justice A. v.d. Sandt Centlivres as the main trustee. Well over 40 prominent Old Boys served on various committees to promote the fund raising.
The three chief aims of the Fund were:
Building of the J H Hofmeyr Memorial Hall at a cost of £75,000. The Hall was completed and opened in March 1960.
The OBU also funded the installation of the entire Hofmeyr Hall wood paneling, foyer marble as well as the printing of all the names from the old school panels.
The staff room and High School headmaster’s study were also panelled with cash from this fund as well as the marble for the High School’s main foyer and furnishing of red leather chairs for High School staff room.
Further development of both schools to the value of £25,000 - the Junior School swimming pool was partially paid from this fund.
Pediments on front facades at High School, Junior School and J H Hofmeyr Hall were also paid from this fund.
Construction of roads, laying out playing fields and planting trees financed by OBU from 1960-67
Once both schools were established at Newlands, the Old Boys’ Union established the SACS Foundation through which both schools benefitted in many ways:
Housing for staff in Palmboom Road.
Apartments at Foundation Close in Palmboom Road adjoining the Old Boys’ War Memorial Fields. These properties were later sold to provide finance for the Schools in 1990 and more recently to provide the headmasters’ residences. Governing Body teachers are presently assisted with housing subsidies from the SACS Foundation.
The value of SACS Old Boys’ War Memorial Scholarships were increased.
Cost of the Junior School Cultural Centre was aided from funds from the SACS Foundation.
The High School Lecture Theatre and refurbished Library were funded by the SACS Foundation in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.
Low interest loans made for the building of the new Resources Centre, Arts Block for the High School and Computer Centres for the High and Junior Schools.
The OBU continues to assist individual boys whose families are unable to pay for special tours etc.
The Hockey Astroturf and Aquatic Centre are the most recent projects to benefit from low interest loans from the SACS Foundation.
The OBU is presently involved in the OBU 175 Appeal. The chief aims are:
Scholarships
Assistance to both Schools with development projects
To support the administration of the OBU
The Constitution of the OBU, among it’s clearly stated objectives are:
To promote the welfare of the Schools through the co-operation of Old Boys by providing scholarships, prizes and contributions.
To provide assistance, where necessary, to deserving students and/or staff of the Schools.
Great to hear from you again – pity about the circumstances.
Thank you for your kind words. I really do not deserve it.
As stated in many of my talks. I simply refuse to allow Jane to become just another statistic.
By pushing the anger aside, I could concentrate on hopefully turning her death into something meaningful.
It is damn hard, but it seems to be coming together.
I love South Africa and will not allow a few thugs to take our suburbs over.
We MUST stand up and be counted.
The people are hungry for positive messages and signs of hope!
(It is hard to believe, but I have been invited to talk in Soweto and Chatsworth (KZN) after the radio interview on SAFM).
If I can only prevent this from happening to one other family, it has all been worth while.
Incidentally, I had calls from Richard Street, Trevor Johnson and Pam Schultz, besides a host of Old Boys.
I truly appreciate your note. Please stay in touch.
Archie Henderson writes in The Times (14 September 2009) about sportsmen who fought in WWII, including Simmy Lewis ('33) who was an amatuer boxer. Read the article here.
Headboy Sam Wegener's Prize Giving Academics and Culture Speech and Valedictory Address
Prize Giving Report - Academics and Culture - October 2009
Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Ball, Mr. Wicht, honoured quest Mr. Clive Roos, parents, staff and fellow SACS men
Tonight, I am proud to present the academic and cultural report. It has been a very eventful and successful year for all those involved and, although it is only those who have excelled that are mentioned tonight, all the academics, debaters, singers, musicians and artists have contributed in some way to SACS‘ wholesome and balanced image. In other words, they, through their imagination, creative flair and intelligence have all played a part in ensuring the school does not become dominated by brawn.
The final Grade 12 exams are now fast approaching and we, the class of 2009, will certainly have to work hard to match last years’ matrics’ impressive results. Of the 140 that wrote, 137 received Matric Endorsements and all passed. Lawrence Meire - a prefect of last year - came 9thin the Western Cape and last years’ head boy, Matthew Davey - as well as achieving 100% for maths - came 3rd in the province. No pressure…
Nevertheless, the Matrics started this year well. Based on last years’ November results, there were a total of 14 Academic Full Blues awarded. The Gr.11s had similar success, with 12 achieving their full colours and subsequent ’boffin’ status.
As is custom, these top academics from Gr.11 and 12 - as well as the leading Gr.10 pupils - participated in the Internal Scholarship Exams in February to determine this years’ Victoria Scholars. Congratulations must go to Richard Symmonds, Michael Davey and Daniel Goldstone of the junior division, who came 3rd , 2nd and 1st respectively. The senior division, however, raised a few eyebrows. The Gr.11s were very rude, completely stealing the limelight. There were no matrics in the top 3 spots and all the blame must go to Neil Du Toit (3rd), Daniel Sturrock (2nd) and Fergus Wegener (1st). Though it must be said that Fergus’ success was largely due to years of advice and aid from his elder, more experienced brother. Jokes aside, well done to those three Gr.11s. It is a impressive achievement - especially against such tough opposition.
