Boarding

St David’s Boarding had an excellent year in 2021. It was my first year in charge as head houseparent and I, with the support of the nine other staff involved in the running of the house, set out in January to really make 2021 a year in which the boys grew. Some of our grand plans were scuppered, unfortunately, by waves of Covid-19. However, even these periods of difficulty provided us with the opportunity to introduce the boys to a resilience programme.

Some of the changes we implemented in the boarding house this year were: • Improved access control • Reorganised and furnished the lounge area • Introduced Sunday meals; toasted sandwiches (we go through a large amount of cheese!) and afternoon tea • Celebrated the Olympics in Tokyo by naming the dorm rooms after South African Olympic medalists • Enjoyed a house quiz and christmas party. • Installed an honours board to record Head of House • Installed a notice board to communicate with boys in a visual way • Limited Wi-Fi usage after hours

While taking a group of 2011 Old Boys on a tour around the boarding house, I realised just how proud I am of the house and the work we do. I would like to express my most sincere thanks to five groups of people:

The boarders – who have been incredibly eager to please and swift to acknowledge their wrongdoings on the odd occasion when they do transgress. I have been so proud of all the boys’ growth and I wish, in particular, the matric boarders, with Ntandoyenkosi Dhliwayo as their head, every success in their future endeavours. I hope that the boarding house will forever remain somewhat of a spiritual home for them.

The support staff – who clean and maintain the boarding building to the highest standards.

The kitchen staff and head chef, Mr Selusiwe Mkwananzi – who constantly produce delicious meals and are so flexible with last-minute requests for changes. Mr Mkwananzi’s expertise and good nature are noticed and appreciated.

The interns – who have run afternoon games and latenight duties.

The houseparents – who have been my voice when I’m not around and have taken care to make sure the boys feel a family spirit.

Boarding

Back row: Simon Less, Senamile Shabangu, Samuel Amoes, Kgethego Munyai, Fhatuwani Mudua, Jordan Abraham, Sibusiso Letsoalo, Zanokuhle Nkabinde, Daluxolo Mtimkulu-Lillienfeldt, Avela Sibisi, Kutlwano Kekana 3rd row: Jabulani Lebewane, Simphiwe Zindela, Lwandle Ncube, Ashley Madhabu, Mpumelelo Madonsela, Kweku Koranteng, Rory Van Rensburg, Yakhani Shandu, Thando Dhliwayo, Azile Pooe, Karabo Mogaladi 2nd row: Oluchi Chicalia, Lindokuhle Sithole, Stephen Aniemeke, Mxolisi Mncube, Cade Topping, Thandolwenkosi Khumalo, Kuzivakwashe Majuru, Jared Butler, Tlholo Ralitlhare, Layola Mehlomakulu Front row: Mr S Sutherland, Sanele Parirenyatwa, Mr J Black, Ntandoyenkosi Dhliwayo, Mr L Vicente, Neal Geldenhuys, Mr M Chonco, Sihle Jwara, Mr D Rigney, Takudzwa Muchecki Absent: Sam Wearne, Sihle Makhapela, Michael Mittendorf, Levi Lowenthal

As we move into 2022, I wish Mr and Mrs Black well as they leave the boarding house to emigrate to the UK. I thank them for their service to the boys. Also leaving the boarding house is Mr Chonco, who will take charge of the boarding annex in 1st Avenue. This is an exciting new development in the boarding portfolio, and I wish him all the best growing in this project. I look forward to welcoming back our boys, along with some new boys, in January 2022. Our goal will be to make sure that everyone settles into our routines quickly and is made to feel as though the boarding house is their second home.

Mr L Vicente

Director of Boarding