Vol 12 | February 2015
Captain Nick Sloane
Nothing is FOUNDERS WEEKEND impossible 19 & 20 June 2015 JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Platforms are open to prospective, current & past boys, parents, staff and friends
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2 | Vol 12 February 2015 CONTENTS
In the News 4 KCOB Executive looking ahead – KCOB President Lawrence Polkinghorne chats to Joy Mills-Hackmann
6 Alumni feature and cover – “Nothing is impossible” 36 years after matriculating from Kearsney, international marine salvage hero Captain Nick Sloane (1978) returned as guest speaker at Speech Day, to share an extraordinary account of heading the Costa Concordia R21-billion salvage
8 Other Notable Alumni Business game changers & innovators Putting food on KZN’s best tables Achievers in sport & music Cracking elite education institutions – Harvard & Oxford
In pursuit of Excellence 16 Ambassadors Connecting the Kearsney community – 18 Traditions– Old And new Old Boys, Staff, Parents, Pupils & Friends 20 Academic distinction – Results from the 2013 & 2014 academic years The Kearsney College Old Boy magazine is 21 Planning Ahead – Headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg published annually and features news taken 22 School News from the monthly Greyhound eNews. 24 Foundation News
Vol 12 | February 2015 Reunions and Generations 26 Reunions & Faces in Places EDITOR 28 Survivor Times Joy Mills-Hackmann +27(0)83 662 0838 [email protected] Farewells 29 Au Revoir: Rob Candotti & Ronni Wallace KCOB OFFICE 30 In Memory Kerry-Lynne McMaster 31 Tributes +27(0)31 – 765 9628/50 [email protected] Branch Convenors GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT National International Pam Benporath [email protected] CAPE TOWN: AUSTRALIA: Euvrard Loubser | 082 8948257 Richard Bridel | Tel: +61 2 405100261 CONTRIBUTORS (unless stated) Joy Mills-Hackmann [email protected] [email protected] Sue Miles of Working Words cc DOLPHIN COAST: MAURITIUS: [email protected] Tim Johnson | 082 4246202 Raymond Hein | +230 542 12265 [email protected] [email protected] Changed your email or address? Tell us: [email protected] DURBAN: MIDDLE EAST: Cameron Buys | 074 588 8755 Sergey Kokarev | Cell: : +971 56 6960311 [email protected] [email protected] GAUTENG: NEW ZEALAND: Steve Meyer | 082 773 0101 Mark Berge | Tel: (04) 385 0587 [email protected] [email protected] The material in this magazine may be PIETERMARITZBURG: SINGAPORE: reproduced with the written permission of Lyndon Holder | 083 234 2233 Kendal Robinson | 00 65 9667 0312 the Editor. [email protected] [email protected] SOUTH COAST: SWAZILAND: COVER IMAGE Captain Nick Sloane (1978) returns to Vacant Jody Foss | +268 404 0976 Kearsney to speak about the successful ZULULAND: [email protected] R21-billion Costa Concordia salvage Tim Beningfield l 082 578 9932 UK LONDON: operation off Italy. [email protected] Darren Adkins | Tel: +44 20 7883 4953 [email protected] www.kearsney.com KCweb This symbol indicates that more USA: information on this topic is available Grant du Plooy | 091 510 315 0565 online. Just point your browser to the Old Boys page on www.kearsney.com [email protected]
Greyhound News | 32 KCOB EXECUTIVE From the KCOB President’s desk Looking ahead to much to his mother’s dismay, but he’s increasing number of Old Boys hopeful had the best year of his life in Grade 8 of support. We had 22 applicants for the 2015 and beyond, at Kearsney. It was really great to see his two 2015 awards this year. We also wish excitement in the first term of 2014 when to expand the 25% offer from tuition to KCOB President he learned of all the traditions and values include boarding which is close to most and a very proud moment for him was Old Boys’ hearts. To sustain one such Lawrence Polkinghorne to receive his Kearsney tie. I was very bursary for a revolving five-year period privileged to award the Class of 2014 their in current terms, we need to have R1,4m (Gillingham 1990) chats to Old Boys’ ties at their Leavers’ Dinner and invested and preserved. So to maintain the its awesome to see the immense pride 10 bursaries awarded a cumulative R14m Joy Mills-Hackmann, whose in the boys five years later, even more is required compared to the approximate office drives the Kearsney passionate about their school. R5m we have invested. This is before any other costs and financial assistance requests Foundation and manages What was your highlight for 2014 in your are considered. Every cent counts! We role as KCOB President and as an active need to find creative and fresh ways to affairs for the KCOB Governor of the Board? 30 years ago raise funds and will work with the Kearsney my Dad, Neville Polkinghorne (1957), was Foundation to professionally manage this Executive. the KCOB President. It was pretty special as one option for our finite donors to to follow in his footsteps and also pretty Kearsney. special to have Josh start his journey at the Congratulations LP, I hear you have a new same time! position and are moving out of KZN? Thanks and yes, we are moving to the 2014 was a great year for Kearsney and Western Cape (Paarl), I’ve recently been the school is in TOP shape on all fronts appointed group CEO of a Pan African with exciting plans in place for 2015. A real Forestry Company whose head offices are highlight for me was the opportunity to in Stellenbosch. We’re looking forward to meet a number of the 2014 Matrics and to living in the mountains but not so keen on spend time getting to know the 10 Sons of the winters! Old Boy Bursary recipients. It is seriously encouraging that every one of these young Will this affect how you manage your role men has a unique sense of belonging, as KCOB President? I don’t think so; we tradition, respect and confidence. It is safe will spend a lot of time in KZN over the to say that each boy leaving Kearsney has next few years. My daughter Laurian is at been exceptionally well prepared to handle Epworth and will finish Matric at the end the challenges beyond the Kearsney gates. 2015, and Josh has just started at Kearsney and he’s not going anywhere! And also What is currently your greatest KCOB video conferencing or skype will assist if I challenge? At the 2014 AGM I reported can’t get there. I reckon there’s huge value on the need to grow the Sons of Old Boy in this and it’ll be interesting to see how it Bursary Fund which is so important to works! building our legacy. We currently offer ten 25% tuition bursaries (i.e. two per grade). Another new chapter … you and Kath Four awards are funded via interest earned became Kearsney parents in 2014. How from our invested fund while six are paid has that been? Seeing Josh settle in so from funds raised each year over Founders well has been incredibly rewarding. When Weekend and from Life Subscriptions. This he heard we were moving to the Cape is no longer sustainable, plus there is an he refused point blank to change schools,
Lawrence Polkinghorne (1990), KCOB President, is a proud 3rd generation Old Boy. 1st generation: LP’s late grandfather, also Lawrence, was a Founder student (1921-1925). 2nd generation: LP’s late father Neville Polkinghorne (1952-1957) served and chaired the Board and as KCOB President. 4th generation: LP’s nephew Joshua started at Kearsney in 2014. Also 4th generation: Joshua’s cousin and 2015 Head of School is Robbie Polkinghorne (son of David Polkinghorne 1981).
4 | Vol 12 February 2015 KCOB EXECUTIVE
Looking ahead, what is your goal for the I have seen how the passion of Old Boys KCOB network? As Old Boys we have is amplified by action! The Class of 2007 benefited tremendously from our Kearsney Memorial Bursary Fund is a remarkable experience. If each of us strives to give story! These guys have issued their first back either financially, through sharing skills bursary. I’m very encouraged to see the or brokering business partnerships for momentum of our brotherhood and Kearsney, we will achieve a great deal; and friendships grow with new class funds and it’s so important that we recognise the life- other collective initiatives starting. My hope long friendships and opportunities we’ve is that we see a tipping point of collective been given, and even more importantly action towards the 2021 Centenary and for the younger guys to recognise that the beyond. network needs to be leveraged. There is a number of Old Boys who would I’m truly proud to be associated with such be delighted to offer advice or sign an a great school. employment contract!
Greyhound News | 5 NOTABLE ALUMNI
It was into this era of scientific NICK SLOANE exploration, engineering feats and international political turmoil that Nick Sloane (Pembroke 1978) was born in “Nothing is Impossible” Kitwe, Zambia.
Five decades later, as senior salvage master of the massive R21-billion Costa Concordia operation, Nick was to prove In 1961 the USSR and USA both put men into space wrong a global sea of cynics who said it was impossible to re-float the passenger for the first time, Audrey Hepburn and Henry liner from her rocky underwater ledge Mancini were screen darlings in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, off the Tuscan island of Isola del Giglio without her breaking up. Rod Laver won Wimbledon, a wall was erected During 30 months of precision planning, dividing east and west Berlin and Carl Jung died. he led the successful exploration. This involved a 500-man team of engineers, divers and welders, whilst also juggling political interference; to ensure the liner was successfully raised into a vertical position through a parbuckling procedure. It was then towed under a 14-ship escort to a mainland port in Genoa to be dismantled and scrapped.