The World War II scholarships were awarded at the end of the first term. These go to the pupils who achieved 1st place in their previous years’ end-of-year results. Marcel Roodt (a Gr.9) was honoured for his efforts in Gr.8. Daniel Goldstone of Gr.10, Gareth Schumann of Gr.11 and Sam Wegener were the other recipients.
The Annual UCT Maths Competition was held in April this year and as always, SACS was well represented. Of the 7000 participants from around the Western Cape, 63 were from SACS. There were good performances all round but a special mention must go to Lance Li, our maths wizard in Gr.11. In the initial stage of the competition, he came 6th. This was good enough for him to be invited to the UCT Invitational Mathematics Challenge where he achieved an amazing 1st place.
Our leading debaters have also had much success this year, most recently their outstanding performance in the National Individual Debating Championships. Overall, Neil du Toit came 41st, Chad Beyer came 9th and David Harris 1st. In addition, Chad and David were selected for the National Team.
The English and Afrikaans best speaker competitions were held at the end of the 3rd term. In the English competition, Sam Ndlela won the junior division and Sibusiso Mbonambi, the senior division. In the Afrikaans competiton, Andrew van Lingen won the junior division and Neil Tu Doit achieved 1st place in the senior division.
The Inter-house One Act plays, held in June, lived up to their reputation of being highly entertaining. Russel were the overall winners. Sibusiso Mbonambi of Shaw won the Best Director Award and Wayne van Niekerk of Rosedale was the best actor in a leading role.
Perhaps the cultural highlight of the year was the school’s production: a Century in Song. It ran for a week during the middle of May and attracted large crowds. The top singers and dancers of SACS teamed up with the equally talented girls of various Cape Town schools. Without them, the cabaret would have surely been a testosterone-filled flop. The show’s cabaret format was a dramatic change from last years production of Grease and the cast, crew and band did well to live up to the high expectations that Grease’s success left them. A special mention must go to the ever-patient Carol Alpert, who choreographed and directed the show.
All in all, 2009 was - and will hopefully continue to be - a very good year for the boffins and culture vultures of SACS.
At this point, I would like to break a few laws of report-giving. I realise a report of this nature should remain devoid of emotion and opinions. But now, as I report on all the musical happenings of the past few months, I would like to say how much I’ve enjoyed being a part of SACS music. Music is the aspect of SACS that is closest to my heart and this years’ Matric music class must surely rival as one of the most talented in many years,
There really were a large number of gigs, concerts and performances for the SACS Music Department this year. This included the annual Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival, a few afternoons of ‘Jazz in the Gardens’, the annual UCT RAG procession, a performance of Vivaldi Gloria by the choir in the City Hall - despite the choir and band nearly being decimated by swine flu - and many other events showcasing the music groups of this school, all of which were successful. Bearing time allocation and subsequent levels of drowsiness in mind, I will focus just on the highlights of this years’ musical events.
The annual Walter Swanson bursary competition took place in May. After an evening of fierce competition, Rory Stott was declared the winner for his performance on the Clarinet. The Christopher Brown competition held similar rivalry. Francis Bowers and Yanick Bathfield emerged after an evening of high-quality music as winners of the vocal and instrumental divisions respectively.
For the third consecutive year, the Senior Jazz Band toured Grahamstown for the annual National Youth Jazz Festival. The festival is during the middle of winter, but the freezing temperatures of the inner Eastern Cape did not prevent the band from giving a good performance, having a lot of fun and learning much from South Africa’s - and indeed the world’s - jazz professionals. Huge congratulations must go to Yanick Bathfield, Simon Ackermann and James McClure, who were successful in auditioning for the National Schools Big Band. For James, this was the third year in a row.
Just a few days ago, SACS held a Concerto Festival in this hall - this being only the second time a concert of this kind has taken place at this school . The program was expanded since last year and the concert featured 8 of the school’s top performers being accompanied by a full orchestra. Mrs. Graham was once again fantastic in her organizing of the evening and Mr. Walton very professional in the conducting of the orchestra.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the pupils and staff who are actively involved in the many other hard-working and highly relevant societies and cultural groups. Societies such as the MSA, the Xhosa Society, the Christian Union, Interact, first aid, the Multimedia Club and the dedicated team of library workers. They all contribute to what SACS strives to maintain: a well-balanced education. That is, after all, what makes SACS special. To put it simply: the sophisticated mix of both jocks and boffins - of both brain and brawn.
Thank you for your attention.
Valedictory Speech - 20 October 2009
Good Morning Mr. Ball, staff, parents, Matrics of 2009 and SACS men
I’d like to start with the first four lines of my favourite Dr. Seuss book, ‘Oh, the Places You‘ll Go‘. They go like this: “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places. You’re off and away.” The book is filled with excitement and optimism. It’s positive. I’m sure that’s how many people here are feeling this morning. However it would be silly to assume that the feelings in this hall are limited only to those of joy and wonder. Between all of us, there are pangs of sadness, indifference, nervousness, fear and - I daresay particularly among a few of the staff - relief. Valedictory services, by their nature, are ceremonies of mixed emotion. This one is no different. Today, we mark the end of a chapter and - as is probably the case for us, the matrics - we mark the beginning of a new bookaltogether.
