ALL THE WINNERS, SPECIAL AWARDS SPEECHES AND MEDIA LINKS
MATRIC VALEDICTORY AND PRIZE GIVING WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2026
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Our thanks to Mantelli’s for their generous support of our parents’ tea at the Bill Bowden Pavilion ahead of the Valedictory Service
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS 1. TOLLING OF THE BELL Adam Uhuaba 2. PROCESSION OF MATRICS “Memories” – Maroon 5 3. WELCOME Mr Pietie Loubser (Grade 12 Head) 4. NATIONAL ANTHEM Played by The Pipe Band 5. READINGS Thoba Maqakalana 6. PRAYER FOR THE MATRICS Ridaa Ebrahim 7. PRAYER FOR WYNBERG Ethan Petersen 8. CHARGE Mr Werner van Kets (President of the Old Boys' Union) 9. SERVICE TROPHIES AND AWARDS Read by Mr Simon Sonderup 10. CULTURAL TROPHIES AND AWARDS Read by Mrs Natalie Karg 11. SPORTS TROPHIES AND AWARDS Read by Mr Alan Herbert 12. PRESENTATION OF ACADEMIC PRIZES Read by Mr Graham James 13. PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL PRIZES Read by Mr Pietie Loubser 14. HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS Mr Deon Scheepers 15. HEAD PREFECT’S ADDRESS James Orwin 16. VOTE OF THANKS A call, adapted from the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa Mr Peter van Schalkwyk, Deputy Headmaster 17. SCHOOL SONG Sung by Matrics only 18. INSTRUCTIONS TO PARENTS Mr Peter van Schalkwyk 19. MATRICS LEAD OUT “See you again” – Charlie Puth, and “Glorious” - Macklemore PRESENTATION OF OLD BOYS’ TIES & GIFTS FINAL RINGING OF THE BELL
SERVICE AWARDS COLOURS Ethan Lundie Qa'aid Adams Reece Maneveld
First Aid First Aid First Aid
BLUES Ayabonga Plaatjie Luke van Rooyen
First Aid First Aid
HONOURS Adam Uhuaba Aiden Smart Matt McGilton Qanit Rahim
First Aid First Aid Multimedia Multimedia
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARDS
FRIEDLANDER MEMORIAL AWARD for Service and diligence to the school. Samuel Obiorah PIPPA RICHARDSON SHIELD for Service to the school community. Ayabonga Plaatjie WYNBERG OLD GIRLS’ UNION CUP & BUNTY JOUBERT AWARD for Service beyond the call of duty to the wider community. Ethan Petersen HISTORY OF PRIZES Friedlander Family Alfred Friedlander served on the School Committee while his sons Ian, Cecil, Richard and Frank attended the school. The next generation at Wynberg Boys’ Junior was schooled under the headmastership of their cousin, Arnold Lorie. Pippa Richardson Pippa is the widow of Keith, 13th Headmaster of WBHS from 1999 to 2015. Well-loved by all “her boys”, Pippa took a personal interest in every member of the Wynberg community, from schoolboys to staff members and their families. She served with an untiring spirit in every activity at the school, particularly on the Ladies’ Association. Bunty Joubert Bunty, mother to Wynberg Old Boys Deon and Johnny, was school secretary from 1973 until her fatal illness in 1996. She was a second mother to pupils and staff alike, being fiercely proud of and loyal to the school and “her boys”. Wynberg Old Girls’ Union Now known as the Wynberg Girls’ Alumnae, this award was first presented in 2004.
CULTURE AWARDS COLOURS Connor Boonzaaier Jake Rowe Sebastian Edridge Aiden Smart Samuel Cairns Nicholas Mundy Noah De Canha-Hibbert Jesse Carelse Alex April Arthur le Roux Cameron Maneveld Chad Julius Cole Neethling Dhanyal Louw Elnasi Muriro Fawaaz Hendricks Harris Woodman Jacob Pyaneeandee Jamie Lane Jessie Theys Joshua Leisegang Likabo Shako-Ahuko Noah van Lierop Tiaan Roman Qanit Rahim Deiyaan Miller
Chess Chess Jazz Band & Choir Backstage Drama Backstage Drama Drama & Concert Band Drama Pipe Band & Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir & String Ensemble Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir Choir & String Ensemble Concert Band Vocal Ensemble
BLUES Chad Julius Jacob Pyaneeandee Lyle Martin Jessie Theys Noah James Jacobs Noah Rowen Jacobs Tiaan Roman Jesse Carelse Justin Schoeman Sebastian Edridge Oliver Gordon-Finlayson Deiyaan Miller
Jazz Band & Concert Band Jazz Band & Concert Band Jazz Band & Concert Band Steel Band Steel Band Steel Band Steel Band Concert Band Concert Band Concert Band & Drama Choir, Drama, & Vocal Ensemble Choir
HONOURS Adam Uhuaba Nicholas Mundy Arthur le Roux Dhanyal Louw Luca Caronti Jamie Lane Jessie Theys Caleb Ulster
Chess Pipe Band Jazz Band, Concert Band, & Steel Band Jazz Band Jazz Band, Concert Band, & Steel Band Steel Band Drama Backstage Drama
SPECIAL CULTURAL AWARDS
SHAUN MOIR TROPHY for Dedication to the Concert Band Luca Caronti NICOLA JORDAN TROPHY for Outstanding Service to Culture Oliver Gordon-Finlayson & Jessie Theys JUBBER CUP for Outstanding Contribution to Culture Nicholas Mundy ABBOTT CUP for the Best Run Society Wynberg Boys’ Acting Association PRESTON CUP for Piano Sight-reading Arthur le Roux EPWORTH PRIZE for the most work in the field of Music Arthur le Roux & Luca Caronti BAXTER CUP for the Best Supporting Actor Jessie Theys LUMAN CUP for Contribution to Drama Sebastian Edridge BROWN CUP for the Best Actor Oliver Gordon-Finlayson HISTORY OF PRIZES Presented by, or named after, students, families, and staff whose contribution to the Cultural Pillar at Wynberg has left an indelible mark.