6 | Vol 12 February 2015 NOTABLE ALUMNI
“It is the most engineered salvage recovery Nick’s successful leadership has made him When not involved in marine salvage operation ever undertaken,” says Nick. an international household name and last operations in some remote part of the “The size of the Concordia – larger than year, 36 years after matriculating from globe, Nick lives in Somerset West with his the Titanic at almost three football fields Kearsney, he returned as guest speaker wife Sandra, their 10-year-old daughter and long and 114 000 tons in weight – meant at Speech Day and also to meet with 17-year-old twins. that the scale was outside of what had members of the prestigious 12 Club, been achieved previously.” comprising Kearsney’s top academic He also presents papers around the achievers. world to many government bodies and At the time of her running aground, the societies, including the Lloyds ‘Salvage cruise ship was carrying 3 229 passengers He reminisced how his first experiences & Wreck Conference’ in London; and and 1 023 crew. Thirty-two people died of life afloat were sailing on Midmar Dam presents lectures on salvage and casualty when the vessel ran aground on Giglio, and in Durban harbour when there was management to law students at the one of seven islands that make up the no Saturday sport at Kearsney; and urged University of Stellenbosch and SAMTRA. protected Tuscan Archipelago National the boys to remember that “nothing is Park. Since the re-floating and removal impossible”. He said that had been proved Nick is a member of Lloyds’ Panel of of the Concordia, the sea bottom is being by the successful salvage of the Costa Special Casualty Representatives (SCR) and cleaned and marine flora replanted. Concordia. managing director of Sloane Marine Ltd, a marine consultancy service to the offshore oil and gas, salvage, heavy lift and wreck removal industries.
Headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg with Captain Nick Sloane who returned to Kearsney as the Speech Day Guest Speaker
Greyhound News | 7 NOTABLE ALUMNI
The November 2014 issue of the magazine Destiny Man featured several highly successful businessmen: Kearsney Old Boys Andile Mazwai, Cedric Leitch and Napo Ramodibedi.
Andile Mazwai
GAME CHANGER Finance and investment guru Andile Mazwai (Finningley 1989), together with his three brothers, have a pretty broad spectrum covered:
Themba is the entrepreneur and co-owner of BNT Resources (Finningley 1988 – his son Baso, Class of 2018, is in Grade 9). Lungile is an Attorney at Ledwaba Mazwai Attorneys (Finningley 1984 – his son Nkosinathi, Class of 2016 is in Grade 10). Odwa is a medical doctor with government and corporate experience (Finningley 1990 and his son becomes the first 2nd generation Mazwai old boy. Yanga matriculated at the end of 2014).
Kojo Baffoe, editor of Destiny Man, wrote in his Ed’s note “…being African, we need to embrace the reality that we also have a responsibility to be helpful, to uplift to do whatever we can – however small – to ensure that we progress individually and collectively. American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have Andile’s vision for the stokvel industry is to afford members access and succeeded.” Men like cover star Andile Mazwai epitomise benefits they deserve from the retail and financial services industries. He this. He is living the ideal that we do not exist in isolation explains that it’s all about trying to level the playing fields and chip away and that, if you have the resources and capacity, you can at the economic legacy of apartheid. Much still needs to be changed make a tangible difference to people’s lives. His career to and there are already exciting opportunities being geared. date has served the dual purpose of helping him build a life while also transforming the way we think about certain sectors in the country. Considering his accomplishments so far, I can’t wait to see what else he’ll be doing to ensure that stokvels receive the respect, resources and benefits they deserve.” Andile’s full story is on www.destinyman.com- in brief, TAKING STOCK Andile has excelled in the stock market. He did well at Barnard Jacob Mellets which he left to start Mazwai Did you know that stokvels have evolved intoan investment vehicle with a savings Securities in 2001. A few years later BJM bought his shares from Mazwai Securities and Andile returned to BJM as the portfolio worth R25 billion? CEO. BJM grew under Andile’s leadership and in 2010 the business was sold to FNB for just under R500-million. estimated worth of the stokvel industry After the sale Andile’s wife Mondo instigated a ‘sabbatical’ R25 BILLION and, together with their two children, lived for a year in the 8,6 MILLION number of stokvel members village of Mougins, just minutes from Cannes in southern France. 421 000 number of general stokvels in SA Today Andile is investing his time in a different market, R134 average member contribution for a burial stokvel/month doing township roadshows across the country to convince stokvels to register with National Stokvel Association of SA 65% what burial societies constitute in stokvel industry (Nasasa) which he took over from the founder and first president Andrew Lukhele, after 25 years.
8 | Vol 12 February 2015 NOTABLE ALUMNI Napo Ramodibedi
AT THE HELM Napo Ramodibedi (Pembroke 1999) has excelled as one of the country’s few successful black maritime lawyers, with qualifications which include an LLB and a Masters in Maritime Law and Marine Insurance.
As CEO of shipping and logistics company Mendi Maritime Services, he’s combining his legal and business prowess. He plans to grow the Mendi Group into a premium shipping, logistics, rail and energy company, operating vessels and factories.
Cedric Leitch
CREATIVE ENTERPRISE Cedric Leitch (Finningley 1999), a strategy and insights partner at advertising agency 720 Marketing Incubator, credits much of his success to Kearsney, where he learned that “the sky is the limit and to never say never”.
He believes his passion for life and curiosity about the digital era steered him towards advertising and consumer communication; but it was his fear of failure which led to his doing an MBA and thus recognising his potential. Cedric’s plans include using digital content creation and mobile platforms to deliver the power of information to those who’ve previously lacked access.
Simon Hartley
INNOVATIVE DELIVERY The country’s underperformance in courier delivery services led to co-founder Simon Hartley (Gillingham 2006) establishing WumDrop, a mobile solution for pick- ups, deliveries and similar courier services ‘at the click of a button’.
Within months of being established, WumDrop was nominated for the Best South African Android app of 2014, and was crowned the winner of the IBM SmartCamp in Cape Town.
The on-demand service delivers anything to anyone “over small distances, in a small amount of time, for small money” via mobile app, website or e-commerce checkout. WumDrop uses a car-revenue share model to avoid the capital outlay of a fleet of couriers.
The concept was started in Cape Town and services were extended to Johannesburg, with plans to launch outside South Africa by the end of 2015.
KCweb For the full list of Kearsney’s Notable Alumni, read about highlighted Alumni and nominate candidates.
Greyhound News | 9 NOTABLE ALUMNI Famous For Their Food An interesting number of boys from the College has gone into the hospitality industry, with several of greater Durban’s best award-winning restaurants and bistros being owned by Old Boys. Graham Neilson 9TH AVE BISTRO | BOILER ROOM CAFÉ Leading the pack in terms of culinary awards is Graham Neilson (Finningley 1997), owner-chef of the acclaimed 9th Avenue Bistro and the recently opened Boiler Room Café in the eclectic refurbished Lion Match Factory building. After several years of travelling and cooking at top establishments in the United Kingdom, USA, Bermuda and South America, Graham and his wife Gina took over 9th Avenue five years ago, where they showcase fresh locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, exquisitely presented from modern interpretations of Bistro classics to cutting-edge gastronomy.
Chris Black ANDREOTTIS | ZEST | AUBERGINE | VANILLE | BELLEVUE CAFE | LUPA OSTERIA Chris Black (Gillingham 1994) has an enviable track record, with a string of acclaimed restaurants to his name: Andreottis, Zest, Aubergine, Vanille, Bellevue Café and Lupa Osteria in the Highway area. He and partner Guy Cluver are franchisors of Lupa in Westville and plan for further Lupas to open in Durban North, Umhlanga and Johannesburg during 2015.
Paul Sheppard MARCO PAULO | FRANK’S SPEAKEASY In Mt Edgecombe, Paul Sheppard (Finningley 1999) offers an upmarket, inventive menu at MarcoPaulo and an industrial chic bar at the adjoining Frank’s Speakeasy. Paul is currently compiling a cook-book featuring KCOBs and their restaurants. To be included, please email your name (house and year), restaurant name, location and contact details to oldboys@ kearsney.com
From top: Graham from 9th Ave Bistro and Boiler Room Café Durban; Chris from Bellevue Café and Lupa Osteria; Paul in Marco Paulo Mt Edgecombe
10 | Vol 12 February 2015 NOTABLE ALUMNI Brett Gentles PARC Brett Gentles (Pembroke 2000) offers exciting contemporary fare at Parc, a popular café and bistro in Glenwood, on the southern side of Durban. After training with Christina Martin, Brett went on to work for some of the country’s greatest culinary talent, including Richard Carstens at Lynton Hall and Graham Neilson at the celebrated 9th Avenue Bistro.
Marco Conte MAMA LUCIANA’S | MARCO’S Retaining the Italian flavour is Marco Conte (Gillingham 1988) with his three restaurants: the modern trattoria Marco’s and adjacent casual venue which spills out on to the pavement, Mama Luciana’s, both in Durban’s Morningside; as well as his popular Mama Luciana’s in the north Durban suburb of Glenashley.