I would like to refer back briefly to when my life at SACS began. I joined SACS in Grade 1 after moving here from the UK. There, my school’s playground area was a small tarmac. So when I arrived at SACS and saw the large green fields and swimming pools, I was amazed. I was even more amazed when we, as a class, were invited to take off our ties, socks and shoes and go to the fields to kick a rugby ball around… and this was all part of the normal school day! I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t realise it then but this is one of the many reasons that mark SACS as such a great school - why we are so lucky to be here: True to its mission statement, SACS offers countless opportunities in sport, culture and academics - opportunities to excel, to achieve, to grow, to participate or simply, to have fun.
Matrics, we may have joked about what we’ll be doing or where we’ll be in 10 years time, but the reality is that most of us don’t really know. Sibusiso may be our next president, the Bombay College of Knowledge may still exist or Sadiq may have opened his own university but actually, where will we be? Or more importantly, who will we be? By then, we may have settled all over the world; we’ll be different in so many ways. But we’ll still have and will always have one thing in common: this school and the memories it has given us. Some of these memories are good, some are bad but it is the great ones that will survive. These memories come from the laughs and the friendships, and even the disappointments and life lessons. These memories are priceless and because of this, we have much to be grateful for.
Firstly, to the Staff of SACS: On behalf of the matrics, I wish to thank each one of you for everything that you have given us. Not just the numbers, the methods, the words and the other quantities, but also the qualities. Our appreciation for your enthusiasm, knowledge and support is beyond words and as far as memories go, Meneer Giliomee, your rendition of She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain at this year’s Inter-house Idols is one of the many best. Dit was onvergeetlik.
Within the staff, I wish to say a special thank you to the Administrative staff for your tireless and hard work. Also to Mr. Guiney - for so ably and calmly managing our grade - and Mr. Jones - for always listening and providing many stimulating conversations.
A special mention must also go to Mr. Samuels. Sir, I think it is very special that we, the matrics, are becoming Old Boys the same year as you. We shall remember that familiar intercom call of, ‘Mr. Samuels will now ring the bell’ - especially those that preceded break time - and we thank you and your staff for your many efforts and your dedication to SACS.
To the relatives - the moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I’m sure your emotions are just as, if not more, mixed than ours. Thank you for everything - from the cheers from the side of the sports field to serving us in the tuck-shop; from listening to us at music concerts to helping us with our homework - it all helped.
At this point, I have a few personal thank yous.
Mr. Nel and Mr. Anderson: I believe you are here today. The impact you had on me during my time in the Junior School - and subsequently the High School - is huge. I’m sure many agree with me when I say that you are true legends of this school. Thank you so much for all that you did for me and more than half of those seated in front this morning.
To Mawende Mentile and your Spirit Committee: I doubt I will ever forget the sight of you charging up and down the sideline of Memorial A with that blue and white jester hat on. Thanks to you and your team for all the posters, the cheers, the songs and the memories.
And then, the Prefects. Gaza, Captain Force, Kaboom, Ethiopia, Mboks, Me-elville, DJ Doog, Jock, Sean, K-Fed and lastly - my friend who’s loyalty and support has been of so much help this year; the guy who has been with me at the bottom of the alphabet since Grade 1 - Bryce, aka: Breemay. Guys, it has been a honour being your leader. We’ve achieved much this year, both in the school and amongst ourselves. I want to thank you for the countless laughs and golden moments we shared - for all the support and all the work you have done this year. But more than this, I want to thank you for being yourselves. It was the best thing you could be.
I also want to wish the new Prefects the very best of luck for 2010. As both Michael Newdigate and Matthew Davey said before me, I wish you to better what we, the prefects of 2009, have done. I say this because I believe in the progress of this school and I believe that you will make the most of the amazing opportunity you have been given.
My next thank you goes to a man who truly cares for this school: Mr. Perkin. Sir, you have given much time to the prefect body this year and we greatly appreciate your massive effort. Your genuine manner has allowed us to grow hugely and we have learnt many lessons along the way. You have been supportive and always willing to lend a helping hand. And for all this, we - and especially I - thank you very much.
During the course of this year, I came to realise something: SACS High School is a highly complex and diverse institution. Being 180 years old, it has deep roots in tradition, yet it is also expected to - and strives to - adapt to the constantly challenging ways of our current society. I can only imagine the extreme demands of being in charge of such a school - and I have great respect for the man who is. Mr. Ball, sir: You and ourselves, the class of 2009, shared a common first day all the way back in 2005. It has been a journey for sure, and sometimes a bumpy ride. I have learnt much from you this year and I thank you for your guidance and support. On behalf of all those you lead, I salute you.
