chronicle The Monocle
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A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.
- Jim Watkins
Contents table
Hiking
Netball club
The Netball Club kicked off the year with great momentum! We hosted a successful practice session that brought both new and returning players together. Our highlight this quarter was joining the ProVibes Corporate Challenge tournament, where we proudly won all three of our matches—an incredible achievement for the team. The energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed have set a strong tone for the rest of the year.
We’re excited for the upcoming practice sessions and tournaments, and we encourage anyone curious to come check out a training session—we’d love to have you on court!
Join the Netball Club WhatsApp Group
Football club
The Monocle Indoor Football Club continues to grow, welcoming several new joiners this quarter and showing promising development as a team. Competing weekly in Division 1 at Discovery Soccer Park Wanderers, we wrapped up the last season with a respectable mid-table finish.
Momentum is building both on and off the court as we prepare for the third edition of the Monocle Indoor Football Corporate Tournament this July—an exciting morning of league-style games where clients and colleagues alike come together to compete and connect. We look forward to another season of strong camaraderie and spirited play.
Arts & culture
In May, the Arts and Culture Club hosted a hands-on stained-glass workshop in collaboration with the talented team at Pisces Glass Studio. Held at the ever-vibrant Prison Break Market, 23 creatives gathered for a “Quick Class” that packed a punch in just four hours.
Under the expert guidance of Pisces Glass Studio, we dove into the copper foil technique and soldering basics. What emerged? A kaleidoscope of stunning creations - from delicate butterflies and quirky beer glasses to leafy plant designs and even a shimmering Golden Snitch (yes, Potterheads, we see you!).
Whether you were channelling your inner artisan or just there for the vibes, this event was a glowing success. Stay tuned for our upcoming events - because at the Arts and Culture Club, we don’t just make things… we make memories.
Boxing club
Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen a surge in interest in the Boxing Club, from complete beginners to highly skilled new joiners. This has reinforced the club’s inclusive spirit, welcoming members of all experience levels. To further encourage engagement and promote overall wellbeing, we’ve introduced a loyalty campaign, rewarding dedicated members with Kauai vouchers. This initiative not only celebrates commitment but also supports our community’s health and motivation.
The energy, diversity, and dedication shown this quarter have been truly inspiring, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum.
Join the Boxing Club WhatsApp Group
Mission monocl e
Mission Monocle has had a lot to celebrate over the past few months and there is a huge amount to be proud of as a company. Significantly, we officially opened the new kitchen we had built for Diepsloot Primary School, which will help to provide a healthy meal to over 1,000 learners a day. This was a major upgrade from their existing facilities and is part of an ongoing support programme we have with the school.
We are excited for our upcoming Mandela Day event later in July, so watch out for an email coming out soon on how you can get involved and help us to raise R67,000!
We also kicked off our Matric Maths Tutoring programme on the 10th of May, which added huge value to a group of the Tomorrow Trust’s Matric learners. We will be having five tutoring days throughout the year, with the next one taking place on the 2nd of August. Please get in touch with Neil Mackenzie if you would like to get involved with any future events.
Join the Mission Monocle Club WhatsApp Group
Running club
Over the past three months, our Running/Walking Club has been going strong, no matter the weather! We kicked off in March with the JP Morgan Corporate Run Challenge—great energy all around, followed by pizza and drinks at Chariots. That was followed by two crisp and cheerful Saturday park runs, where team spirit (and extra layers) kept us going strong.
A special shoutout to our amazing Comrades runners—you’ve shown true grit and determination, and we’re incredibly proud. Here’s to more runs, new personal bests, and great company every step of the way!
Join the Running Club WhatsApp Group
Arts & culture
To round off a busy April, the Monocle UK team gathered for a lively pub quiz at The Barrel Project, right in the heart of the vibrant Bermondsey Beer Mile. Splitting into teams, they put their minds and taste buds to the test, tackling quiz questions and craft beer with equal enthusiasm. Although some team members excelled more at the latter than the former, the Monocle teams acquitted themselves admirably and rightfully celebrated an evening well spent in good company before heading their separate ways.
Hiking club
As part of our commitment to team wellness and connection, the Monocle social Hiking Club recently tackled a challenging but rewarding hike at Rustig in Hartbeespoort. With steep climbs and rugged terrain, the trail tested our stamina—but proved that the best views often follow the toughest climbs. We also conquered De Wildt in the Northwest and capped off the adventure with a well-earned team lunch, made even better by great company. Looking ahead, we invite you to join our next hike at Vergenoeg—another scenic challenge—as we build momentum (and mileage) for the highlight of the year: our annual Drakensberg trip!