Renzo Scribante
REMO’S ORIGINALE | REMO’S VILLAGIO | REMO’S MAXIMILLIANO | FRATELLI FOODS
Renzo Scribante (Sheffield 1998) has found a winning recipe with his trio of restaurants - Remo’s Originale in Mt Edgecombe, Remo’s Villagio in Umhlanga and the latest Remo’s Maximilliano in Sunningdale, Johannesburg. The buzzy, casual Italian bistros each have their own bakery and delis, the latter being supplied with Italian products from Renzo’s importing and distribution company, Fratelli Foods.
From top: Brett in the kitchen at parc; Marco in Marco’s Durban; Renzo in Remo’s Fratelli
Greyhound News | 11 NOTABLE ALUMNI
The November 2014 edition of the Sharks Magazine ran a six-page feature on Matt Stevens’s career and left no doubt that Matt’s blood is pure maroon.
Matt Stevens
IN TOWN WITH PLANS
After 12 years abroad, Matt Stevens (Sheffield 2001) has returned to KwaZulu-Natal having earned 44 caps as a prop for England and touring with the British and Irish Lions. In his first year back wearing the Sharks’ Black and White, Matt has been a great supporter and frequent visitor to the Hill; even extending his wardrobe to include a fresh pair of 1st XV socks which he wore when playing against the Barbarians in October 2014.
Matt and Brad Barritt (Pembroke 2004) are currently looking at ways in which to give back to their Alma Mater They both attended DPHS and Kearsney College - and give much credit to the many amazing teachers from these schools who challenged and inspired their dreams, giving them a great start in life.
Eleven KCOBs
RUGBY SUCCESSES
As the achievements and successes of rugby at Kearsney continue, so does the number of young Old Boys being included in provincial and national sides.
Four KCOBs were among South Africa’s most promising u20 players in 2014. Twins Daniel and Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sheffield 2013), Ayron Schramm (Finningley 2013) and Sandile Kubeka (Pembroke 2012) were selected to the training group of 70 players for the SA u20 squad. From this the Du Preez brothers made the Baby Bok team which participated in the 2014 IRB Junior World Cup.
These four boys, together with Chris Lines (Gillingham 2013), Jordan Meaker (Sheffield 2013), Mthunzi Moloi (Sheffield 2013) and Matthew Reece-Edwards (Finningley 2013), were selected for the Sharks u19 team.
Etienne Fynn (Pembroke 1989), head of the Sharks Academy in Durban, said the boys had shown great skills in making the step up to senior level. “We can hopefully look forward to seeing them in the Black and White for many years to come,” he said.
Chris Lines (Gillingham 2013) and Tristan Tedder (Finningley 2014), pictured right, have been given Sharks junior contracts for the 2015 season. James Hall (Finningley 2014) has been signed Chris Lines (Gillingham 2013) and Tristan Tedder (Finningley 2014) have to play for the EP Kings u19 team in 2015. been given Sharks junior contracts for the 2015 season.
12 | Vol 12 February 2015 NOTABLE ALUMNI Andrew Tweedie
WHAT A CATCH
Andrew Tweedie (Finningley 1993), better known as a right arm fast medium bowler for the Proteas, Dolphins and Herefordshire, showed rather a different talent with his right arm. He landed a major catch earning him front cover status of FLYFISHING magazine.
James Reid
RIDING HIGH
James Reid (Sheffield 2010) shares. ”I’ve really been enjoying professional mountain biking since I decided to take it more seriously after my time at Kearsney. Like most top-level sport, it has become a game of marginal gains as I’ve progressed up the ranks, and I find myself putting in exponentially more effort for smaller improvements.
It’s a sport that is incredibly diverse - from remote corners of the Klein Karoo to the deepest forests in the Czech Republic - I have been blessed to see a lot of our country through a lens that not many get to do.
It is not easy though. The saying “you’re only as good as your last race” is sometimes quite a burden when the road gets rocky. Fortunately, professional mountain biking as well as event companies in South Africa are growing at a rapid rate, allowing teams and athletes to become more professional and even race full-time. I’ve chosen the middle ground, and by mid-2015 I’ll be done with my B.Com in Investment Management through UNISA. It’s an alternative road. One with innumerable ups and downs, but the lessons are immense and long-standing.
Highlights of 2014 included defending my National Championship title, finishing 10th at the u23 World Championships in Hafjell, Norway, as well as winning the Hill2Hill in my old backyard behind Kearsney.”
James Reid (Sheffield 2010) in action
Greyhound News | 13 NOTABLE | NEW ALUMNI International Education Institutions
HARVARD SUCCESS
The College’s exceptional academic standard was highlighted last year with the announcement of two recent Old Boys being accepted into internationally renowned institutions of learning.
Greg Royston (Finningley 2013), pictured right, one of the country’s top matriculants and a SA schools golfer, was accepted directly from Kearsney to study for his under- graduate Applied Mathematics and Economics degree at Harvard University. Harvard receives 40 000 applications from around the world each year and enrols only 2 000 first-year students.
He is the second Kearsney matriculant to be accepted New Old Boys directly to the illustrious institution. William Scott (Gillingham 2005) graduated from Harvard with an HEAD PREFECT REFLECTS ON 2014 engineering degree in 2010 and is currently employed at Morgan Stanley as a sales and trading associate in New We chatted to Head of School Steven Tedder about the final year. York City. “This year was labeled as a year that had huge shoes to fill and that we didn’t have what it took to live up to the achievements of the past. 3 RHODES SCHOLARS We have an amazing group of very varied characters and together we managed to see past these doubts and, in true Kearsney fashion, we Alexander von Klemperer (Finningley 2006) is a Rhodes seized every opportunity,” said Tedder. Scholar Elect for 2015. Once he is physically at Oxford University, he will be officially confirmed as a Rhodes “The 2014 leadership had some very specific goals which were kept front Scholar – and will be the third KCOB to receive this of mind: 1. We closed the gap between junior and senior boys to create a prestigious honour, after Gavin Williams (Pembroke 1960) true brotherhood across the forms; 2. Surprise them! Through self-belief and David Polkinghorne (Gillingham 1981). we surprised and surpassed expectations; 3. We focused on improving communication between boys and staff; 4. The leadership of the school Alex is a qualified medical doctor and completes his two- focused on integrity above all, honour and dignity, putting Kearsney’s name year internship at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in before our own needs; 5. We strove, against much opposition and a Soweto this year. Once at Oxford, he intends reading for changing world, to uphold our beloved traditions; 6. Sport: We continued his Masters and PhD in Neuro Science. to punch above our weight. We won some and lost some, but always left the field with dignity; 7. Academics: Finished strong with many more than expected achieving Honours and Honours Cum Laude; 8. Culture: Once again representing well at the Choir Games. We leave having striven to make Kearsney proud of our efforts and achievements, in and out of the record books, and we always have and always will wear the badge with pride. We wish the Class of 2015 well!”
14 | Vol 12 February 2015 AMBASSADORSNETWORKING Hannah Lurie CAST IN BRONZE
The Kearsney Resource Centre is currently home to a magnificent bronze bust of Douglas Livingstone (Finningley 1949), one of South Africa’s foremost poets. The bronze has been donated and temporarily installed in the Resource Centre at the suggestion of distinguished sculptor Hannah Lurie, after Durban’s KwaSuka Theatre, for which it was commissioned, closed down.
Hannah has a close affinity with the College as her three sons – Michael (Finningley 1971), Laurence (1973) and Graham (1976) – were all educated at Kearsney. Dr Graeme Shuker (Finningley 1948) with sculptor Hannah Lurie and her bronze bust of poet Douglas Livingstone (Finningley 1949). After matriculating from the College, Douglas studied at the University of Natal and became a marine biologist in the city. The bust which had been stolen was handed in at the KawMuhle Museum in He gained two doctorates from the university - one for his by a Good Samaritan who said he read the story of the theft in the paper, and scientific work and an honorary doctorate for his poetry. then found the bust on the premises of a scrap metal dealer. Read more on Old Boys News www.kearsney.com An internationally acclaimed poet, Douglas had nine volumes of verse published, with his ‘Selected Poems’ winning the CNA Literary Award in 1985. He died in 1996 after losing a lengthy fight against cancer.
Parents raise the bar
KEARSNEY’S WORLD-CLASS MEDICAL FACILITY
Rugby at Kearsney has gone to another level with the announcement of Nashua Durban as team supporter of the 1st and 2nd rugby sides; and support from Old Boys, donors and sponsors enabling an upgrade of the Medworth Stand, including increased seating and roof coverage, renovation of players’ change rooms, a new ladies’ toilet facility and a media room with fibre optic services connected to the school network.
Thanks to the generous financial support from Life Healthcare and the Kearsney Parents’ Society, the medical room within the stand has been upgraded to a state-of-the-art medical facility catering for all possible injuries and emergencies. Now significantly bigger and equipped with sophisticated medical equipment, the facility is manned on match days by two doctors and nursing staff, ably supported by ER24 paramedics and Kearsney pupils trained as first aiders. Two automatic external defibrillators are strategically placed at different venues at the school to assist in resuscitating collapsed patients.
