NEWSLETTER 2Nd Quarter, 2021
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OLD MUIRITE UNION NEWSLETTER 2nd Quarter, 2021 200-YEAR CELEBRATION Yes… we have a date…. Diarise it and make sure that you plan your month of August 2022 around it. OMU President, Andrew Binning, said, “this longer than usual Founders’ event will include a range of activities, such as: 200 year School Assembly, Gala Dinner, OMU Golf Day, a Guinness World Record attempt, the launch of a 200 Life Lessons Booklet, the burying of time capsules for re-opening in the future, a Remembrance Service, an International Rugby Festival, NC Dugmore Hostel Reunion, launch of the Muir College 200 Year Commemorative book and many more activities.” Every Class is encouraged to arrange one or two Class events in August 2022 – however, certain Classes are celebrating “Special” Reunions with details listed below: ANNIVERSARY CLASS NAME EMAIL CELL 10 2012 Nathan Dennis [email protected] +27 73 130 8384 Runeshan Moodley [email protected] +27 79 220 8773 20 2002 Gareth Woods [email protected] +27 73 591 1038 Guy Wates [email protected] +44 7838176360 25 1997 Duncan Evert [email protected] +27 72 931 5645 30 1992 Zarrin Zehmke [email protected] +27 82 733 4174 35 1987 George Yerolemou [email protected] +27 82 569 2065 40 1982 Dave Snuggs [email protected] +27 83 459 5740 50 1972 Derick Ingram [email protected] +27 63 857 1274 55 1967 Howard Beckley [email protected] +27 60 608 0810 60 1962 Warwick Owen [email protected] +27 82 324 5338 Launch of The Muir Foundation LAUNCH OF THE MUIR FOUNDATION On Friday 23 April 2021, the Muir Foundation was officially launched, and the first Board Meeting took place. The Foundation objectives is a of registered the Foundation non-profit company are: with registered 18A Status. • Long term sustainability of the School • Supporting Muir College to attract future learners, educators and support staff of a high calibre • To ensure all aspects of School life are supported: Visit Us: academic, sport & cultural activities https://muircollege.co.za/the-muir-foundation/about/ 2 The Muir Foundation Directors MEET THE FOUNDATION DIRECTORS Andrew Binning Brett Botten Riaan Claassen Neil Crawford CEO of Inkanyezi Events, CEO of the Spar Group, Managing Director of Retired ex-Headmaster Universal Equipment, of Muir College & Rector (Representing the OMU) (Independent) of Grey High School Class of 1988 Class of 1982 (Representing the OMU) (Independent) Class of 1987 Dave Francis Peter Else George Yerolemou Deputy Headmaster Chairman of the School CEO of Acoustex, of Muir College Governing Body, CEO of (Representing the School Uitenhage Mental Health (Representing the OMU) Class of 1987 Management Team) and Mental Health Homes, (Representing the School Class of 1986 Governing Body) 3 OMU President’s Message OMU President’s Message Greetings to all Old Muirites as well as the broader Muir family. thanks go to the OMU Committee for all the hard work this We are entering a very exciting period in the history of Muir A successful OMU AGM was held via Zoom on 27 May and my past year. When everyone on the Committee agreed to stand College and the Old Muirite Union is proud to be part of the for another year – it reinforced the fact that we are having process. The Muir Foundation has been launched and the OMU fun and all believe we are on the right track. has gladly accepted the responsibility of managing the drive to We will be hosting an online auction during August and being the Solar Project. Old boys, parents and Friends of Muir September this year and are looking for approximately 10 to support the School via various fundraising initiatives – the first are encouraged to support this initiative with funds raised 15 items that can be donated by old boys / Friends of Muir. going towards bursaries. Please contact the OMU Manager should you be able to assist. The other exciting recent news has been the dates announcement for the 2022 Founder’s Week. The call has On behalf of the Old Muirite Union I would like to thank been made for every old boy (young and older) to diarise to Uncle Ronnie Lowe for his years of service in managing all celebrate Muir College turning 200 years old. 2-9 August 2022 aspects of the Muirite Clubhouse. Uncle Ronnie has recently is when it will happen and you don’t want to miss out. This is a decided to call it a day and our sincere appreciation goes out once in a lifetime opportunity and the OMU appeals to all to him for his exemplary service and time. old boys to make every effort to attend. Our thanks go to Headmaster, Robin Stephenson and all the The OMU Business Portal is set for an injection of ideas teaching and support staff at Muir College for remaining and resources with the