Join the Hiking Club WhatsApp Group
Padel club
The Monocle Padel Club kept the energy high this quarter. First up was a competitive and wellattended session at the Racket and Ball Club in Melrose Arch. Following the event, the team at Racket and Ball extended an exclusive membership offer to Monocle players, which includes some fantastic benefits—most notably, 60% off during off-peak times and 20% off during peak hours. Memberships can now be arranged directly with the Racket and Ball Club, so don’t miss out if you’re keen to get more court time in.
To keep the momentum going and beat the winter chill, we also hosted another great session at the indoor courts at Net Set Padel on the Sandton City rooftop. The covered courts made sure the only thing cold was the post-match refreshments!
Keep your rackets ready—more events are just around the corner!
Cycling club
Luke Jordan took part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour in preparation for his second Durban IM, beating his 2024 time by nearly an hour!
Carmen Luckemeyer finished an incredible 4th at Die Groot Trap and even took her place on the podium, finishing 2nd, at the East Side Crit.
Keenan spent plenty of time on the bike, competing in the 160km Race to the Sun and finishing top 20 at the Crater Cruise.
The Cycling Club is looking forward to bringing all Monocle cyclists together for social rides once warmer weather returns to Johannesburg later this year. See you there!
Join the Cycling Club WhatsApp Group
Diversity & inclusion
On the 23rd of May, our Johannesburg offices came alive in celebration of Africa Day with a vibrant karaoke evening. Colleagues gathered to honour the continent’s rich cultural heritage through music, laughter, and connection.
The event was a joyful celebration of African identity, with a diverse mix of songs representing various regions and languages. The performances lit up the room and showcased the shared pride and spirit of unity among attendees.
More than just a musical evening, the event fostered camaraderie and created lasting memories. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make the night a resounding success!
Advanced Insurance
Training accomplishments
Lindokuhle Mkhize
Naadim Anath
Tony Mudau
Kopano Lephalala
Hasan Cassim
Sethabile Mchunu
Ahmed Patel
Zama Nene
AI Fundamentals
Chico Vicente
Sino Pungula
Ebunoluwa Johnson
Zama Nene
Tony Mudau
Kopano Lephalala
Nompilo Xaba
Kyle Martin
Mihlali Ntoyi
Mandisa Ncobo
Ryan Ramiah
Ahmed Patel
Hasan Cassim
Chartered Financial Analyst 1
Gustav Bouwer
Mthobisi Cele
Chartered Financial Analyst 3
Britney Bulkin
Entry Certificate in Business Analysis - ECBA
Modjadji Francis
Mpendulo Kubeka
Vhutsilo Ndlovu
Thabo Madiba
Diella Dean
Luke Wagner
Lebogang Seseane
Mandisa Ncobo
Ciara Klinkert
Yekira Moodley
Kopano Lephalala
Muzi Mdleleni
Raphael Voyiatzis
Mohapi Matle
CIMA Management Level - E2 Managing
Performance
Minenhle Ntuli
Data Modeling with Power BI
Thabang Tshabalala
Nokuthula Gangala
Muzi Mdleleni
Luke Wagner
Mpendulo Kubeka
Justin Richard
Thabo Madiba
Mohapi Matle
Lindokuhle Mkhize
Lloyd Manyosi
Gomolemo Moche
Lebogang Seseane
Noah Pavlou
Ahmed Patel
Yekira Moodley
Vhutsilo Ndlovu
Raphael Voyiatzis
Daniella Victor
Mandisa Ncobo
Developing Databases for SQL Server
Gomolemo Moche
Foundations of Financial Risk - FFR
Lehlohonolo Mohale
accomplishments
Global Markets
Hasan Cassim
Jack Van Heerden
Jethro Pieterse
Justin Richard
Karabo Mosehle
Kyle Ferreira
Kyle Martin
Lara Ortell
Martin Fourie
Masego Matjomane
Matt Stevens