Life Healthcare has also sponsored an “ambulance” golf cart Left: Craig Koekemoer (current parent) and Dr Glen Hagemann (Finningley fitted with a stretcher for the transport of injured players from 1982; current parent and past president of the South African Sports Medicine any field on campus to the first aid room. Association). Nashua Durban is a unique partner bringing value to the A number of Kearsney parents provided their medical expertise in establishing business end of Kearsney as an excellent service provider, as the facility and continue to give generously of their time, providing medical assistance on match days: Dr Mike Marshall (Gillingham 1979; past president well as investing in Kearsney through their sponsorship. They of the South African Sports Medicine Association); Dr John Blanckenberg; have taken the time to understand and embrace the Kearsney Dr John Zietkiewicz; Dr Doug Beere and Dr Glen Hagemann mantra of balance and excellence.
Greyhound News | 15 AMBASSADORS Kearsney Ambassadors MEMBERSHIP INVITATION
A community which extends beyond Kearsney Old Boys We welcome parents, grandparents, guardians & Kearsney friends to sign-up as KCOB Associate Members “It is great to have the energetic Gary Butler We also request you to keep your contact Grade 12 parents receive automatic [current parent of Matthew - Grade 12 in details up to date to ensure the monthly membership 2015] on our team to remind us that this Greyhound eNews reaches you with all the initiative is about expanding the Kearsney news and notices of upcoming events. Sign-up on-line: community beyond Kearsney Old Boys. The www.kearsney.com Kearsney Ambassador network is chaired by The Ambassadors network will officially > Old Boys > Ambassadors Only criteria: specify your link/ the Head Prefect’s parents and it is a record target a couple of events in 2015: relationship to a Kearsney Boy or that the three consecutive Head Prefects Kearsney cause for 2013, 2014 and 2015 are all sons of Old 2, 4 & 6 April: The Kearsney Easter Rugby Boys,” says Kearsney Ambassador chairman Festival has a great line-up of fixtures Membership is FREE Roger Tedder (1987, son Stephen was Head (see back page) Aims of Membership of School 2014), with David Attenborough 20 June: We especially welcome parents • To THANK parents for choosing (1974, son Joshua was Head of School 2013) of the Class of 2010 to the Saturday Kearsney and Dave Polkinghorne (1981, son Robbie is Founders programme which will celebrate • To keep our Kearsney community Head of School 2015). 2010s 5th reunion. Book online. INFORMED through the monthly 24 July: Two four-balls are already booked Greyhound eNewsletter The Kearsney Ambassadors is a network to to join the Class of 2007 Stef Rohwer • To INVITE members to various keep the Kearsney Community up to date Memorial Golf Day. events & fixtures at Kearsney and with happenings at the school; and we invite KCOB Branch level you to continue supporting the school’s We invite volunteers who are willing to rally wonderful events: the 250 Club, Spring Ball parents of their son’s year to contact Kerry Please help us find past parents to register and choir performances. on [email protected]. them as members.
From left: Dave Polkinghorne, Gary Butler, David Attenborough and Roger Tedder
16 | Vol 12 February 2015 Greyhound News | 4 NETWORKING Making Cyber Strides The long-awaited portal to enable Old Boys to view and update their own Kearsney profile is here! By the end of 2014, over 625 people had successfully accessed their profiles. We are encouraged and appreciate this interest and are learning from your feedback.
It is easy to get connected! Just visit Foundation Office and cost of emailing and www.kearsney.com > Old Boys > Update posting information to incorrect addresses. The current Kearsney parents are now your contact details. Should you forget We will from time to time email login able, via a separate portal, to view and your user name and password, it will be ID and Passwords to the full database update their personal details, view fee sent automatically online when requested. to get you started and prompt updates. statements, print their son’s previous Alternatively email [email protected] Please note that the first time you use reports, white slip reports, extra-mural and we will get you connected. the platform you will need to click on the participation and more. “change password” button on the portal The importance of your information. login screen and change your password. This dynamic and specialised product, Your information, interests and Kearsney known as Ed-Admin, is widely used history will give us a rich picture of our Connecting everyone. The current Grade internationally – but is not a social media Kearsney community as we plan towards 8 to 12 students and parent profiles are on platform. It is able to manage the full affairs the 2021 Centenary. Your details are also the same database, although on a different of a school, as well as the alumni and donor vital when we plan events such as class module. The huge value to Old Boys is that functions. It’s a reasonably flexible product reunions, branch events, or want to invite it’s now much easier to transfer data for and customisation is a work in progress. you to a special event such as a golf day new Old Boys and their parents on to the We are excited about this development or choir performance. On a practical level KCOB module; plus we are able to keep a and look forward to your feedback. your updates will save us time and money: student’s school history. both in terms of the limited capacity of the
Greyhound News | 17 TRADITIONS NEW & OLD
Asked to single out favourite memories, our past … at our current rate of On Good Authority for many Old Boys it was an iconic improvement, we will become the top sports fixture, particularly it seems 1st school in South Africa, if not globally.” Each year, as part of an XV victories against Maritzburg College. Beating College on Goldstones for the Talk of food remains a common thread Oral History assignment, first time in over two decades and on their through the generations – with mentions Grade 8 boys are required Founders Day was a significant memory for of ‘zarms’, ice-cream, Welsh Rarebit on Tim Johnson (Gillingham 1999); and beating a Sunday night and peanut butter with to interview a Kearsney College at home in 2005 held significance syrup being mentioned by many Old Boys; for Mark Goosen (Pembroke 2005). as are many of the traditions still held in College Old Boy. high esteem and which continue today - Russell Phillips (Pembroke 1984) shared hands in pockets, one hand in the pocket The process rekindles memories of happy some of his favourite memories: : “I think in Grade 11, greetings and staying off the days spent on The Hill for the interviewee; back to things like Friday nights chatting grass. whilst for the interviewer it engenders a and joking with your mates in the dorm; sense of tradition and belonging, linking Saturday morning sports matches; being “Discipline was very much based on a together Kearsney boys from across the part of winning, sometimes losing, teams; military training but there was a distinct generations. the echo of war-cries in the trees; Sunday purpose and it obviously allowed you to afternoon football on Matterson and Stott; look forward to the time when all those In their first year at Kearsney, many of the the smell of boot polish; ice-cream on privileges came your way as a Matric interviewers noted that the core ethos of Sundays; rainy, misty mornings and nights; boy,” Peter Gibson (1981) told Robert the school, and its spirit of brotherhood Christmas beetles in the plane trees at the Whitehouse. and camaraderie, remain unchanged over end of the year….most of all it was the the decades; but that it had arguably camaraderie; the laughter between good For many Old Boys an overwhelmingly become more compassionate and friends, most of whom remain very good significant advantage which an education nurturing, with greatly improved facilities friends to this day.” at Kearsney had meant was the enduring and a stronger focus on being globally friendships of peers and the strong relevant. From the interview, son Daniel concluded: comradeship across the generations, often “…to plan our future, we have to review being the core of ensuing networking and business associations.
18 | Vol 12 February 2015 TRADITIONS NEW & OLD Kearsney Centenary History Project
To coincide with the celebration of Kearsney College’s centenary in 2021, Dave Goldhawk has been commissioned to research and prepare a history of the school’s first hundred years.
Dave is especially keen to uncover previously unpublished primary source material including personal photographs reflecting the day-to-day life of the boys, letters, diaries, videos, memorabilia and even examples of early Kearsney uniforms. He is also looking for anecdotes and personal reminiscences to help flesh out the ‘official’ historical records.
For the first few months, Dave will be concentrating on the Old Kearsney era (1921 to 1939) and will be especially eager to receive material relating to these years.
Please keep an eye on the Greyhound e-News for further updates and requests.
Dave will be based at Kearsney and can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone: 031-765 9600 (landline) or 083 382 8444 (mobile).
Ensuring Global Relevance
It is vital that Kearsney boys are offered the opportunity to study Mandarin Chinese at school if they are to effectively operate and excel in a global economy.
In partnership with the HanBan Confucius Institute in Beijing, Kearsney is one of the country’s first non-Chinese schools to offer Mandarin Chinese as part of the school’s academic programme. Twenty-five Grade 8s signed up for the subject last year. It is being offered to Grades 8 and 9 this year, and will be rolled out through to Matric level.
The Confucius programme is part of Kearsney’s endeavours to offer excellence at all levels and to ensure the school remains globally relevant and at the forefront of education in South Africa.
“We strive for excellence at all levels - academically and extramurally - with a goal of empowering boys to reach their full potential and to put them in an unassailable position to effectively contribute to a global economy and society,” said headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg.
Ms Jing Wang, who is from Fuyang, Anhui province in China, is teaching Mandarin at Kearsney
Greyhound News | 19 SCHOOL NEWS Consistent Excellence 2013 | 2014 Kearsney takes immense pride in consistently being one of South Africa’s top academic achieving schools each year.