The matric gift this year will be the staining of the four back windows in - the Hofmeyer Hall - with the 4 house crests. This is a token of our gratitude,
Earlier, I said that this is a ceremony of mixed emotions. But what emotion is shared by everyone here? What emotion is the common binding force? I believe it is pride - pride in SACS. We are proud to be associated with this school - the oldest in the land. We are proud to have played a part in its great history. Matrics, we may think that we’ve now competed our part in SACS’s history but the truth is, we haven’t. Even now, as we become old boys, we will still play a part in shaping SACS’s history. As we leave here and move on, we will always carry the flag of SACS. I trust that we will all do it with pride.
With this in mind and in closing, I quote Dr. Seuss once again.
“We have brains in our head
We have feet in our shoes
We can steer ourselves
in any direction we choose”
Sport has a huge influence on all of our lives. We derive satisfaction from playing a sport we enjoy. Sport creates camaraderie, team spirit, enthusiasm, motivation and the will to succeed. These qualities demonstrate the beliefs of the SACS sportsmen. We hope that most of our boys have experienced some of these qualities during the year.
We started our sports year with unbelievable performances by our rowers. They re-wrote the record books by winning the Buffalo Sprint Regatta for the first time, the Selborne Regatta for the second time and then put the cherry on the top with victory at the SA Champs. This is the first time that we have won all three prestigious regattas and are possibly the only school to have achieved this accolade.
Sailing is now an official sport at SACS. Over the past 4 years, SACS has been blessed with a group of sailors who have been inspired by their parents to put the time into planning, training and competing at the highest level. Our sailors enjoyed fair winds as they successfully defended their inter-schools title. To top it off Matthew Whitehead and Matthew Shaw were selected for the SA Junior Sailing team.
The Waterpolo players have not enjoyed the same success as in previous years but have played with heart and never doubted their abilities. We held our own in the Mazinter cup and the SACS tournament. Our top players are Shaun Marshall, Tristan Shaw and Matteo Viotti who were chosen for the Western Province U19A side.
Just as good in the pool, except without a ball, are our swimmers. Results have varied from gala to gala. One swimmer has excelled, namely Zaahir Gamiet, who is following in the footsteps of our Olympic swimmer, Sebastian Rousseau. He won gold in all five events in which he participated. He also broke two South African records at the South African National championships.
Other sporting achievements in the water have been from the surfers and body boarders, who had a successful season. Daniel Wilson is top of the log and is currently representing our country.
It was critical that James Park-Ross stayed on his board, especially when testing the waters in Australia as the South Africanwaveski representative.
Moving onto the courts, SACS basketball has been extremely strong this year with the U16A side being unbeaten and winners of the SACS tournament. The U14A team were also successful winners in this tournament. The first team did well, with exceptional performances from Blayne Tomlinson and Matthew Lawton.
Interest in tennis has increased tremendously at the school with the 1st tennis team producing a high standard of results. SACS squash and badminton produced two SA players. Andrew Gillard, ranked number 2 in our country’s U16 squash team; while Jamie McManus travelled all over Africa with the SA U18 Badminton side.
SACS rugby players have benefited from the mental training received from the coaches and the input from the Sports Science Institute. This mental attitude has prevented teams from suffering those cricket score defeats especially from schools in the northern suburbs.
The most successful rugby sides this year were to be found in the U15 age group. Our top rugby player this year, judged by his hard tackles and skilful play was Godfrey Tundube.
On the hockey field the under 16A team performed spectacularly, winning all but two matches. The results of the other teams varied throughout the season but it is good to see a general improvement in the standard of hockey and the determination displayed by the players. Many players gained selection for provincial teams, and Lungelo Mafuya was selected for the SA under 16 side.
The cross-country teams enjoyed runaway successes this season. Races were run in different venues across the Peninsula. The under 19 team won all their races and the under 14 team won 7 out of 9 races. Two runners had a superb season, namely, Bryce Wicht who won all his races and Marewaahn Gamiet who won 5 of his. SACS was named the top cross-country school in their league.
The cricket competition this year has been of a very high standard throughout the country. A highlight of the cricket season was the selection of Kirk Werners for the SA U17 team. The under 14 age group has shown great potential and enthusiasm which needs to be nurtured for the future. Our first eleven ended the first term with a win over a strong Wynberg side known for its cricketing strengths.
This year’s trip to Paarl Boys’ athletics was entertaining. Eight buses were filled with enthusiastic SACS supporters. We definitely won the first prize for school spirit. This “GEES” gave our athletes the kick they needed to achieve some fine results. We also performed well at the Triangular hosted by Rondebosch Boys High. We achieved 10 first places and 15 second places.
The Spirit Committee encouraged the boys to attend all sporting events. The Prefects would like to thank their leader Mawandi Mentile and his team for their support throughout the year. Without their efforts the FNB Classic Clash vs Wynberg, the Triangular, the Paarl Athletics meeting and many other fixtures would not have been a success.
Lastly, SACS achievements in other sporting codes such as shooting, biathlon, ice hockey, touch rugby, fencing, judo, baseball, golf, lifesaving and cycling all brought credit to the school. Two boys achieved South African colours for ice hockey, namely Adam de Carvalho (U16) and Uthman Samaai (U18). There were no less than 19 sportsmen who achieved national colours in their respective codes.