announcement of an Advisory positive under these trying times. It is not easy but we know Board who will work with the OMU Manager to grow the you are all giving 100%. Business Portal opportunity. Our thanks go out to Asanele Enjoy this quarter’s OMU Newsletter ! Mfengu (Class of 2012), Akhona Maqwazima (Class of 2000), Donovan Kretschmer (Class of 2010), Thabisile Mgwali (Class Nec Pluribus Impar (Class of 2003), Nathan Thomas (Class of 2005), Sibabalwe of 2002), Scott Irving (Class of 1989), Faheem Abrahams Andrew Binning Old Muirite Union President Phillip (Class of 2016), Nceba Mafa (Class of 2016) & Peter leadership Team. The OMU is excited to have you on board Myburg (Class of 2008) for stepping up and joining the OMU and is looking forward to great things. 4 Headmaster’s Message Headmaster’s Message The term started on a positive note as the extra-mural Reporting on 2022 projects, work on our Resource Centre programme got into full swing. Rugby matches were played is due to commence. We are very excited about this against Brandwag, Union High (senior phase) and Handhaaf facility and the impact that it will have on the academic (primary phase). development of our learners. We will keep you informed about other 2022 projects. Our Debaters performed well in the league and our squash team also performed well, winning their match, while our Congratulations go to all old boys who have achieved in hockey teams performed adequately. Our new drama club different spheres lately – you are an inspiration to our boys. is an exciting addition to our cultural programme. However, due to the growing number of Covid infections nationally, and the subsequent announcement of the Government to restrict extra-mural activities, we have had to Robin Stephenson put a stop to many activities. This is a huge blow to our boys. Muir College Headmaster 5 Solar Panel Project SOLAR PANEL PROJECT long-term sustainability, growth and income generation. Income has been allocated for bursaries forThe the Muir next Foundation 25 years. launched their first project, namely the Solar Panel project, which ensures for a price of R10 000-00 each. We are encouraging our Old Muirites to take ownership and purchase aThe panel #MuirSolar (or more) project – whether has 461 you solar purchase panels them that individually, will be installed as a class, on the via roof your and company, will be “sold as a family,off” and if required, your company can receive BBBEE points too. etc. The Foundation is registered as a non-profit and you will therefore receive an 18A Tax Certificate, To date the following classes have purchased solar panels: 1978 1979 1987 1988 1991 1993 1994 2008 To the other classes – let’s get you on the board too. Thank you to George Yerolemou for accepting the role as Solar Project Champion and for facilitating the initial bank loan to accelerate the Project. For more information, contact: Wendy Knott-Craig [email protected] 6 Achievements by Old Muirites ACHIEVEMENTS BY OLD MUIRITES The Old Muirite Union would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following old boys who have achieved over the last few months Brett Botten Siba Phillip appointed as the Chief Executive , Class of 1982, has been things in the Mr South Africa competition , Class of 2016, achieving great Officer of Spar South Africa Congratulations to Alard Basson and Alaric Basson, Class of 2014, on their swimming achievements this year, with Alaric receiving triple gold medals for Breaststroke at the South African Olympic trials 7 Achievements by Old Muirites ACHIEVEMENTS BY OLD MUIRITES Shane Gates, Class of 2010, has been selected to play for the Japanese national rugby team Curwyn Mapaling Congratulations to , Class of 2010, Sisanda Magala, Class of 2009, joined on his appointment as Senior Lecturer in Psychology, the South African cricket squad. in the Department of Psychology within the School Pictured here with the Gauteng of Psychosocial Health at the North-West University, OMU Representatives, Mahikeng Campus. This position is usually given to lecturers over the age of 40. Curwyn achieved and Asanda Singata, Class of 1999. this under the age of 30. Lance Hilliard-Lomas, Class of 1988 Please contact Wendy at the OMU should you know of any old boys who have excelled in business, sport, art, academic and culture or any other sphere of life – so this can be shared with the broader Muir family. 8 Teacher Interviews MEET THE TEACHERS Ayabonga Jonas Physical Science, Mathematics, Natural Science and MathematicalAyabonga has Literacy.been at Muir One Collegeof the lessons since 2018 he wished and teaches he had been taught prior to becoming a teacher is that lessons never go the way you anticipate, which is pretty much like life too.