Once again, the College achieved another set of outstanding marks in the 2014 IEB National Senior Certificate examinations; highlighting its position as one of the leading independent boys’ schools in the country.
In the recently released 2014 results, Kearsney attained almost double the number of distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Science - for the fourth consecutive year - compared with the national average of all IEB schools. Jabulani Nyathi (Finningley 2015) raises the flag - a tradition for Kearsney’s incoming deputy head boy Highlighting its consistent successes, 45% of boys who wrote Mathematics attained the top independent boys’ school in the teachers, empowers the boys to reach their distinctions (compared with the national country. A quarter of the 129 Kearsney potential. We acknowledge the important average of 26% across all IEB schools) and boys who wrote Matric in 2013 achieved role which so many play in making this 36% in Physical Science (compared to four or more distinctions – gaining an possible.” 12.9% across all IEB schools). impressive 299 distinctions between them (an average of 2.3 each). Kearsney had a serious approach to Kearsney also performed well in terms of its academic programme and set high the top 1% of IEB candidates per subject – A remarkable 44% of those who wrote standards; striving to develop all-round boys with two boys in the country’s top 1% for Mathematics obtained distinctions25% who compete at the highest level in sports Maths (top 65 pupils), seven in the top 48 attained distinctions in Advanced and the arts without sacrificing academics. in Physical Sciences, three in the top 24 for Programme Mathematics and 42% in Accounting, two in the top 29 for History Physical Sciences; 63% of students in EGD He said Kearsney was also proud to be an and all eight of SA’s top Engineering achieved a distinction and 50% in Music. inclusive school, where boys with different Graphics and Design (EGD) candidates academic abilities were Kearsney boys. Headmaster Elwyn Kearsney is proud to were welcomed. van den Aardweg The school’s continued emphasis on Maths said he was delighted be an inclusive school, “These results and Science as centres of excellence that “the excellence where boys with bear testimony has produced positive spin-offs in other we collectively strive to the incredible subjects too, with excellent results in the for extends to all different academic results that our arts and humanities. Six of the seven Music the subjects that we leading Inclusion candidates achieved distinctions, with nine offer, with wonderful abilities are welcomed. Programme of the 19 Drama students and more than achievements being Elwyn van den Aardweg achieves with half of the 42 EGD students achieving recorded across the boys who require distinctions. board. various levels of academic support and assistance. Kearsney is also proud to The school’s 123 boys who wrote Matric “Academics are the College’s number provide financial assistance and bursaries in 2014 achieved 231 distinctions between one priority and Kearsney boys are to many families from disadvantaged them; and again Kearsney achieved a immersed in an academically rigorous backgrounds, giving them the opportunity 100% pass rate with an incredible 98.3% environment from day one. This to receive a top education. The boys are exemption rate (university pass). environment of academic striving in a carefully mentored and often achieve disciplined environment, together with our outstanding academic results, opening the This strong result echoed the extraordinary highly qualified, professional and dedicated doors to bright futures.” 2013 results, when Kearsney emerged as
20 | Vol 12 February 2015 SCHOOL NEWS From the Headmaster’s desk
PLANNING AHEAD As the College strives to in modernising Gillingham and Finningley, programmes of excellence. in line with Pembroke’s effective cubicle Three overseas tours are being planned remain at the forefront of dorm design. The first phase of the project for this year: a squash tour to Malaysia, will commence this year by renovating the hockey tour to Holland and Belgium, and education in South Africa, toilet and shower facilities in Finningley and a combined academic tour for Drama and Gillingham. Engineering Graphics and Design students its academic, sporting, to the United States. In addition, budget has been allocated cultural and boarding for the purchase of one staff house and From a sport perspective, pre-season up-grading of several existing staff houses conditioning in all sports codes is facilities are regularly during the current financial year. being extended. Old Boy Nico Breedt reviewed and improved. (Pembroke 1997) a former Sharks, Seven additional classrooms will be built Cheetahs and Toulon player, will continue in two phases, the Tennis Pavilion will be to assist Barend Steyn with coaching of the In this respect, infrastructure and capacity enclosed and will incorporate a meeting 1st XV. Some of the country’s best rugby- upgrades in excess of R12-million will room, heat pumps will be installed at the playing schools will again participate in the be rolled out during 2015. Evidence of swimming pools and Kearsney College 2015 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival. the success of the school is this year’s Road de-proclaimed. The school has admission of 630 boys - the biggest to date- endured challenging periods of water Kearsney’s centenary in 2021 is still six which includes 140 Grade 8s, of whom 90 shortages and cuts; thus a three-day years away, but planning has already are boarders. emergency supply reservoir, with a capacity commenced. of 300 000 litres, will be installed. Alterations and additions to Haley House, Dave Goldhawk, completed at the end of last year, added 28 Confirming Tomorrow will not be ours who retired in 2013, beds to East Wing, new bathroom facilities, the College’s if we are passive. We should has returned to The a reception area and additional space in aim to ensure Hill and has been the prep room. These improvements have boys are well seize the moment. commissioned to ensured the school can meet the strong equipped to go Robin Lockhart-Ross, chairman author a Centenary demand for boarding and that there is into the world Kearsney’s Board of Governors publication. space for Grade 8 day boys wishing to stay as valuable overnight. members of society, Mandarin Chinese is being This year South Wing in Haley House will rolled out through to Matric; and English be refurbished and approval has been excellence is being established as the third granted to commence with the first phase pillar of the successful Maths and Science
Artist impression of new classroom block KCweb Read more on Kearsney Foundation projects
Greyhound News | 21 SCHOOL NEWS 2014 at a glance
ACADEMICS Canoeing u16 Grant Khomo Week Head Coach – SA u14 K4 – Callam Davis, Dylan Hanson, Mr Francois Lubbe Mathematics Gregory McConnell SA School Rugby Manager – Mr Dean Harmony Gold Mathematics Olympiad: KZN u14 Marathon Champs – Callam Moodley Seven in KZN top 99 (seniors)- Davis, Dylan Hanson Matthew Butler, Daniel Campbell, Squash Alexander Harvey, Myles Lundall, Stuart Cricket KZN u19B – Brenton Scott-Martin McCleave, Keiran Smith, Matthew van KZN Coastals u19A – Keegan Foss KZN u16A – Graham Hudson (KCOB son: Heusden; KZN Coastals u17A – James Tedder Andrew Hudson, 1982), Cameron Ritchie Eleven in KZN top 99 (juniors)- Blaise (KCOB son: Clive Tedder, 1985) Carmichael, Bradley D’Eramo, Thomas Dolphins u15 Player of the Season – James Swimming Lunde, Robert McConnell, Richard Stamatis (KCOB son: Arthur Stamatis, KZN team – Matthew Smith Paterson, Leigh Sandy, Samuel Stanton, 1988) KZN Junior Performer Squad – Matthew Lewis Traill, Alexander Veltman, Tyron Smith Wood, Edward Yeo Golf KZN Open Water Team – Guy du Toit KZN u23 – Greg Mckay (KCOB son: Stephen du Tiot, 1974) English SA Schools A – Greg Mckay (2nd year) De Beers English Olympiad: Four awarded KZN Schools A – Greg Mckay Tennis gold certificates - Ross Cairns, Ivan KZN Schools B – James Kennedy KZN u19A – Dale Sandy Crockart, Jeremy de Beer, Dhirren Pillay Chairman of SA High Schools’ Golf – KZN u19B – Keegan Foss, Mihir Singh, Mr Bruce Thompson KZN u15B – Kyle Koenig Afrikaans Winner of Travel Story Senior Category – Hockey Water polo Francois van der Merwe SA u18A – Bili Ntuli KZN u19B – Ryan Jackson (goal keeper), SA u18 5s captain – Bili Ntuli Tyrone Beunk Burgess, Luke Croshaw isiZulu SA u16 – Lyle Jarvel, Blake Tyack KZN u15 – Luke Croshaw Olympiad: Kearsney achieved 4th highest KZN SC u18A – Bili Ntuli number of distinctions in SA with KZN SC u18B – Ruari Baker (KCOB son: Other achievements 12 boys getting over 80% – Hlumela Andrew Baker, 1979), Matthew Butler, Baseball: SA u17 squad – Cameron Lee Mngomezulu, Travus Louw, Clint Cele, Matthew Last Chess: KZN u16 – James Hulett (KCOB Wandile Linda, Mvelo Duma, Gcinathina KZN SC u18C – Alex Di Marco son: Gary Hulett, 1980), Richard Paterson Gumede, Sisa Mkhize, Mnotho Mkhwanazi, KZN SC u16A – Lyle Jarvel, Matthew Lees, Lifesaving: SA Champs – Taine Buys Conrad Mutale, Akhile Ntshingila, Sbusiso Cameron Rencken, Blake Tyack Mountain Biking: KZN – Christopher Sangweni, Zolile Shange KZN SC u16B – Jeremy Foord, Brad Wood Cartwright KZN SC u16C – Cameron Baker (KCOB Annual Academic Awards son: Andrew Baker, 1979), Nicholas de 30% of matric boys received Academic Beer, Kyle Koenig, Keenan Naidoo, Grant CULTURAL Colours or Honours Awards (aggregate Oliver over 75%) KZN SC u14A – Steven Conway, Ross Choir 7 boys received Academic Honours Cum Gibbings, Liam Maguire, Fin McLean- 3 Gold Medals and World Champion status Laude (aggregate over 86%) Mazotti, Guy Morgan, Kandrin Naidoo at 8th World Choir Games in Latvia with 19 were awarded Academic Honours KZN SC u14B – Scott Bentley, Calym 27 000 participants, 460 choirs from (aggregate of 80-85%) Lishman, Kyle Sewbaran 73 nations 10 were awarded Academic Colours (aggregate of 75-79%) Rugby Orchestra KZN u18 Craven Week team – Tristan KZN Youth Wind Band – Timothy Lewis Dixon, James Hall (KCOB son: Andrew SPORT Hall, 1983), Tristan Tedder (KCOB son: Bruce Tedder, 1992) COMMUNITY SERVICE 58 Kearsney boys were selected to KZN u18 Academy – Tijde Visser represent KZN and 7 to represent South U16 Grant Khomo Week – Jared Meyer Kearsney has an extensive community Africa in various age groups across the KZN High Schools 7s team – Tristan Dixon service programme which affords each sports codes Junior Sharks signings – Tristan Tedder, Chris boy the opportunity to serve & contribute Lines (Gillingham 2013) to the community. The values instilled & Basketball KZN u18 Craven Week Manager - lessons learned from this service to others KZN u20 – Jeremy Maarschalk (KCOB Mr Dean Moodley are timeless & their commitment & passion son: Trevor Maarschalk, 1984), Morena u18 Craven Week Coach – Mr Barend saw the boys dedicate 13 371 hours to Malakoana, Langelihle Mhlongo, Cele Ntando Steyn community service this year. SA u20 squad – Jeremy Maarschalk