In the water and on the field SACS boys have done their best to spread the name and swell the fame of the SAC.
The Spectemur Agendo Award recognizes outstanding members of the SACS community. Recipients are primarily old boys, but staff and parents who have had a close association with the school can also be considered in exceptional cases. It is awarded to the person who through exceptional actions in life or performance in a particular field can be said to give noteworthy expression to the school motto Spectemur Agendo. Click here to see a list of the Award's recipients.
I took a year off after high school and went to work as a lab assistant for a year (1955) at the dynamite factory (de Beers, Somerset West) I graduated in geology at UCT I left CT at the end of 1959 to join Anglo American as a field geologist . My base camp was in the NW Transvaal near Rustenburg close to where Sun City is today. Our closest town was Rustenberg. I stayed with them for 2 years then joined Roan Selection Trust as resident Geologist on a mine located in the town of Luanshyain Zambia. It was Northern Rhodesia then. I arrived in Northern Rhodesia on Jan 1 1964 the day Northern Rhodesia split from the Federation of N. and S. Rhodesia (Zimbabwe today) and Nyasaland (Malawi today) On Jan 2 I went to the mine club of have dinner where I met Louise who became my wife on July 4. So this year 2008 we celebrated our 44th anniversary. Louise is a Londoner. She was the secretary to the general manager of the mine.
In October 1964 Zambia became a republic then in 1966 we began to see that Zambia was going to deteriorate under majority rule so I began looking elsewhere. I afraid to say that the good days I knew in central Africa l have gone forever. But then I am just an old colonial at heart.
Phelps Dodge Copper Company offered me a job in Arizona and we arrived here in August 1966. After a year in mining in the USA I decided to switch careers. I was interested in computers and IBM was happy to hire me and give me the necessary training. I was a systems engineer in the branch offices in Denver Colorado, San Diego, California, Austin, Texas, Chicago,Illinois and finally arrived in Tucson, Arizona in 1982. I retired from the company at the end of 1991 when I turned 55 afer 21 years with IBM. I worked closely with salesmen to make sure that the systems we sold would do what the customer wanted. Also prepared the customer to use and program the their computers efficiently.
So I have been a gentlemen of leisure for 16 years. Now 18 years. Cannot believe it.
Louise and I keep fit hiking the mountains that surround Tucson and going to the local health club (gym). I do step aerobics and weight training. I work out 4 times a week for an hour class of aerobics Louise does other classes to keep flexible and trim. Louise hikes 2 to 3 times a week. 2 hikes are at least 7 miles. I have a bike and regularly bike the neighborhood.
We are also into volunteering. Louise volunteers at the Tucson Visitors Center once a week. I am involved with a national organization called SeniorNet. Our mission is to make seniors (50+) computer literate. We have 5 cycles a year when we offer various classes that last 5 weeks one class a week (3 hours) that 15 hours in total.
So now you know what I have been up to over the last 54 years.
SACS Junior Chess Champ from the SACS Junior School Newsletter
Our diminutive Chess wizard, 9 year-old Daniel Barrish (Gr 3g), returned from one of the largest International Chess Tournaments in the world held in Pardubice,Czechoslovakia. Here, in a field of 236 participants, he won 4 games, drew 3 and lost only 2, his third game lasting 4½ hours. Seven out of nine of his competitors were adults, while his opponents’ average International Rating was 1714. His highest rated opponent was 1950 - Daniel beat him! His last game was against an adult Russian lady with an International Rating of 1914. He beat her in a surprisingly short game that lasted only 40 minutes! As if this is enough, before the Tournament, Daniel participated in the African Youth Chess Championships held at UCT, competing in the combined U10, U12 and U14 sections. He lost only one game – to the current African U14 Champion – and beat the current U12 African Champion. Overall, Daniel won the U10 section and achieved a Fide Master Title, the youngest South African player ever to achieve this title!
In November, Daniel will compete in the World Youth Chess Championships to be held in Turkey and, in December, he will compete in the SA Nationals. Hearty congratulations, Daniel! We are most proud of you!
For the Love of the Game by KC Richardson (Headmaster of Wynberg Boys' High) fom The Argus, Aug 08
Of all Mankind’s great inventions, few have succeeded in capturing the imagination more that sport. In a week’s time we are about to witness the greatest sporting pageant of all, the spectacular Summer Olympic games. Sport has a fascination for all of us. It has the power to inspire, to enthuse, to entertain.
It is ironic on the eve of the greatest sporting show on earth, that the local newspapers have been filled with the shenanigans on local school rugby fields. Referees have been denigrated, player behaviour condemned and parental over-reaction censured. The notion that ‘sport’ is a pleasurable pastime has been sidelined. The camaraderie, the fellowship of sport, triumph over adversity, the lessons of defeat, the hard work in accomplishing victory have been forgotten in the heat of recrimination.
