President’s Message
Old Boys’ Dinner Info
Wynberg Heritage Week Programme
Open Mic with Ikey Rugby Old Boys
Open Mic Photos
Teaching Legend: Eric Tasker
Archives: Matric Class 1925
Water Polo Old Boy: Matthew Bowers
Music Old Boy: Jeane Louw
Rugby Old Boy: Aden da Costa
Schools in Union, News & Support
The Legacy Fund Event Updates
Old Boys’ Media Platforms
From the 1975 School Magazine
Drum Major Derek Fay leads the championshipwinning WBHS Cadet Band, taking the salute at The City Hall during the parade for the Cape Town Festival.
The Matrics of 1975 celebrate their 50th anniversary at the Bill Bowden Pavilion on Friday, 22 August 2025
What an exciting time to be a Wynberg Old Boy! This month, we’ve got so much happening, and we want you to be a part of it. Our Annual Dinner on 27th August is shaping up to be one for the books — with a dual format that brings the best of both worlds: vibrant food market vibes and a classy sit-down dinner. But hurry — tickets are flying, and spaces are limited so book now!
We're also rallying together for the Old Boys vs School winter sports featuring hockey, soccer, cross country, squash, and mountain biking, and debating and chess contests, all during Wynberg Heritage Week.
And on the Schools' front, there's the highly anticipated FNB Classic Clash against our old rivals Rondebosch on 23rd August, end-ofseason derby against SACS on 30th August. The Bill Bowden Pavilion will be open after both games, offering a perfect spot for Old Boys to gather and celebrate and we'll be screening the Boks vs Australia after the Bosch game.
With food trucks, live music, and many Old Boys in town for reunions, it's going to be a weekend full of fun and memories.
Add to that our Heritage Week festivities, WBJS Flag Raising Ceremony, the Nussbaum Concert, and WBHS Founders' Day, and we’ve got an unforgettable few weeks ahead.
This is your chance to celebrate all that it means to be part of the Wynberg family — the “gees” that binds us, the pride that drives us, and the brotherhood in the endless chain that never fades.
Don’t miss out — let’s show up for the dinner, the competitions, and ceremonies, and every moment that makes us proud to be Wynberg Old Boys! See you there!
Werner van Kets WOBU President
Friday 22 August
1975 Class Reunion, Bill Bowden Pavilion
WBHS Hockey vs Rondebosch, Home
Saturday 23 August
WBHS Rugby vs Rondebosch, Home
1995 Class Reunion, Bill Bowden Pavilion, after 1 XV match. st
Post-match entertainment and big screen Springboks vs Australia from 17h10, all welcome!
Monday 25 August
Old Boys' Chess & Debating vs WBHS
Old Boys' Squash vs WBHS
Old Boys' Mountain Biking vs WBHS
Tuesday 26 August
Old Boys' Hockey vs WBHS
Old Boys' Cross Country vs WBHS
Wednesday 27 August
Old Boys' Soccer vs WBHS
Old Boys' Annual Dinner, Clegg Hall
Thursday 28 August
WBJS Flag Raising Ceremony, 11h00, Arnold Lorie Hall
Nussbaum Concert, Nussbaum Auditorium
Friday 29 August
WBHS Founders' Day Ceremony, 11h00, Clegg Hall
WBHS Hockey vs SACS, Home
2005 Class Reunion, 18h00, Bill Bowden Pavilion
Saturday 30 August
WBHS Rugby vs SACS, Home
Post-match entertainment at the Bill Bowden Pavilion, all welcome!
WOBU Ikey Tigers Open Mic – A Night to Remember
The Pavilion was buzzing on Wednesday evening as Wynberg Old Boys, friends, and guests gathered for a truly memorable Open Mic celebrating the Ikey Tigers’ Varsity Cup triumph — and especially four of the eight Wynberg Old Boys who played such a central role in the squad.
The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and powerful storytelling. Sipho Dyonase, Aden da Costa, Bile Louw, and Lezane Davis spoke with passion and pride about their rugby journeys — from Wynberg to UCT and onto the national Varsity Cup stage — inspiring the crowd with stories of hard work, resilience, and team spirit.
The audience was engaged throughout, with plenty of thoughtful questions and enthusiastic applause. Leading the conversation was Nic Groom, former Ikey Tigers & Stormers star and WBHS Director of Rugby, who brought his deep rugby
knowledge, sharp wit, and natural charm to the role of moderator.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped make the evening such a success — especially our very own Niels Verburg of Luddite Wines and DP Burger of Glenwood Wines for their generous donations. A special nod to DP, who donated despite having no direct connection to Wynberg — a reminder of the broader rugby family spirit we’re so proud to be part of. We also thank Ewan Taylor, our master braaier and his bar team, Damascene Taylor who helped with the boerie rolls, Sarah Raine for all her work, Dylan Edward for the sound as well as Freddie le Roux, our treasurer and Werner van Kets, our president. Most importantly, a huge thanks to everyone who came out on the night to support our champs.
All in all, a hugely successful and fulfilling night — and we hope the first of many more to come!
Left to right: Aden da Costa , Rethabile ‘Bile’ Louw, Lezane Davis, and Sipho Dyonase
A legendary schoolmaster in years gone by, Eric Tasker, was a Wynberg man to the bone who was much loved by the boys. He had coached the 1st XV before and after World War II and had a deep well of memories.