22 | Vol 12 February 2015 SCHOOL NEWS SA’s Rainbow Choir
The Kearsney choir has put the College on the world Support the Arts map once again through inspiring performances at the We invite all supporters of the Arts, the College or the Choir to make a monthly eighth World Choir Games in Latvia and at sell-out donation and be a “Friend of the Choir”. Gift donations can start from as little as concerts throughout year. R100 per month. Benefits for our valued individual Its colourful exuberance, energy and The Choir Games is the Olympics for supporters include: vigour, matched with superb musical choirs and the world’s largest competition • An annual tax certificate to claim your flair, highlights all that can be achieved if in choir music – having attracted 27 000 donation off your SARS tax submission differences are put aside and a common participants and 460 choirs from 73 • Regular eNews about the Kearsney goal is sought. nations in 2014. Choir • A free copy of the high-quality Choir “The boys’ pride in African culture, the With its signature blend of classical, tour magazines passion with which it is presented, and pop and indigenous music, Kearsney’s • Box office discounts for Kearsney the obvious teamwork are inspiring. Their 64-member choir was invited to Choir performances. unity and harmony show in and out of represent Africa at the Games’ final performance,” said headmaster Elwyn van Celebration Concert; and in the lead up TO JOIN den Aardweg. to the Games to represent the continent Use the safe, quick and easy on-line at the prestigious ‘Rhythms of One World Pledge Form on the Kearsney Foundation The choir won gold in all three categories Festival’, which included a performance page on www.kearsney.com and entered - the Young Male Choirs, Scenic at the United Nations Headquarters in complete the required steps. Folklore and Scenic Pop - as well as Geneva. Alternatively, contact us at World Champion status in Scenic Pop. [email protected]
ENQUIRIES [email protected] or campaign leader Christiaan Kotze (Sheffield 2009) on email [email protected] or 072 328 1098
Greyhound News | 2310 FOUNDATION NEWS Top Kearsney Awards The Sir Liege Hulett When one of their sponsored boys was selected for the Choir to compete in Kearsney donor Award was bestowed in the 2014 World Choir Games in Latvia, recognition awards Transnet funded him and also made the (as at the end of 2014) 2014, with much gratitude, dreams of five other choir members a reality when they provided financial support. The Sir Liege Hulett Award The Transnet Foundation’s education to the Transnet Foundation 45 donors, who have contributed gifts programme aims to equip talented of R450 000 (2014 net present value) and the Class of 2007 students who are selected from or more during their lifetime or through marginalised backgrounds and have shown their estate, are acknowledged on the Memorial Bursary Fund. great tenacity to succeed. Extra support Honours Board in the Sir Liege Hulett is provided to ensure a firm foundation Room as well as on-line in critical subjects such as Maths, Physical Science, Accounting and English. Students The Kearsney Legacy Society will also receive Transnet bursaries to 24 benefactors are acknowledged, enable them to further their studies at having remembered Kearsney through universities of their choice within South their estates In 2013 the Transnet Foundation was Africa. introduced to Kearsney through the Founders of Kearsney’s 2nd Century The Transnet Foundation offers an College’s participation in the ISASA Many monthly and regular donors uncompromising commitment to ensure Mathematics and English Programme and have joined a campaign to build and excellence in education and bridge has quickly become a top Kearsney partner. strengthen Kearsney’s financial future the gap towards true social cohesion. In 2015, three new Grade 8 Transnet Theresa Moila, Transnet’s CSI director, says Foundation 120%-sponsored boys joined “education is the responsibility of all SA Kearsney salutes Transnet and the Transnet Kearsney, bringing to six the number citizens and companies in the country. It Foundation for this incredibly important of Kearsney pupils fully funded by the takes a village to raise a child. Each of us is initiative and thanks them for their Foundation. The school is immeasurably part of that village.” continued faith and support. enriched by their presence and contribution. The Transnet foundation made it possible for six boys to travel with the Choir to the recent World Choir Olympics
24 | Vol 12 February 2015 FOUNDATION PAGE Top Class of 2007 Class of 1974 record breakers
The Sir Liege Award will be publicly The record breaking attendance for the presented at the dinner after the Class of 40th reunion of the Class of 1974 has been 2007 Stef Rohwer Memorial Golf Day on marked in a special way. Over Founders “Education is the most Friday 24 June 2015. Please support this Weekend, reunion convenor David powerful weapon special event. Attenborough initiated a 1974 Class Fund as a way to collectively give back to Kearsney. which you can use to The Class of 2007 is a year of gentlemen By the end of 2014, the first-year goal of change the world” who experienced grief and loss while R75 000 had already been exceeded. too young. To honour their deceased Nelson Mandela classmates, they rally to remind us to live The 10-year aim is to raise R2-million to with passion, celebrate those we love, create a scholarship for a talented and deserving boy. embrace life and make the world a better place. 1974 steering team Barry Livsey, Dave Attenborough and David Pearse
At the start of 2014 the Class of 2007 Endowment Fund had reached a capital value of just over R550 000. The 2014 Golf Day profit of R80 000 and their growing monthly drive saw the fund grow a further 20% before the end of 2014. By their 10th reunion in 2017, the Class of 2007 aims to have raised R2-million. A real highlight in 2014 was the awarding of the first Class of 2007 Memorial Bursary to Tristan Dixon, now in Grade 12 and Gillingham Head of House. Tristan is a true all-rounder - in the College’s 1st Cricket and Rugby sides as well as the Choir.
Tristan Dixon (second left), while on holiday met the Class of 2007 team: Manfred Rohwer, Antonios Fischer (Sheffield) and Ricardo Gouveia (Sheffield) Class Fund Facts
A minimum of R50 000 and 10 monthly or regular supporters is required to be listed as a Class Fund. Each has a web page on: www.kearsney.com • The first class fund was established in 1994 by the Class of 1952 a couple of years after their 40th reunion. • In 2009 the Class of 2007 Memorial Bursary Fund was established. This is currently the largest fund. • The Class of 2010 Memorial Bursary was established in 2011 and celebrates their 5th reunion in 2015. • The Class of 1974 Fund was established in 2014 shortly after their 40th reunion Is your class ready to build a legacy and be commemorated in the history of the school? Contact the Foundation office on [email protected]
Greyhound News | 25 FACES IN PLACES Moments from 2014
Founders Weekend 13 June 2014: Mhlangenkululeko Siwisa (Finningley 2001); Founders Weekend 13 June 2014, 30th reunion: Bruce Rencken (Finningley 1984); Myles Neill-Dore (Pembroke 2001); Darren Clark (Pembroke 1997) Cyril Lincoln (Pembroke 1984); Russell Phillips (Pembroke 1984)
Greyhound Clubhouse Cocktails (6 Nov 2014): Peter Kirsten (Deputy Head); Patrick Russell (Gillingham 1956)
Founders Weekend 13 June 2014: Dale Tomlinson Founders Weekend 13 June 2014: Des Njapha (Finningley 1999, (Gillingham 1966); Gavin Bester (Pembroke 1967) KCOB Exec Member); Hector Mnyayiza (Sheffield 2004)
Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary (05 Dec Remembrance Day (11 Nov 2014): Graeme Shuker (Finningley 1948); 2014): Sharmeed and Trevor Thomspon (Gillingham Andrew Bath; Gavin Bester (Pembroke 1967); Nick Maritz (Finningley 1977); 1960). Joy and Kerry (from the Foundation office) Eric Gieseler (Finningley 1959); Ted Garner (Finningley 1956); stayed at their Umhlali home and Seaforth B&B when John Alan Cunningham (Finningley 1955) attending the Dolphin Coast dinner. In the 1860s the Thompson’s home was owned by Dr James Hulett, Liege’s father, where he started a school.