SPORT AWARDS COLOURS Likabo Shako-Ahuka Zachary de Kock Devanté Daniels Elnasi Muriro Chad Campbell Fawaaz Hendricks Matthew Saunders Nicholas Stafford Jonathan Mills Jack Centurier-Harris Joshua Edwards Tim Belcher Noah Rowen Jacobs Oliver Bearne Benjamin Smuts Taite Sauls Michail Tarentaal Mustafa Kajee Noah Laubscher Alex Barrett Alvin Machinja Boitumelo Mabohlo Ithandile Nkohla James Welsh Luke Gertze Matthew Farah Hamaad Lamara Joshua Jacobs Mbasa Nkatsha
Athletics Athletics & Rugby Basketball Basketball Cricket & Rugby Cricket Cricket Cricket Tennis Water Polo Water Polo Water Polo Cross Country Cross Country Golf Golf Hockey Hockey Hockey Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Soccer Soccer Soccer
BLUES Dean Scharffernorth Jagger Lee-Fong Joshua Prince Michail Tarentaal Qaeed Shaik Jonathan Sutherland Kingsley Muckart Alex Barrett Caleb Harley Christian Fox Chad Julius Lyle Martin Esa van der Schyff James Orwin Naeem Mohamed Abdulla Esa Salie Abdul-Qaadir Walters Joshua Prince Nickolas Pond Zorion Neophytou
Basketball Basketball Cricket Cricket Cricket Cycling Cycling Water Polo Water Polo Water Polo Hockey Hockey Rugby Rugby Rugby Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer Karate
HONOURS Ronan Gorton Daniel Rightford Achmat Behardien
Tennis Hockey Rugby
SPECIAL SPORTS AWARDS
SCOTT AND HAMISH HEIDA TROPHY for passion and commitment in Basketball Dean Scharffenorth THE BING FAMILY CUP for Sportsmanship in Cricket Fawaaz Hendricks GARY BRICKNELL CUP for the Most Promising Cricket Spinner Nicholas Stafford MARTIN STOVOLD CUP for the Best 1st XI Cricket Fielder Michail Tarentaal DAVID GRAHAM POWELL CUP for the Best Batsman in 1st XI Cricket Michail Tarentaal UPTON FAMILY CUP for the Best 1st XI Cricket All-Rounder Michail Tarentaal JACQUES KALLIS TROPHY for the Outstanding Cricketer of the Year Michail Tarentaal ANDREW VAN ZYL TROPHY for the Fastest Time in the Cape Town Cycle Tour Jonathan Sutherland HAROLD LOUW TROPHY for the Tennis Singles Champion Ronan Gorton LARRY VENTER MEMORIAL TROPHY for Tennis Doubles Ronan Gorton VIKING TROPHY for the Most Improved Water Polo Player Joshua Edwards WAYNE STANFORD TROPHY for the Most Dedicated Water Polo Player Adam Uhuaba
SPECIAL SPORTS AWARDS
THE BRIAN BOTHA TROPHY for Perseverance in Cross Country Noah R Jacobs GOLFER OF THE YEAR & MATCHPLAY CHAMPION Ben Smuts BEST RECORD IN FIRST TEAM GOLF Taite Sauls THE CONSTANTIA HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY & THE BROMBERGER/CLARK SHIELD for Hockey Achievement, and for contribution to Hockey Daniel Rightford SIDMAN FAMILY CUP for the Most Improved U19 Rugby Player Ndalo Makiwane THE BADENHORST FAMILY CUP for Exceptional Leadership as a 1st XV Rugby player James Orwin THE FRANK DUK CUP for Outstanding Rugby Sportsmanship Achmat Behardien THE KJ PRETORIOUS TROPHY for the most improved 1st XV Rugby player Zachary de Kock THE VINCENT POLDEN CUP for the Most Consistent 1st XV Rugby player Naeem Mohamed THE RP CONNELLAN TROPHY for Loyalty and Team Spirit in Rugby Ithandile Nkohla THE DARYL SIMS TROPHY for Contribution to Rugby Elnasi Muriro PLAYERS’ PLAYER TROPHY voted by the Rugby 1st XV James Orwin FOOTBALL SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR Abdul-Qaadir Walter
ACADEMIC PRIZES SUBJECT DISTINCTIONS & PRIZES Alvin Machinja Andries Hougaard Boitumelo Mabohlo Brayden van Rooyen Caleb Harley Caleb Ulster Cameron Maneveld Chad Julius Daniel Okocha Jamie Kilgour Jamie Lane Jonathan Sutherland Likabo Shako-Ahuka Luca Theron Mark Carswell Nathan Hundermark Neill Walker Noah James Jacobs Oliver Gordon-Finlayson Qaaid Adams Ridaa Ebrahim Sean Steinhofel Thoba Maqakalana Troy Alexander Yannick Stol
Subject Distinction in Civil Technology: Construction Subject Prize for Civil Technology: Construction Subject Distinction in Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinction in isiXhosa FAL Subject Prize for isiXhosa FAL Subject Distinction in History Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinction in Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Distinction in Accounting Subject Distinction in Civil Technology: Construction Subject Distinction in English HL Subject Distinction in Mathematical Literacy Subject Distinction in Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Prize for Electrical Technology: Electronics Subject Distinction in Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Distinctions in History & Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in Afrikaans FAL & Economics Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinction in Visual Arts Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinction in Geography Subject Distinction in English HL Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinction in English HL Subject Distinction in Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Distinction in isiXhosa FAL Subject Distinctions in Life Orientation & English Subject Prize for Design
ACADEMIC COLOURS Abdul-Qaadir (AQ) Walters Ayabonga Plaatjie Caleb Heydenrych Chad Campbell Cole Neethling Cooper Bayly Cornelius (CJ) Kotze Deen Haroun Ethan Lundie Ethan Strydom Jack Centurier-Harris Jesse Carelse Joel van Zyl Luke Gertze Luke van Rooyen Mahir Ebrahiem Malakai van der Ross Matthew Farah Matthew Rix Naeem Mohamed