Somehow in it all, we have forgotten that in the hierarchy of values of a school, sportsmanship must be ranked only marginally below scholarship. Adults, including coaches, parents and referees, should be unified in ensuring the time-honoured ethics of sport are maintained on our school sports fields – to play hard, but fairly; to accept defeat and smile when shaking the hand of an opponent; to be competitive but at the same time co-operative because, without your opponent, there is no game.
A few years back, a local journalist, disillusioned after a disappointing Stormers game wrote that from now on he would be only watching school rugby. ‘It has a youthful innocence,“ he said, “unsullied by cups, leagues and points.”
And he is correct. Schoolboy rugby teams tend to play with enthusiasm and passion and, when well-coached, with an absence of fear. Coaches of schoolboy rugby sides who release their players from negative and safety first tactics soon find their players revelling in the positive enjoyment of displaying their talent.
It is these coaches who have realized the true reason why we play sport at school. It is not played for the benefit or the glory of the school or the egos of the coaches, or the ambitions of the parents – it is played for the benefit of the players.
Whatever the level of the schoolboy player, we want him to learn the lessons of sport – because they are lessons of life. In the end, these lessons will develop confidence and self esteem in the player and he will learn, as a young sportsman, that bitterness and sweetness are opposite sides of the same coin.
As he advances through high school, the young sportsman soon realizes that the natural ability which carried him through Junior School is no longer enough. As the competition becomes keener, those players start coming to the fore who were lucky enough to learn the lessons early in their school lives that only commitment to hard work and the ability to fight back from disappointments, are the foundations for a successful sporting life.
Sometimes these lessons are learnt more effectively after losing a match or being dropped to a C or D team. Schoolboys do not easily learn messages from winning because they fail to examine their performance as they bask in the congratulatory glow of parents and friends.
On the other hand, losing really does say something about a young sportsman. His reaction to a loss is important. Does he blame others? Does he complain about bad luck? Does he analyze his failure? Does it increase his determination?
In the book, ‘The Hansie Cronje Story’ by Garth King, the author remarks that Hansie never lost a rugby game in his career at Grey College. One can only wonder what lessons Hansie missed because of that.
The role of parents in the development of any sportsman is vital. In my career as a sports coach and schoolmaster, I have seldom come across a truly successful schoolboy sportsman who was not well parented. Parental support, as opposed to parental pressure, invariably determines whether a young player will learn the proper lessons. Some time ago, I sent the following advice to parents:
Support your son and attend the matches, whatever side he is in.
Always be there for him, especially in the ‘down times’.
By all means set the bar for him – but always praise his achievements especially when he has tried hard to reach this bar.
Praise effort and commitment – much more than results.
Never criticize the Coach as it will confuse the players. It not only divides loyalty, but offers and excuse. Don’t fall for the common South African sporting curse of blaming the coach or referee.
Never over-emphasize winning as it will only lead to a fear of failure. One of the curses of schoolboy sport is an unbeaten season.
Do not relive your own sporting career (or lack of it!) through your son. This leads to frustration and disappointment on both sides.
Be a true sporting spectator. Let the referee handle the game and let your son make his own mistakes. He will learn more that way.
All parents want what is best for their sons – but then so does every coach and every school. If we expect our players to behave like sportsman on the field, then it is important for adults not to behave like children on the sidelines.
Some years ago in America, the authorities imposed a noise ban on parents and coaches in the Northern Ohio Girls Soccer league. Spectators were instructed to keep their cheers and criticism to themselves.
Some parents waved signs; others put duct tape over their mouths to stay quiet. Goals and saves were met by smiles and nods of approval from parents and coaches. This was an effort to put sport back into perspective after rowdy parents disrupted games and frustrated players. Presumably the point was made – but it was not reported whether these measures had a lasting impact!
There is no doubt that sport can play a pivotal role in education and it is our job as parents and teachers to help our children cope with the pressures of today’s highly competitive world.
As we marvel at the proficiency and expertise of the athletes at the upcoming Beijing Olympics, let us at the same time applaud the commitment which saw them reach the pinnacle of sporting success. Yet, somewhere in their past, I hope they too, had a coach like I had, who once said to me: “The next sixty minutes you are about to play will never be repeated. Make the most of every minute.”
Mayor's Medal Awarded to Ben Rabinowitz ('49) for Civic Honour
Ben Rabinowitz ('49) the Mayor Helen Zille, and his wife Sheila
“Benjamin Philip Rabinowitz, lawyer and businessman, was born in Cape Town in 1933. This larger-than-life personality is known as a man who truly embodies the spirit of altruism. Now semi-retired, Ben fills his days with doing “good deeds”, giving before being asked, stepping in where angels fear to tread, and using his formidable legal knowledge to fight worthy causes.
Ben contributes towards a long list of educational, environmental and cultural causes. A champion for human rights, he has always fought for justice, and secured many judgements to protect those whose rights were being violated. He is not afraid to litigate on points of principle, often at huge personal cost.
His outspokenness has resulted in much public debate, and frequently also much needed change. The man known to many in Cape Town as “Big Ben” is indeed an inspiration and a fine example.”