26 | Vol 12 February 2015 FACES IN PLACES
Dolphin Coast annual dinner (20 Nov 2014): Tim Johnson (Gillingham 1999); Dean Hodgson UK Golf Day (3 August 2014): Tyrone Jansen (Pembroke 1999 – out-going UK (Gillingham 1997); Tim Wise (Gillingham 1995); John Roussot (Finningley 1995); Richard de branch chair); Scott Power (Sheffield 1999); Rich Fraser (Sheffield 1999); Rauville (Gillingham 1997) Derek de Goede (Finningley 1999)
Gauteng Cocktail Party at the Van Rensburg’s home (5 Feb 2014): Brett van Rensburg (Finningley 2006); Murray McLeod (2006); Strath Hagemann (Finningley 2006)
Old Cricks commemorate a plaque in the Memorial Garden for the late Stu Brown (Gillingham 1996) 21 Nov 2014: Standing (from left): Robert McGrath (Pembroke 2013); Dave Agar (Gillingham 2008); Jason Lacon-Allin (Pembroke 2010); Ricardo Gouveia (Sheffield 2007); Craig Kirsten (Finningley 2012); Benji Hector (C) (Gillingham 1997); Matt Needham (Gillingham 2003); Front row: Jordan Gregory (Pembroke 2013); Kyle Connolly (Gillingham 2004); Richard Pentecost (Finningley 2010); Greg Fotheringham (Gillingham 2003) [Not in the picture: Dave Cameron (Sheffield 2003)] Zululand Annual Dinner (13 Nov 2014): Michelle & Wayne Graven - parents of Jordan Graven (Finningley Gr 10)
Zululand Annual Dinner (13 Nov 2014): David Beath (Finningley 1981); Miles Mathew (Finningley 1973)
Momentum for the KCOB-USA Centenary Bursary Fund, led by Michael Hall started at the KCOB dinner in Santa Rosa, CA, USA (5 July 2014). Daniel Da Silva (Gillingham 2001); Brett Webber (Finningley 1981); Leif Gjestland (Gillingham 1950); Ian Macgregor (Gillingham 1952); Dereck Levy (Pembroke 1970); Michael Hall (Gillingham 1953); Grant du Plooy (Pembroke 1978); David Emanuel (Pembroke 1996); Elwyn van den Aardweg. Greyhound News | 27 SURVIVOR TIMES A sustainable legacy of support During 2014 Graeme Shuker handed over his position as the Chairman of the Kearsney Legacy Society to Lorne Maclaine.
KEARSNEY LEGACY SOCIETY (Date Legacy was received)
1954 AH (Bertie) Smith 1968 RH & Dorothy Matterson 1973 Rutherford Hulett 1977 GM (Max) & Pat Oram 1980 Les France Stanley G & Annelie Osler 1983 Lady Usher 1986 Ray L Hulett 1997 James Kingston 2001 David O Hall Christine Mason 2005 JH (Jimmy) Hopkins Philip H Moore Heather Redgment 2006 John W Gafney 2007 James H Charter John E Farren Pam Foster Kearsney Legacy Society Committee: (Standing) Gavin Bester (Pembroke 1967), Joy Mills-Hackmann (Foundation & KCOB Director), Richard (Pop) Tolken (Gillingham 1954) with Ian Ivan Ives Graeme Shuker (Finningley 1948). Not photographed: Ted Garner (Finningley 1956), Ray Wicks Dorothea (Thea) Reece (Finningley 1949), Lorne Maclaine (Gillingham 1963). 2010 William M Crook “Listening to A Time to Say Goodbye, sung by academics, business leaders, sportsmen and Keith C Comins Sarah Brightman, confirmed that it was my notable individuals who spent their school 2013 Leslie Putterill the time to say goodbye,” Graeme Shuker years at Botha’s Hill. Granted there are said at the October 2014 Durban Survivor many influences that lead to success but a lunch, where he announced the handover solid school education is at its core,” says bequests. A bequest to Kearsney in an of the Chairmanship of the Legacy Society Lorne, speaking in his new role as chairman individual’s Will is a tangible and valuable to The Laird, Lorne Maclaine (Gillingham of the Kearsney Legacy Society. way to ensure the College is equipped for 1963) and the Survivors to Richard “Pop” future generations. Bequests take many Tolken (Gillingham 1954). There are many initiatives focused on forms and for many Old Boys it is a small sustaining the capacity to preserve way of saying “Thank you”. “The Kearsney community has frequently Kearsney’s enviable reputation and been described as a family – a family where deliveries. The aim of the Kearsney Legacy If you would like to consider planning a bonds are forged and its achievements are Society is one such initiative. bequest to Kearsney, please contact the celebrated. More importantly, however, is Kearsney Foundation which administers the that our College has consistently delivered Keeping Kearsney’s world-class education Kearsney Legacy Society. All discussions are useful young men who have contributed and infra-structure within reach of treated as confidential. significantly to society in general. We deserving boys requires resources; and frequently read or hear of scientists, one way of sustaining this legacy is through
28 | Vol 12 February 2015 AU REVOIR
Roberto (Rob) Candotti Veronica (Ronni) Wallace Rob Candotti, known to many as the Italian After 26 years of service, Ronni Wallace, Stallion, retired at the end of last year. the doyenne of the Kearsney English
He was appointed to the English Department in January 1988 department, retired at the end of last year. after several years as a copywriter in the advertising industry and never regretted his move to the class room. Having distinguished herself as an English teacher at Hillcrest High School, Ronni was appointed Head of English at the College in Identifying the need to extend the horizons of the top dozen January 1989 and served in this position until December 2009. academics in Grade 12, Rob established the Twelve Club, which he Passionate about her subject, Ronni marked Matric papers for 20 continued to run for the rest of his Kearsney career. According to years and was moderator for Paper 1 and the oral examination of last year’s chairman, the club ‘offered an intellectual journey that the Independent Examinations Board for 10 years. often challenged us to think about, and re-assess, social dynamics and popular beliefs’. Before the establishment of the Drama Department, in which she was instrumental, Ronni was involved in the direction of several He has also been involved for many years in the Grade 11 school plays. In 1994 one of the schoolgirl actresses had to be Leadership programme and was its co-ordinator until 2008. hospitalised a few days before the opening of Making a Mountain In English-related matters, Rob was involved in public speaking and out of a Molehill. Ronni stepped into the breach and played a very in preparing boys for the Alan Paton Literary Competition. Over convincing grandmother – shades of things to come! She also the years, he also accompanied several groups of Kearsney boys to directed two staff talent shows. the schools’ week of the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Over the years she has prepared many boys for the English In the years before the establishment of a Drama Department, Olympiad, run the Film Society, been actively involved in public Rob directed a number of school productions, including Twelve speaking and debating and accompanied several groups of boys to Angry Men and The Diary of Adrian Mole. the schools’ week of the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. In addition he spent many years coaching tennis and squash; and She also co-ordinated Catholic Catechism, accompanying boys on ran the Audio-Visual Club. a weekly basis to St Dominic’s in Hillcrest and later to Our Lady of Mercy in Kloof. Rob also involved himself with distinction at Lifeline, serving as a telephone counsellor for 12 years. When she first arrived at Kearsney, Ronni and her family resided in what is now known as Hockey House. One Saturday afternoon, Rob and his wife Sandy will continue to reside in Botha’s Hill for their miscreant Great Dane Sally invaded the Greyhound Pavilion the immediate future. They intend to spend some time leisurely and, with a group of canine friends, polished off a wedding cake exploring the highways and byways of South Africa in one of the while, blissfully unaware, the bridal couple and guests were still two Alfa Romeos which are stabled in their garage. No doubt occupied in the Chapel! they will also spend some time in Cape Town where their sons, both of whom were educated at Kearsney, Ricky (Gillingham 2002) Ronni and Tim moved into their home in Waterfall at the end of and Alex (Gillingham 2005), are currently living. Interestingly, both 2013. Her plans for the future include a trip to England to visit sons are pursuing careers in the advertising industry. their daughters, Julia and Diana, and their grandchild. She will also continue her sterling work on the Kearsney Heritage Committee Dave Goldhawk and intends to involve herself in charity work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Dave Goldhawk
Greyhound News | 29 IN MEMORIAM In Memory
We remember KCOB members who have died since the end of September 2013, and notify you, with regret, of the following deaths.