Subject Distinctions in History & English HL Subject Distinctions in English HL & Economics Subject Distinctions in Geography, English HL, Life Orientation Subject Distinction in Mathematical Literacy Subject Distinctions in History & Life Sciences Subject Distinction in Mathematical Literacy Subject Prize for Mathematical Literacy Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Orientation, Geography Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in Life Orientation, English HL, Mathematical Literacy Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinction in History
ACADEMIC PRIZES ACADEMIC COLOURS - CONT. Nicholas Mundy Nickolas Pond Riley Kleyn Sebastian Edridge Timothy Belcher Yazeed Patel
Subject Distinctions in Life Sciences & Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Distinction in Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Sciences, Mathematics Subject Distinctions in Geography & Mathematics
ACADEMIC BLUES Alex Barrett Arthur le Roux Christian Ferguson Connor Onia Devante Daniels Dhanyal Louw Dylan Grebe Elnasi Muriro Jared Springleer Joshua Arbuzova Joshua Leisegang Liam Golding Matthew Orchard Mogammad Fahmi Carelse Oliver Webb Ronan Gorton
Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design, Life Orientation, Mathematics Subject Distinctions in Music, Information Technology, English HL, Mathematics Subject Prize for Information Technology Subject Distinctions in English HL, Geography, Economics, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Economics, Life Orientation, History, Geography Subject Distinctions in Accounting, Afrikaans FAL, Information Technology Subject Distinctions in English HL, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation, Life Sciences Subject Distinctions in History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences Subject Distinctions in English HL, History, Life Sciences, Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in History, English HL, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Orientation, Engineering Graphics and Design, Civil Technology: Construction Subject Distinctions in Geography, English HL, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Life Orientation & Economics Subject Distinctions in English HL, Accounting, Economics Subject Distinctions in English HL & Mathematics Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design & English HL Subject Distinctions in History, Engineering Graphics and Design, English HL
ACADEMIC PRIZES ACADEMIC HONOURS Achmat Behardien Adam Uhuaba
Alex April Alexander Ewart-Smith Andre Steele Callum Hodkinson Connor Boonzaier Daniel Rightford Dylan Nagel Jonathan Mills Joshua Edwards Justin Schoeman Kiash Naidoo Luca Neveling Lyle Martin Matt Brighton Matthew Gombart Micah Veotte Michail Tarentaal Morgan de Bruto Nathan Kumm Noah Algar-Hedderson
Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design, English HL, Life Sciences, Mathematics Subject Distinctions in English HL, Engineering Graphics and Design, Electrical Technology: Digital Electronics, Mathematics, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation, Subject Prize for Electrical Technology: Digital Electronics Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Orientation, Economics, Life Sciences, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Life Sciences, History, English HL, Life Orientation, Physical Sciences, Mathematics Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design, English HL, Life Orientation, Accounting, Mathematics, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Geography, English HL, Life Orientation, Life Sciences Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Sciences, Accounting, Life Orientation, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Mathematics, Life Orientation, Physical Sciences, Accounting Subject Distinctions in Economics, English HL, Life Orientation, Accounting, Afrikaans FAL, Information Technology, Subject Prize for Economics Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design, English HL, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Orientation, History, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Economics, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation, History, English HL Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Sciences, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Accounting, Afrikaans FAL, Physical Sciences Subject Distinctions in Life Orientation, English HL, Accounting, History, Afrikaans FAL, Mathematics Subject Distinctions in Life Sciences, Engineering Graphics and Design, Economics Subject Distinctions in English HL, History, Life Orientation, Afrikaans FAL, Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Distinctions in Life Orientation, Economics, English HL Subject Distinctions in Life Sciences, Life Orientation, History Subject Distinctions in English HL, Afrikaans FAL, History, Life Orientation, Life Sciences Subject Distinctions in English HL, Geography, Economics, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in History, Economics, Geography, English HL, Life Orientation, Afrikaans FAL Alf Morris Subject Prize for Geography Subject Distinctions in Life Sciences, English HL, Engineering Graphics and Design, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Afrikaans FAL Subject Prize for Life Sciences
ACADEMIC PRIZES ACADEMIC HONOURS - CONT. Oliver Bearne Reece Maneveld Thomas Cawood Tiaan Roman
Uzayr Ebrahim Yaqoob Ebrahim Yateen Naran
Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Orientation, Economics, History, Physical Sciences Subject Distinctions in Visual Arts, English HL, History, Mathematical Literacy Subject Prize for Visual Arts Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design, English HL, Life Orientation, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Accounting, Afrikaans FAL Subject Distinctions in Engineering Graphics and Design, English HL, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physical Sciences Subject Prize for Engineering Graphics and Design Subject Distinctions in Accounting, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, English HL Subject Distinctions in Mathematics, Life Sciences, Afrikaans FAL, Accounting, English HL Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Sciences, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Accounting, Physical Sciences
TOP THREE POSITIONS Third in Grade 12: Noah Rowen Jacobs (88.9%)
Subject Distinctions in English HL, History, Afrikaans FAL, Life Orientation, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering Graphics and Design DF Marais Subject Prize for Afrikaans First Additional Language Eric Tasker Subject Prize for History Academic Honours Second in Grade 12: James Orwin (90.9%)
Subject Distinctions in English HL, Life Orientation, Economics, Accounting, Physical Sciences, Afrikaans FAL, Mathematics Subject Prize for Life Orientation Academic Honours First in Grade 12: Luca Caronti (93.4%)
Subject Distinctions in Mathematics, English HL, Music, Physical Sciences, Accounting, Life Orientation, Afrikaans FAL, Further Studies Mathematics Subject Prize for Accounting RM Friedlander Subject Prize for English Home Language Subject Prize for Further Studies Mathematics WE Bowden Subject Prize for Mathematics Templeton Subject Prize for Music FG Thorp Subject Prize for Physical Sciences Academic Honours Old Boys’ Award for the Top Academic Martin Cleveland Trophy for the Dux of the School
SPECIAL AWARDS & PRIZES
Jan de Waal Award Presented by WBHS’s 14th Headmaster, who envisioned the Engineering & Design Faculty and saw it through to completion during his tenure. Presented to the most outstanding final year Engineering student. ADAM UHUABA PWC Award Sponsored by Pricewaterhouse Coopers since 2015, for Accounting and Mathematics. LUCA CARONTI Mark Schäfer Trophy A prefect in 1981 and Afrikaans First (Home) Language student, presented for bilingualism. MBASA NKATSHA Bob Adshade Memorial Trophy Bob was a pupil at both Wynberg Boys’ Junior and High Schools from 1943 to 1952. He was a bugler in the highly successful High School Band and, after matriculating, set up a successful photography business, which he was responsible for taking our annual school photographs for several years. He died tragically in 1999, and his widow and son, Robert, also an Old Boy of Wynberg, presented the trophy in his name, for the best Visual Art portfolio of the year (as voted by the Matric Art students). LUKE & NATHAN HUNDERMARK Labia History Prize Presented by Count & Countess Labia, on whose former estate WBHS stands today; for the best History project based on original research. NOAH ROWEN JACOBS Stephen Doidge Business Award Stephen was the 1990 Matric Valedictorian and is an established leader in the global financial sector. He taught at WBHS and is a past President of the Wynberg Old Boys’ Union. The Award is for aptitude and academic excellence in commercial fields. DYLAN NAGEL Vincent Grainger Cup Vincent was Head Prefect in 1934, going on to study engineering at UCT, earning his PhD. His career as an engineer in the City Council was interrupted by his service in North Africa during the war. He served the City of Cape Town, was Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister of Rhodesia, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UCT. He passed away in 2013.For the best result in the South African Mathematics Olympiad. LUCA CARONTI
SPECIAL AWARDS & PRIZES - CONT.
Azriel Fine Bursary Azriel (Issy) was Head Prefect in 1940. His sons, Nicholas and Derrick, were Head Prefects in 1971 and 1976, respectively. The bursary was first awarded in 1976. DHANYAL LOUW Thorp/Rankin Award ALVIN MACHINJA Vernon Carmichael, William Clegg & Mathew Family Bursaries and The Kaplan/Kushlik & Bill Lennox Scholarships Awarded after the publication of the results of the final Matric exams. Rotary Good Fellowship Award To the pupil who has displayed outstanding ability during the year in promoting healthy goodwill and fair play among his fellows. ALEX BARRETT David Heidmann Prize David had cystic fibrosis and missed a good deal of school because of extensive medical treatment. Nevertheless, he continued to be active in school life and matriculated in 1998. He passed away in 2007. Awarded for courage and determination in the face of great adversity. JACK CENTURIER-HARRIS The Headmaster’s Award To the student who has demonstrated exceptional grit and determination in their academic journey, showing resilience, sustained effort and a willingness to overcome difficulties and challenges to achieve their potential. LUKE GERTZE Wiegman Cup Ian Wiegman was Head Prefect in 1980. His son was Deputy Head Prefect in 2011. Awarded to the most outstanding Silver Badge Prefect (as voted by the Prefect Body). LUCA CARONTI Wade Bertram Award Wade was killed in an accident during his matric year in 1990. While not a prefect, he was a good leader who set a fine example for the rest of the matric class and the school. Awarded to the pupil who enhanced the name and spirit of the school (as voted by the Matric class). RIDAA EBRAHIM Old Boys’ Sports Award For the best sporting achievement of the year. ACHMAT BEHARDIEN
SPECIAL AWARDS & PRIZES - CONT.