Samuel Schickerling
Shaun Lok
Sydwell Rammala
Thabo Madiba
Wilhelmus Du Preez
Zach Troester
Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst
Leila Salie
Karabo Mosehle
Fundamentals of Financial Services
Saul Hurwitz
Insurance Fundamentals
Ahmed Patel
Sino Pungula
Khuselwa Ndudula
Ebunoluwa Johnson
Zama Nene
Karuna Reddy
Buhle Hlatshwayo
Kirti Ramballi
Sachin Ramdharee
Nompilo Xaba
Naadim Anath
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Reagile Mashigo
Daniella Victor
Muziwethu Sithole
Luxolo Kuhlane
Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals
Shivesh Bhana
Microsoft Excel Associate (Office 2019)
Litha Stuurman
Karabo Mosehle
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
Nompilo Xaba
Lloyd Manyosi
Thabo Madiba
Yekira Moodley
Mohapi Matle
Vhutsilo Ndlovu
Lerato Leshaba
Mandisa Ncobo
Modjadji Francis
Justin Richard
Ryan Ramiah
Mpendulo Kubeka
Raphael Voyiatzis
Diella Dean
Lindokuhle Mkhize
Luke Wagner
Kopano Lephalala
Ciara Klinkert
Lebogang Seseane
Writing Queries with T-SQL
Thabo Madiba
Lebogang Seseane
Kopano Lephalala
Luke Wagner
Mpendulo Kubeka
Ciara Klinkert
Lloyd Manyosi
Mohapi Matle
Noah Pavlou
Modjadji Francis
Yekira Moodley
Vhutsilo Ndlovu
Raphael Voyiatzis
Muzi Mdleleni
Thabang Tshabalala
Sibongile Mpongo
Nokuthula Gangala
Tony Mudau
Mandisa Ncobo
Ahmed Patel
Gomolemo Moche
J U N E
Jaco Smit
Zach Troester
Benson Joubert
Thabo Madiba
Gugu De Almeida
Arno Pienaar
Litha Stuurman
Heunis Pretorius
Sydwell Rammala
Mpho Maboke
Fred Pretorius
Bandiswa Ndzabandzaba
Benjamin Busby
Sibu Simka
Karabo Matjie
Jono Hawkins
Brian Badiroang
Johan Botha
Buhle Hlatshwayo
Kritzinger De Wet
Ebunoluwa Johnson
Mohau Tshabalala
A U G U S T T O Y O U
birthday
Francois de Vos
Chelsea Samaai
Mpumi Methula
Lebogang Seseane
Jack Van Heerden
Derrick Loades
Dan Trninic
Julia Hayward
Mihlali Ntoyi
Modise Ngxanga
Nelebogo Kgohlo
Tony Mudau
Ryan Govindsamy
Thushar Hariparsad
Baron Boateng-Aidoo
Theshen Rungasammy
Mandisa Ncobo
Shahil Budhoo
Kgali Molefe
Katherine Jefferies
Harris Van Der Merwe
Lisa Waldhausen
Anushka Monema
Lloyd Manyosi
Karabo Madibana
Liam McCabe
Mayur Govan
Vhuthu Molokana
Vaneshree Pillay
Ryan Ramiah
Bukho Ndziweni
Benjamin Kroon
Thabang Tshabalala
Kopano Lephalala
Ndumi Khumalo
Luke Jordan
Michael Hunt
Megan Magnussen
Josh Gibbon
Matt Dorfan
Ameen Ghoor
Daniel Pelser
Arthi Moodley
Masego Matjomane
Mpendulo Kubeka
Mbali Peter
Jason Scarrott
Rahul Mathew
Erik Meyer
Jean Du Toit
Announcements
Congratulations to all of you on these incredible milestones! To the new parents, Luxolo Khuhlane, Floris Swanepoel and Daniela Pascolo, your little ones are lucky to have you. To the newly engaged, Benjamin Kroon, Millan Chibba and Neoka Gounden, here’s to a lifetime of love and shared dreams, your journey together is just beginning. And to the newlyweds, Matt Dorfan, Lehlohonolo Mohale and Robyn Wilkinson, may your marriage be filled with laughter, love, and countless beautiful moments. Congratulations and cheers to all of you!
Announcements
For our next Chronicle front cover, we’re launching a challenge, and your picture could be featured! We’re looking for creativity, great backgrounds, and interesting scenarios. While we’d like to limit visible faces, let your Monocle gear take centre stage!
The winning photo will be featured on the front cover of the next Chronicle, showcasing your awesome photography skills and Monocle spirit!
How to Enter:
Snap it: Take a high-quality photo of your Monocle merchandise. Send it: Submit your submission through by 30th September.