Carl Labuschagne (Gillingham 1966) 16 September 2013 Elton Christian (Gillingham 1947) 22 September 2013 Jon Cole-Edwards (Gillingham 1997) 25 September 2013 David Kotze (Unknown 1962) 27 September 2013 Anthony Morgan (Pembroke 1968) 4 October 2013 David Phelps (Finningley 1970) 30 October 2013 Alewyn Zoutendijk (Pembroke 1968) 18 November 2013 Craig Hurlimann (Unknown 1984) 18 December 2013 Mark McKeown (Pembroke 1992) 29 December 2013 Colin Smith (Gillingham 1943) January 2014 Duncan Scott (Pembroke 2010) 18 February 2014 Hans Cromme (Gillingham 1950) 17 March 2014 Ian Morgan (Gillingham 1948) 20 March 2014 Brian Pope (Finningley 1971) 20 April 2014 Billy Hammond (Gillingham 1969) 22 April 2014 Ronald Anger (Unknown 1951) 27 April 2014 Tinny Taylor (Gillingham 1977) 5 May 2014 Jeremy Wallace (Pembroke 1970) 16 July 2014 John Daniel (Finningley 1961) 25 July 2014 Selwyn Cohen (Gillingham 1956) 6 August 2014 Brett Muller (Unknown 1979) 16 August 2014 Anthony Davey (Gillingham 1944) 18 August 2014 Clive Mundell (Finningley 1951) September 2014 David Rennie (Pembroke 1977) 12 September 2014 Michael Shires (Gillingham 1950) 30 September 2014 Peter Cunnington (Pembroke 1964) 1 October 2014
KCweb Full listing and tributes on Old Boys | Trbutes. Please send death notices and tributes to [email protected]
30 | Vol 12 February 2015 IN MEMORIAM Tributes
PETER CUNNINGTON as General Botha. Within 11 years he had His highly competitive nature was expressed (Pembroke 1964) risen to ships master when he was given in his winning at least five Comrades his first ship, the Durban-built container Marathon medals, getting his golf handicap Peter was born on 30 December 1945 - vessel Berg. down to 11 and being a formidable as he would say, when Kruger played for opponent in Klaberjass, a point-trick card Diggers. His young years were filled with He was seconded to the SA Navy for a game popular in Jewish communities. sport and plenty of friends at Hendrik van special task of going to Texas to bring back der Bijl Primary School; and later Kearsney, the Ukrainian ice-strengthened ship Juvent, His colleagues relate touching stories of his where rugby was his passion. Fittingly Pete which was to become SAS Outeniqua on generosity; he was always willing to help was made head of Junior House where he delivery in Simon’s Town. He remained financially when he heard of those in need looked after the younger boys. attached to the Navy for six months while or those who had fallen on hard times. training navy personnel in the intricacies of Selwyn was married twice and had three He maintained he had a hand in helping SA operating a ro-ro type vessel. children Mervyn, Valerie and Elana, who all athlete Paul Nash concentrate on sprinting live in Australia. He was close to his sister rather than rugby. Playing at Michaelhouse, In 1993 he transferred to Durban to be in Carol, who lives in the UK with her family. young wing Peter Cunnington was marking charge of Unicorn’s crewing department a man who was already running 10 second and later as operations manager of the Ron Timm (Finningley 1956) sprints. He had to time his tackle perfectly coastal trade, from where he stepped up to ensure Paul Nash didn’t run around him. to be in charge of Grindrod’s container DR JOHN DANIEL Paul was caught in full gallop by Pete and shipping division, Ocean Africa Container (Finningley 1961) suffered a broken collar bone. Pete always Lines. By this time he had become a John Daniel passed away on 25 July 2014 insisted that Paul Nash never played rugby director of the company. in Durban after bravely fighting cancer. He again after that incident, sprinting his way In recent years he was CEO of Grindrod was a proud South African citizen and held into the history books instead. Freight Services and played a pivotal role in a BA in political science from the University After school, Peter was drafted into leading the Maputo port back to becoming of Natal and an MA and PhD in political the SA signals corps, initially training at an important and successful gateway for science from the State University of Buffalo Voortrekkerhoogte and later Heidelberg southern African trade. New York. Gymnasium, and attaining the rank of major. He facilitated Grindrod’s emergence as an John taught at universities in the United He said when the government of the important participant in the operating of States, Swaziland, the Netherlands and day was insisting that no SA troops were railways on the sub-continent. South Africa. He was active in student in Angola, he was sitting on top of a hill, politics in South Africa and served two In addition to these duties, Captain Rennie observing through his binoculars Cubans terms as president of the National Union was a Member of the Chartered Institute unloading tanks from transport ships in of South African Students (NUSAS). In of Shipbrokers, and played a significant Luanda harbour. 1968 John went into exile, returning in role in the formation of the South African 1991 to head the International Studies Unit Alistair Cotton (Son-in-law) Association of Ship Operators and Agents at Rhodes University; before assuming the (SAASOA). He acted as Chairman of the chair in Political Science at the University of CAPTAIN DAVID RENNIE Container Liners Operators Forum, was Durban-Westville. (Pembroke 1977) an advisor to the Minister of Transport From 1997 to 1999, he was seconded to A Grindrod man throughout his career, and a director of the TT Club in London, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Captain David Anthony Rennie was an international transport and logistics (TRC) as a senior researcher responsible enormously respected in the seafaring, sea insurance management service. for documenting the South African state's freight and shipping industries, being one of Press release summary gross human rights violations outside South only two people to have moved through Africa. the company ranks from cadet at sea to SELWYN COHEN director of the company. (Gillingham 1956) In 2001, he joined the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), SA's national At the time of his death, Dave was CEO Selwyn passed away on 6 August 2014 social science council, as a researcher in of Grindrod (South Africa) (Pty) Limited, a after a long struggle with illness. At Kearsney governance and democracy. As the head of director of Grindrod Limited and chair of he was an active member of the Debating its publishing arm, the HSRC Press, he co- Container Liner Operations Forum. He Society and Kearsney Parliament; and an edited and contributed to four volumes in had previously served as managing director indefatigable re-writer of study notes. the HSRC's State of the Nation series. of Unifeeder (Pty) Limited. After school he studied at Wits University In recent years his writings have been Dave was born on 23 December 1960 and had a successful career in the legal primarily concerned with issues of transitional and died, aged 53, on 12 September 2014 profession – being admitted to the bar as justice in SA and on the political economy after a battle borne with courage and an attorney in 1963, as a conveyancer in of South African-African relations post- dignity. He leaves his wife Jane, son Lloyd 1966 and as a Notary in 1971. Selwyn was apartheid. (Pembroke 2011) and daughter Amy. a director of Routledge Modise Attorneys Press release summary in Johannesburg, wrote articles for many He spent time at sea as a cadet before industry publications and was a member of studying at the SA Nautical College known various legal bodies. Greyhound News | 31 Day 1 Thursday 02 April 08h30 KZN U13 Provincial Development vs Umhlali Prep 09h30 Kearsney College vs Selborne College 10h45 SACS vs Dale College 12h00 Hoërskool Menlopark vs Westville Boys’ High 13h15 Dr EG Jansen vs Affies 14h30 Glenwood High vs Hoërskool Framesby 15h45 Grey College vs HTS Middelburg Day 2 Saturday 04 April 08h30 KZN U13 Provincial Development vs Pelham 09h30 Selborne College vs Hoërskool Menlopark 10h45 Westville Boys’ High vs Dale College 12h00 Kearsney College vs Grey College 13h15 Affies vs SACS 14h30 Glenwood High vs HTS Middelburg 15h45 Hoërskool Framesby vs Dr EG Jansen Day 3 Monday 06 April 08h30 KZN U13 Provincial Development vs Highbury 09h30 Westville Boys’ High vs SACS 10h45 Hoërskool Framesby vs Affies 12h00 HTS Middelburg vs Selborne College 13h15 Glenwood High vs Hoërskool Menlopark 14h30 Grey College vs Dr EG Jansen 15h45 Kearsney College vs Dale College
FOUNDERS WEEKEND 19-20 June 2015 Bookings close by Thursday 28 May! ALL are welcome. ‘40 | ‘45 | ‘50 | ’55 | ’60 | ’65 | ’70 | ’75 | ’80 | ’85 | ’90 | ’95 | ’00 | ’05 | ‘10 | 2015 is a special reunion year for all the FIVE and ZERO Class groups. Book early to avoid disappointment. A booking form is enclosed or go online to Old Boys on www.kearsney.com 95th@Founders Weekend 2016 ‘41 | ‘46 | ‘51 | ’56 | ’61 | ’66 | ’71 | ’76 | ’81 | ’86 | ’91 | ’96 | ’01 | ’06 | ‘11 | 2016 is Kearsney’s 95th Anniversary. We encourage all SIX and ONE Class groups to act early. This is a great mini-practice run towards the Centenary in 2021.
KCweb Event dates are shared on eNews and on the Old Boy calendar on www.kearsney.com
27 | Vol 11 December 2013