In an article from the Cape Argus (16 April 2009), SACS is mentioned as one of the 15 Western Cape Schools in a list of the 100 top South African Schools. view the article »
SACS OBU Chairman’s AGM Report – March 2009 by Brent Walsh
Welcome
Honorary Life President, Vice-Presidents, Headmasters of the Schools, Executive Director, Committee, Members and Associate Members – once again it is a great pleasure and honour to welcome you to this the Annual General Meeting of the SACS Old Boys Union in its 102nd year of existence.
I would like to start out by extending my thanks to the committee for the past year, in particular Justin Hardcastle, our treasurer, and Keith Elkin, our minuting secretary who has indicted he is unfortunately not available for re-election this year.
There has been the sad passing of several Old Boys through the past year – I would like to, however, mention one in particular, the tragic passing of one of our committee members last month, Marcello Da Silva. His enthusiasm and support given to the OBU, and particularly the OBU office will be sorely missed.
With reference to the SACS OBU Constitution and the Objectives of the Union detailed therein, once again I must extend thanks to John Ince and Sandy Edwards for doing an extraordinary amount of work. Summer & Winter Games, Annual Dinners, Golf Days, Newsletters and Newsflashes don’t just happen. These events and publications take significant amounts of administration, effort, planning and help. To this extent I must also pay tribute to the help the office receives from the younger members of our OBU.
It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to our Executive Director, John Ince, who through his relentless passion for this Institution has brought about an interest in this Old Boys Union that has confirmed his appointment as a success. John has indicated that he will be retiring from his full time position as Executive Director at the end of 2009. However, it will be tough to keep the young man down and where appropriate John will continue his involvement with the office on a project basis continuing with what he does best.
On a personal level, and I think I speak on behalf of a significant number of members both at this General Meeting and those elsewhere, in that my involvement in the OBU Committee over the past 6 years stemmed from two main factors:
my love for this institution and,
the enthusiasm, passion, and absorbing nature of John Ince and his inclusive way of involving as many people as possible
While no one man can be bigger than this Institution at any point in time I can safely say that Mr Ince is someone who has left a lasting impression of the SACS Family on hundreds, if not thousands of boys. These, gentlemen, are the deeds on which one can be judged.
In this reporting period we have said good-bye to a legend in his own right, Mr Stuart Anderson, head of the Junior School for 13 Years. Resulting from this we have welcomed the appointment of Mr Francois Nel and to whom we offer our support at the start of his journey at the helm of the Junior School.
Once again the OBU must extend congratulations to Mr Ken Ball and his team at the High School for the impeccable results achieved for the class of 2008. As mentioned in the recent Autumn OBU Newsletter, and something worth noting again, is the placement of 4 SACS men in the top 5 for Maths, and 2 SACS men in the overall top 10 in the province. With the recent historic successes at the SA Champs Rowing Regatta I would highly recommend a thorough reading of the SACS Website in order to keep up to date with the relevant details.
The OBU continues to enjoy the support of the School Governing Body in their approval of all boys at the school contributing to their life membership to the Old Boys Union during their time at the school. It is support like this that reinforces the value and presence of the OBU both in the short term and appreciating the camaraderie of the Union over the long term.
The SACS Foundation, the key strategic and financial arm of the OBU have continued to support the schools in the form of bursaries, subventions to Governing Body appointed teachers, loans to the schools’ Building and Development Fund as well as the property investments providing housing for the heads of our schools. Thanks must be extended to the Chairman Trevor Fish for his leadership on the Foundation and to Tony Pocock who has had the tough task of managing the funds of the Foundation over the traumatic past year on the markets.
In the current economic climate where investments and available funds are of particular concern the focus tends to shift towards these areas requiring attention. To this extent there has been much discussion and a strategic planning session of the OBU will be happening with the new committee in order to address the serious funding concerns.
Justin Hardcastle will be presenting the OBU financials and then Dirk Kemp will be presenting the current financial situation of the SACS 175 Appeal. As you will see there has been an extensive amount of time and effort put into preparing these reports and for this I extend thanks to Justin, Dirk as well as Peter Bourne who has provided much valuable input over the last months. The Committee felt it appropriate to use this opportunity to provide as much detail as possible on the current situation in order for the Members to understand our factual position. From this point the new Committee will aim to provide strategies going forward that will address these concerns and ensure the continuing legacy of the SACS Old Boys Union.
Once again I would like to extend my gratitude to the committee for their time and contributions over the last year. It has been a tough year with much detailed discussion at meetings. I am in a position whereby my undivided attention is required elsewhere which will not make me available for election this year. I sincerely trust there will be continued mutual respect of all OBU members both on and off the committee, and the underlying driving principle of being involved to assist the schools where possible and ensure the ongoing success of this historic campus.
(from an email to John and Sandy at the OBU office)
To give you a short introduction to where I am and what it is that I am doing, I am staying on a very small island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. THe island's name is Chole and it is very near the larger island of Mafia (South of Zanzibar). I have been employed by a a couple, Jean and Anne de Villiers, to teach their daughter, Maya. Jean and Anne run and live in a small hotel on Chole Island and I have been given my own small house to live in. I teach Maya every week-day, using a correspondence school curriculum from the USA. It is a very easy and generally quite fun set of lessons to teach and Maya is a great student.