Casper Cup To the Sportsman of the Year. Seymour Casper played 1st XV rugby and represented Western Province in 1972. He represented South Africa at the Maccabi Games in Israel in 1981. JOSHUA PRINCE Abelsohn Cup First awarded in 1965, the year Gerald Abelsohn was a prefect, to the Grade 12 pupil who did the most for the school in 2025. JAMES ORWIN Andrew Feinstein Cup Andrew matriculated in 1981 as a Head Prefect with outstanding all-round ability. He served as an ANC MP from 1994 to 2001, is a best-selling author, and an activist against the global arms trade. Awarded to the best Matric all-rounder (Academic, Sport, Cultural, Service). ADAM UHUABA Adam is also currently the only Matric (and one of two boys in the school) who holds a Supera Moras Gold Award. Honours Award To the pupil or pupils for outstanding performances that brought honour to the school. THE WHOLE SCHOOL – particularly for their excellent representation at the Stormers vs New Zealand rugby game this year. Neville Blackbeard Trophy The 10th Headmaster of WBHS, from 1965 to 1983. To the tutor group that showed the most spirit. MS EARL’S GLEBE TUTOR GROUP Friedlander Shield To the winning house for 2026. 10 Garrison (186) 9 Glebe (210) 8 Trovato (214) 7 Oude Wijnberg (217) 6 Hawthornden (222) 5 Tennant (233) 4 Littlewood (246) 3 McNaughton (248) 2 Sunninghill (257) 1 Silverhurst (279)
HISTORY OF AWARDS
Caxton Cup Caxton Booksellers have sponsored this prize since 1963. W.E. Bowden William ‘Bill’ Bowden was Headmaster and a Maths teacher from 1947 until 1964. William Clegg Headmaster from 1919-47. The school hall is named in his honour. Clegg Bursaries were first awarded in the 1970s. Vernon Carmichael The Carmichael family, of which the late Vernon Carmichael was an old boy, has awarded these bursaries since 1990. Bill Lennox “Shorty” taught Maths, Science, and Biology from 1950-80, coached athletics and rugby, ran the Maths Department, but is best known for his training of the Cadet Band, which won interschool competitions for 28 consecutive years. He retired as Senior Deputy Principal in 1980 and died in 1991. Jimmy Mathew Jim matriculated in 1939 as Head Prefect. He returned in 1955 as a Biology teacher and 1st Team Cricket coach and became Deputy Headmaster until his retirement in 1984. He died in 1995. His father matriculated as School “Captain” and Soccer Captain in 1907. F.G. Thorp Freddy was a Science master (1928-68) and Deputy Principal whose duties included running the Book Room. He started the Debating Society and ran it for 25 years. He also instituted the cross-country race and ran the annual athletics meetings Azriel Fine Azriel (Issy) was Head Prefect in 1940. His sons, Nicholas and Derrick, were Head Prefects in 1971 and 1976, respectively. The bursary was first awarded in 1976. C.A. Friedlander Cecil Friedlander, one of four brothers with links to Wynberg, began the family’s support when he was enrolled in 1919. He was killed in action during World War II, and the Inter-House Shield was donated in his memory Friedlander Family Alfred Friedlander served on the School Committee while his sons Ian, Cecil, Richard, and Frank attended the school. The next generation was schooled under the headmastership of their cousin, Arnold Lorie. R.M. Friedlander Richard ‘Dick’ Friedlander, Alderman of the City of Cape Town, former Chairman of the City of Cape Town Executive, and former Chairman of the School Committee, followed in his father’s footsteps. Vincent Grainger Vincent was Head Prefect in 1934, going on to study engineering at UCT, earning his PhD. His career as an engineer in the City Council was interrupted by his service in North Africa during the war. He served the City of Cape Town, was Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister of Rhodesia, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UCT. He passed away in 2013. Mendel Kaplan Mendel was an Old Boy and a generous benefactor to the school. These bursaries were first awarded in 1998. He passed away in 2009.
HISTORY OF AWARDS - CONT.
J.S. Labuschagne Fanie came to the boarding house from northern South West Africa (Namibia). He was an unbeatable debater with a wide general knowledge. He matriculated in 1949, becoming a lawyer and rising to the level of Public Prosecutor in Rhodesia. The prize was donated in his honour by Neil Jowell, a friend and fellow debater D.F. Marais A teacher known as "Choker" for his somewhat unconventional approach to discipline. Head of Afrikaans Department. Revived the defunct Cadet Corps at the outbreak of World War II (it had been disbanded in 1930). He died in 1949 while still teaching at the school. Alf Morris Alf was a teacher at Wynberg Boys’ High for 42 years from 1947 to 1988. He taught English and Geography, coached cricket and rugby, ran the Mountain Club, and was Master in Charge of Sport as well as Head of the Geography Department when he retired. He also ran the Littlewood House Hostel from 1949-57. He passed away in 2010. Eric Tasker H. Eric Tasker taught History from 1934 to his retirement in 1967, but often helped out as a relief teacher thereafter. He was a very well-respected and dedicated coach of rugby and athletics, and through the prefect system, he developed young men into fine leaders. David Templeton David was an excellent violinist who matriculated in 1961. After school, he became a Presbyterian Minister. Martin Cleveland Matriculated in 1990 as Dux of the school, but died in a motor accident before he received his final matric results.
HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS Good morning and welcome to the 2026 valedictory service, a special word of welcome to: Mr Werner van Kets, President of the Wynberg Old Boys’ Union, Mr Cedric Poleman: Headmaster of WBJS, Dr Jenn Wallace, Principal of WGHS, Mrs Melanie Sharland, Principal of WGJS, former headmasters of the campus schools, other headmasters, deputy-principals, and visiting staff present, members of the school governing body, parents, our academic staff, members of the 2022 matric class who join their buddies today, young Wynberg men, and, finally, our guests of honour, the class, and matric leavers of 2026. I would like to start this valedictory with a story about a tree, believe it or not. For this story, I remind you of the lines from our school song: “As an acorn to an oak tree Wynberg school has proudly grown. Firm its roots and broad its branches, Best of schools, it stands alone.” Imagine that somewhere high on the slopes of Table Mountain, there is a tree that has survived 185 years of Cape weather. It has stood through the summer heat. It has endured the southeaster. It has been battered by the winter rain. Its branches have been broken. Some seasons have been better than others ... What do you see when you move closer to the tree? You notice the trunk, the branches, the leaves. Perhaps you notice the scars where branches have broken off. But you cannot see the most important part ... You cannot see the roots. You cannot see how far they reach into the ground, or the rocks they had to grow around. You cannot see the years of struggle beneath the surface that made the tree strong enough to survive all the external factors. I believe this is a very good metaphor for our lives, and for Wynberg Boys’ High, in particular. Because today, when I look at you, the leavers, I see the young men that you have become. Yes, I see the prefects, sportsmen, musicians, actors, academics, the multi-media team amongst you. Boys who have been outstanding, and the boys who have sometimes ended in my office and who have tested the patience of the teachers! So, we see the branches, but we don’t always see the roots. And, gentlemen, your roots matter. Your roots tell three things about you: 1.Where you come from 2.Your culture 3.And something about your people Firstly, where you come from: Let me take you back 185 years. One headmaster, 65 learners, one small room in Glebe Cottage. A humble beginning ... and yet, 185 years later, you are sitting here.
HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS Institutions, like people, are built one generation at a time. The school you inherited was not created by one headmaster, or one generation of boys. It was built by thousands of people who came before you. They left something behind, and now you have been given it. That something is called legacy. You received it, you added something to it, and now you pass it on. What are you leaving behind that wasn’t here before you arrived? That is something that only you can truly answer ... Secondly, your culture. Culture happens when nobody tells you what to do. It is the invisible force that tells us: “this is how we do things here.” At Wynberg Boys, you have been surrounded by a particular culture: a culture of making the most of every opportunity, whether it is in academics, sport, cultural activities or service. But, also a culture of resilience, of “supera moras”. These are truly the training grounds for life: It is not enough to become a brilliant academic if you cannot work with others. It is not enough to become an outstanding sportsman if you cannot handle failure. It is not enough to become a talented musician if you believe the world revolves around you. And it is not enough to become a successful businessman or entrepreneur if you do not understand the importance of serving others. True success is not measured by achievement alone, but by character, humility, resilience and service. That is what our school culture strives to instil: not simply the pursuit of excellence in one area, but the development of a well-rounded young man, equipped not only to succeed in life, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Culture can be further explained by looking at Toyota, one of the world’s most successful companies, and their philosophy. They implement “kaizen”, a Japanese concept which means continuous improvement. It does not mean excellence. It literally means making things a little better every day, especially when no one is watching. Look at your own life: you don’t improve because of one spectacular day. You improve to become the best that you can be by thousands of ordinary days when you do the right thing. When you stick to the task at hand by reading one more page, practising one more hour, offering one more apology or getting up early one more morning when you feel like quitting. If you do this consistently, you are moving forward and doing the right thing. So, keep on improving even if it is by only 1%, repeatedly, over time. Thirdly, your people. Look around you. Those sitting beside you have been part of your journey. Some will remain your closest friends for the rest of your lives. Others, you may barely see again. But always remember that people shape people. Always surround yourself with people who will challenge you, encourage you and influence you in a positive way.
HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS So, choose your friends carefully, but also be a friend worth having. Remember, behind every success story is a network of people who contributed. The Apollo programme in the 1960s in America proved that people from different disciplines, different skill levels and different ages, can work together to make the impossible possible to send human beings to the moon. So, always surround yourself with the right people who will create an environment to find answers together, and who are able to solve problems under pressure. But also remember that failure is intricately part of every success story. The Apollo 13 programme suffered a catastrophic failure on its journey to the moon in 1970 when the oxygen tank exploded 56 hours into flight. The crew survived and this became one of history’s greatest examples of problem-solving under pressure. Some might call this a failed mission, but the crew who survived called this a lesson learnt, experience gained and not to repeat the mistakes made. So, control what you can control. You cannot control everything that happens to you, every disappointment, whether somebody else gets the job or the girl you wanted, or whether a relationship survives. Sometimes life will treat you unfairly. But you can control your response. This is where ‘supera moras’ becomes more than just a school motto. It means, as you all know, to overcome difficulties. But it also implies not to complain about difficulties or to pretend that difficulties don’t exist. Think about the late president, Nelson Mandela. Whatever your political views, you cannot deny that his life is a good example of overcoming difficulties and resilience. He spent 27 years in prison, and when released, he showed the capacity to negotiate, to forgive, to lead and to build a future for all South Africans larger than his own suffering. So, your circumstances like your family, school, successes or failures will influence you, but they do not have to define you. You decide what you do with them. Someone once said don’t waste any adversity. Take the lesson, develop the resilience, take the experience, and keep on moving forward. Because sometimes the hardest soil produces the deepest roots. Your blood, sweat, tears and footprints are part of the Wynberg soil. Like Wynberg, you must also change, adapt, grow, preserve traditions but always be innovative. Wynberg taught you to always keep perspective on matters. I share the following five perspectives that will hopefully give you more insight on the next chapter of your life. Firstly, perspective of your parents: As a teenager, I am sure you might think that your parents don’t know much and that you have all the answers. There is a saying that being a parent is like folding a fitted sheet – nobody really knows how, but we all just pretend that we know.
HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS However, as you get older, you will realise that most of the mistakes that you have made, were actually because you did not take their advice to heart. You are about to finish your school career here at Wynberg. Take some time to thank your parents for their emotional and financial support while attending this great school. Secondly, perspective on opportunity: The world is constantly evolving and changing, and especially at your age, presenting you with endless opportunities. Seize these opportunities and make the most of them! Blockbuster declined an offer to buy Netflix for $50 million and filed for bankruptcy 10 years later. Today Netflix is worth $324 billion. Nokia ignored the shift toward touchscreens which resulted in Apple and Google capturing the entire smartphone market. Yahoo had the opportunity to buy Google in its infancy and later turned down a $45 billion buyout from Microsoft. This resulted in them losing their dominance in search technology and was sold off for a fraction of their peak value. So always be aware of opportunities in life. Thirdly, perspective on dedication: Being committed to something really shows your character, especially when things are hard. Things will not always go your way but what is important is how you react when the unexpected happens. Very few of you will earn R300 000 per year when you leave school. You will also not be the Vice CEO of a company straight after school. You will also probably not get a company car and your own expense account when you leave school. Wynberg taught you that you only get what you deserve and what you work for. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper claiming that he lacked imagination. His first animation studio went bankrupt before he created the Walt Disney Company. Today the Walt Disney Company is worth $177 billion. Michael Jordan was cut from the team by his high school coach but is today regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishing houses before a small publisher accepted her manuscript. It was the first Harry Potter book. Unfortunately, it is only in a dictionary where the word "success" comes before "work". Talent alone won't get you what you want - you need dedication to succeed. Firstly, perspective of your parents: As a teenager, I am sure you might think that your parents don’t know much and that you have all the answers. There is a saying that being a parent is like folding a fitted sheet – nobody really knows how, but we all just pretend that we know. However, as you get older, you will realise that most of the mistakes that you have made, were actually because you did not take their advice to heart. You are about to finish your school career here at Wynberg. Take some time to thank your parents for their emotional and financial support while attending this great school.
HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS Secondly, perspective on opportunity: The world is constantly evolving and changing, and especially at your age, presenting you with endless opportunities. Seize these opportunities and make the most of them! Blockbuster declined an offer to buy Netflix for $50 million and filed for bankruptcy 10 years later. Today Netflix is worth $324 billion. Nokia ignored the shift toward touchscreens which resulted in Apple and Google capturing the entire smartphone market. Yahoo had the opportunity to buy Google in its infancy and later turned down a $45 billion buyout from Microsoft. This resulted in them losing their dominance in search technology and was sold off for a fraction of their peak value. So always be aware of opportunities in life. Thirdly, perspective on dedication: Being committed to something really shows your character, especially when things are hard. Things will not always go your way but what is important is how you react when the unexpected happens. Very few of you will earn R300 000 per year when you leave school. You will also not be the Vice CEO of a company straight after school. You will also probably not get a company car and your own expense account when you leave school. Wynberg taught you that you only get what you deserve and what you work for. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper claiming that he lacked imagination. His first animation studio went bankrupt before he created the Walt Disney Company. Today the Walt Disney Company is worth $177 billion. Michael Jordan was cut from the team by his high school coach but is today regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishing houses before a small publisher accepted her manuscript. It was the first Harry Potter book. Unfortunately, it is only in a dictionary where the word "success" comes before "work". Talent alone won't get you what you want - you need dedication to succeed. Fourthly, perspective on work life: If you think your teachers were tough, wait until you work for a boss who is only interested in the bottom line of the company. Working life unfortunately does not consist of four terms with nice holidays in between: you often will only get around 20 odd leave days per year. Employers are also not prepared to give you time to find yourself. You need to do this in your own time and after working hours. The most important thing that you can take from school into your work life is that 30% might be the pass rate for a school subject, but that 30% is definitely not the pass rate in the workplace, in a relationship or in life. You also need to remember that you need to work for at least five days a week, that it is okay to work on weekends and holidays, that your attitude determines your altitude and success but that you need to have a balanced approach to life. So, work hard but also play hard. But in that order.
HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS Your academic results in the coming exams will probably determine your future, so be prepared and treat the coming exams as a high priority. And, finally, Perspective on your spiritual life Your spiritual life is ultimately your anchor and foundation. Therefore, celebrate your youth, do not run your body on poison and take full responsibility for all of your actions. Do not use alcohol or drugs to find acceptance or to like yourself. Remember that you are never as good as people say you are, but you are also never as bad as people say you are. You need to feed your body with good nutrients to stay strong and healthy – the same is true for your spiritual life. Wynberg taught you good values, good manners and how to be a ‘Wynberg Man’. Make these lessons part of your DNA and not only empty words. Remember that research has shown that there is a correlation between your mental health and your spiritual health - therefore, develop good spiritual habits. I hope that you take away from Wynberg to say "wow" more often, go places, move, discover, and bank every special event and smart move for another time to remember. Live your life according to this simple formula: Follow your dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem. Trust your intuition, it will help you to make good decisions. Live in the present moment and enjoy each moment as it comes. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and to step outside your comfort zone. Believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities. Be open to new experiences, you never know where they might lead you. Learn from your mistakes, it’s how we grow. Be grateful for what you have and appreciate the good things in your life no matter how small they may seem. Be true to yourself, and your own values and beliefs. Follow your heart, and you will never go wrong. The journey is more important than the destination, so enjoy the journey and learn along the way. Everything is inter-connected, so treat everyone with respect because you never know how they might be connected to you. Finally, remember that life is all about perspective: the sinking of the titanic was a miracle to the lobsters in the ship’s kitchen! My best wishes go with the matric leavers of 2026! Deon Scheepers Headmaster Wednesday, 7 October 2026
HEAD PREFECT’S ADDRESS Good morning, Mr Scheepers, guests, staff, parents, school and the class of 2026. Just the other day we were ringing the bell, starting our high school careers. And here we are, finishing up already. We have learnt a lot, and one of the things that I have learnt about the most is surfing.Not surfing an actual wave, but surfing life. Balance to me is a fundamental principle in life. I like linking this principle to a practical thought, the thought of surfing a wave. I am aware that some have never surfed before but I think we all know the basics on how it works, you have a surfer, a surfboard which you stand on and of course a wave of water. I want to break down this analogy into 4 parts, all which correspond to life. The first part is arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, the surfboard. This is what keeps the surfer afloat, and essentially allows them to take part in surfing. The surfboard represents our foundation, what keeps us safe and allows us to enjoy life. This is our family and the way we are brought up, it is our friends whom we spend so much time with. It can also represent our schools and their role in shaping us. They keep us grounded, and free us to stand up, with no fear of falling because they provide us with the support and nurturing everyone needs. Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of a surfboard are the fins on the bottom of the board. Many people who have not surfed in their lives don’t even know what their purpose is. Fins quite simply allow surfers to turn and carve their way in a wave. They give direction. This can be compared to our own personal values and beliefs. They steer us in the directions we wish to follow throughout life. This is why it is so vital to establish and trust your values and use your special qualities to guide you in life. Throughout my experience of surfing I have heard many debates on whether this next piece of equipment is mandatory or just a suggestion. This equipment is called a leash. It is long piece of strong plastic which keeps you connected to your board at all times. Some find it a hassle to wear, but others see it as way of protecting others and making sure your board (your foundation) doesn’t break or worse, float away. I explained that the surfboard is that essential structure in our lives, what could be so important that it ensures we remain attached to this very structure? My answer to that is religion. No matter what religion you choose to believe in, they all keep our bodies and our hearts together and our foundations close to us. Although some may argue that they are not necessary, I believe religion plays a huge role in our lives. Possibly the most daunting part of surfing is the unpredictable and sheer strength of the water itself. We do not have the power to tell it how it should move or when the wave should break. But surfing would be impossible without the waves and their energy. We are completely powerless against the might of the ocean. As powerless as we are against the harsh reality of life itself. Life keeps on going regardless of anyones thoughts or feelings. Life can change in an instant, from being like a calm, smooth sea to a dangerous storm within seconds. But life is the most beautiful gift that anyone can receive, and we have all been given that gift. Surfers brave the unforgiving waters to have some of the most breathtaking experiences in their lives. Like them, we must all have the courage to take life seriously but experience it to its best. It can be hard and painful but life waits for no one. Now, you might be thinking how does this relate to balance? Well you do need some balance to surf it is true, but it goes much deeper than that I believe. When you ask someone why they surf, I can bet they won’t say “to better their balance”, they will say because of the unparalleled sensation of riding a wave. But surfing requires much more than just riding the wave, it requires a different kind of balance.
HEAD PREFECT’S ADDRESS To catch a wave you have to wait and continuously search for waves, moving into the best positions before the wave even gets close to you. This needs patience, effort and time. Once you see a wave coming towards you, you spin around and paddle with all your strength, hoping you can get on the wave. I connect this time to the parts in life which require hard work and dedication. These are times where you make sure you set yourself up for the future, where you grind and never give up. These times are some of the hardest and most challenging moments of life, but without them, we would be nothing. After securing the wave and that feeling of it lifting the board up, the surfer will pop-up onto their feet and start riding the wave. This is where they enjoy that surreal feeling of gliding atop the water. I compare it to the times in life where you are actually living life, you are riding the wave of life! This is when you are having fun, learning lessons, just experiencing life. These are those memories which you never forget, and feelings like no other. Enjoy these times and treasure them always. The last period in surfing is after you have a caught a wave, you paddle back to the backline and wait for another. Here you sit, talking to friends and family or just listening to nature, all worries are gone. This is when you rest and relax. I left this part for last because it is often neglected. In this busy world, we seldom stop and think to rest, to have a break. But this is so important for us, for us to just take a step back once in a while. Now you see such as in surfing, life requires all these different times, times of hard graft, enjoyment and relaxation. It should all be in balance. I particularly love this analogy because just like in surfing where no wave breaks the same twice, it reminds us that every person’s wave of life is different, they are all unique. I encourage you not to worry about how well you are surfing your wave, do not look back to the waves behind thinking they are better or more important than your own wave. Put all your effort into the wave you have been given and make it your own. Because in life we only ever get one wave. I would like to thank those who have helped prepare me and every matric to surf their wave of life. Thank you to my teachers and coaches, from grade R to matric. Thank you for shaping us into the young men we are today and equipping us to serve and make a difference in the world. Thank you for spending the majority of your ride of life, helping us to ride ours. Teachers and coaches are so important for young people’s futures and Wynberg can be truly proud and know that the students are learning from the best. To the parents, words cannot express the gratitude that I know every single matric student has for their parents. Thank you for sacrificing so much for us, for dealing with us when we didn’t want to study, for believing in us long before receiving any accolades and long after we may have given up hope , for loving us through the difficult times and for being there to celebrate on a day like today. I would also like to thank my classmates for walking this journey with me and making it a memorable and special time of my life. There is no doubt that great things lie ahead for each one of us. I am so lucky to call you my brothers. Lastly thank you Lord for protecting us throughout our high school journey, giving us strength and guidance through it all. I will conclude with a quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius. “ We have two lives, and the second begins when we realise we only have one. However, I like to think of it as the second begins once you have surfed. Thank you and Supera Moras. James Orwin Head Prefect Wednesday, 7 October 2026
2026 LEADERS PREFECTS James Orwin Elnasi Muriro Michail Tarentaal Abdul-Qaadir Walters Josh Arbuzova Kiash Naidoo Daniel Okocha Noah Rowen Jacobs Chad Julius Achmat Behardien Alex Barrett Noah Laubscher Lyle Martin Jesse Carelse Justin Schoeman Luca Caronti Jessie Theys Oliver Gordon-Finlayson Tiaan Roman Luke van Rooyen Joshua Prince Qanit Rahim Ndalo Makiwane Callum Hodkinson Caleb Harley
Head Prefect* Deputy Head Prefect* Deputy Head Prefect* Garrison Glebe Hawthornden Littlewood* (promoted) McNaughton Wijnberg Silverhurst Silverhurst (promoted) Sunninghill Sunninghill (promoted) Tennant Trovato Academics Culture Culture Service Service Sport & Spirit Multimedia RCL Grades 8-11 Grade 12
*Gold Badge DEPUTY HEADS OF HOUSES Alex April Oliver Bearne Neill Walker Ithandile Nkohla Esa van der Schyff N/A Troy Alexander Fawaaz Allie
Garrison Glebe Hawthornden Littlewood McNaughton Oude Wijnberg Tennant Trovato