Apart from the teaching, I am also involved with a couple of the projects that are being run on the island by Jean and Anne. There is a small village on the island that benefits from social development programmes that have been started.
The project that I am involved in however, is related to my interests in architecture (and history) and involve the conservation and rehabilitation of
some 19th Century ruins that are on the hotel property. The ruins date back to the trading days of the African East Coast. Chole Island was an important transport and tading hub (despite its small size). This project that I am helping with is essentially to reverse some of the weather damage to the bigger, more important buildings that are collapsing quite rapidly. Up till now, it has been a matter of preparing reports for the Department of Antiquities in Dar es Salam, but soon we will commense the real work of rebuilding and replastering certain parts of the collapsing structures.
I have also been doing small design exercises to propose ways in which some of the
more intact ruins may be re-inhabited in the future, which has been quite fun and has certainly tested some of my architectural knowledge.
In general life on the island is very laid back. Things happen very slowly and there is much time to read and relax (which is welcome after the hectic schedule of an architecture student). I eat with the family and their guests and spend a lot of my free time taking part in whatever activities are offered to the guests at the hotel. The island is quite remote and is in fact in the middle of a national marine park. The surrounding waters boast incredible coral reefs and an abundance of amazing sea life. I have been given the wonderful oppurtunity to learn how to SCUBA dive and have had fun learning and enjoying exploring this intriguing new world. Some of the other fun activities that I've managed to do while here (so far) include, going to watch turtle nests hatching, swimming in pools full of stingless jellyfishand lots of sailing.
I will be here at Chole for most of the time until the end of January. Howeveer I do intend to make a trip to visit Zanzibar soon and towards the end of my stay I would like to travel North to visit the Serengetti and do some safari, which I am really looking forward to.
I hope that all is well with you, Sir. I am sorry not to be attending the Old Boys' Dinner, which I always greatly enjoy. I was particularly sorry to miss my own five year reunion, but such is life. Although it is quite difficult to stay in touch with everything going on outside of my small island, I have managed to see some of the Tri-Nations rugby and was glad to at leat hear of Percy Montgomery's retirement. What a wonderful game against the Wallabies to mark the conclusion of his carreer.
Thank you so much for all your tireless effort in assisting my sister with finding a placement for her gap year. I had such a wonderful year at Wycliffe College due, in no small part, to your help and guidance. I know Claire has been particularly slow in deciding what it is she wants from her gap year, but I'm sure she will enjoy and benefit from anything you are able to help her with.
Please extend my regards to Sandy and my friends and collegues at the Old Boys' Dinner. Looking at the date, I think this may be too late, in which case, I hope that the evening was a great success.
Situated in the wilderness area at the mouth of the Mbotyi River is Pondoland’s best kept secret. Mbotyi River Lodge is the perfect place for those looking for a peaceful and tranquil holiday or for the adventurer wanting to experience authentic Pondo Culture and to explore the many beautiful and wild treasures this coast has to offer. These treasures include pristine indigenous forests with amazing birdlife, gushing waterfalls in deep gorges filled with lush fauna and flora, glorious beaches below rolling grass hills and genuine Pondo Culture which has miraculously been unaffected by modern day living.
Mbotyi River Lodge is situated 26 kilometers from Lusikisiki, a small section of this road being good gravel. One passes through the beauty of the hills and valleys of the magnificent Magwa Tea Plantation and then through lush forest. At the end of this road lies Mbotyi River Lodge and the beginning of a new and wonderful adventure.
The Lodge has beautiful sea and lagoon facing, comfortable en suite rooms each with their own unique view and ambiance. Whether you prefer the log cabin rooms or the rustic thatch, each has a balcony or patio from which guests can listen to the rumble of the ocean or the cry of the fish eagles whilst admiring the view. Activities at the Lodge include Hiking/Walking Trails with trained guides, through the forests or over the hills. Mountain Biking, Canoeing and Paddling, Fishing, Whale and Dolphin Watching, Bird/Buttefly Watching and Horseriding. Scenic 4x4 drives can be taken to the Waterfalls should you not wish to hike or you can just relax on the beach or at the pool. Children are catered for with beach cricket, soccer and volleyball and child minders are available upon request.
The focus of Mbotyi River Lodge cuisine is on taste and quality. The emphasis is on simple fare that delights the palate and enhances your stay. The long Bar and Games Room, situated adjacent to the Dining Room enjoy awesome views of the Mbotyi beach and river mouth.
Now part-owned and managed by Nita Ross who brings a wealth of experience from Wild Coast Holiday Reservations and Peter and Tuffy Kirsten with their enthusiasm for people and the community, Mbotyi River Lodge is set to be a ‘must do’ destination.
One would always wish to return to Mbotyi River Lodge after spending some time here as there is always another adventure or another secret that unfolds.