Once retired, he repeatedly stood in as a replacement teacher, giving lessons into his seventies.
Ever keen to tell stories, he was easily sidetracked in class and often repeated himself. The boys indulged him, asking time and again to hear his tales. The old man would lay down his piece of chalk and turn from the blackboard with smiling blue eyes that remained forever young.
There was the much-told story of the most talented player he ever coached, a boy who, tragically, suffered a leg injury and never fulfilled his potential.
And many other tales, sometimes well-stretched, making it difficult to gauge the truth. He would smile indulgently when questioned and swear things happened as told.
Speaking reverently of Springbok legends in the 1920s, he claimed to recall watching Phil Mostert, Boy Morkel, and Ferdie Bergh at Newlands, and eagerly extolled their virtues. “I’m the only man still alive to have seen them play,” he’d say wistfully.
In his heart was reserved a place for that most special of players, Bennie Osler.
The famous Wynberg Old Boy was a masterful tactician with a powerful boot, Tasker said. Captaining the Springboks at flyhalf, he led an unbeaten side across the British Isles in the 1930s and also drew a series in New Zealand.
An imperious leader, he pioneered the territorial kicking game and was held in awe by teammates and the opposition. Those were the days when the Springboks went on tour for six months, travelling across the oceans by ship. When Danie Craven was elevated directly from the Maties to the Springboks, Osler was unimpressed. The young scrumhalf hadn’t endured the rigours of provincial rugby. At his first practice, he was studiously ignored by the Springbok captain.
“I’m very honoured to meet you, Bennie,” said Craven eventually, approaching him nervously.
“It’s Mister Osler to you,” scowled the great man. “Pass the ball one yard in front of me and don’t talk unless spoken to.”
The greatest drop-kick Tasker ever saw was kicked by Osler, as you would expect. It was a tale the old man often told. Receiving a muddy ball in the rain at Newlands, Osler had the northwest wind blasting in his face.
“He drop-kicked directly at the main grandstand, confusing us all. But Bennie knew what he was doing, as always. The ball disappeared over the grandstand and curved slowly over the Liesbeek River.” The old man demonstrated gracefully with an extended arm. “Then the wind brought it back and it soared over the crossbar.”
“Did that really happen?” a dubious boy once asked.
“Of course it happened!” replied Tasker with a twinkle in his eye. “You have to believe me! I’m the only man still alive who witnessed it. Who’s going to contradict me?”
By Steve de Witt, Matric 1980
Old Boy in the News: Matthew Bowers
July - August 2025: Matthew Bowers (2013) continues his awardwinning aquatics career with selection to the SA Team at the World Aquatics Men's Water Polo Championships in Singapore, 11 July - 3 August 2025. Years of training and dedication saw Matthew claim his second SA cap, adding water polo to his swimming colours, a remarkable achievement. Read the World
Old Boy in the News:
Jeane Louw
July 2025: Jeane Louw matriculated in 2022 as one of the WBHS Cultural Prefects, and while pursuing his Music studies, has continued to contribute to school concerts and support the Music Department. Now in his third year of studies, Jeane's drumming and passion for the instrument have seen him chosen among students across South Africa to perform at the National Jazz Festival in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) during July, and selected to be part of the final round of auditions for the SA National Youth Jazz Band. An extraordinary honour and well-deserved recognition!
"The festival brings together 350 of the top young jazz musicians, 40 jazz educators and 80 jazz performers from South Africa and around the world and audiences, participants and performers alike are provided with a unique and memorable experience." Find out more about the National Jazz Festival
Old Boy in the News:
Aden da Costa
Friday 8 August 2025: Wynberg Rugby Old Boy, Aden da Costa (2024), played into the history books this afternoon, debuting as one of the youngest Currie Cup players of the modern era at 18 years & 288 days. (If not the youngest!). Add that Aden scored his maiden Currie Cup try for DHL Western Province in the match vs Griquas - a remarkable achievement by WBHS’ 2024 Head Prefect and 1st XV captain!
Another outstanding major production by the Wynberg Boys’ Acting Association! 100 years since F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, WBHS’ Head of Drama, Natalie Karg, brought this classic to the Clegg Hall for a 6-performance run, to rapturous applause. Congratulations to all involved!
And in time-honoured Wynberg tradition, Old Boys played a part, onstage and in production:
Joel-Isaac Stevenson matriculated in 2024 as a Cultural Prefect and as the Head of Drama. Currently studying at UCT following in his drama background, he shone in the role of Tom Buchanan!
Thomas Hugo, Gold Badge Representative of Learners Council (RCL) Prefect in 2021, took on the role of Assistant Director and Lighting Director for the production. Thomas is currently completing his Honours Degree in Politics after studying Politics and Film & Media.
Dylan Edwards, 2015, of PTM Services, an independent contractor for the school, took on Technical Director for the show. Dylan, with his team member, Thurston de Kock, 2020, also runs WBHS Multimedia Society and trains the boys in sound and lighting and live streaming.
Dylan Edwards, Joel-Isaac Stevenson, Thomas Hugo, and Thurston de Kock
Women’s Day, 9 August 2025:
Take a look at the video produced by our WBHS Prefects, celebrating and standing together to honour women.
A fantastic groundswell initiative by Head Prefect Bruce Igilige (pictured), Deputy Head Zach Gibbon, and their leadership team
WBHS Engineering & Design Faculty
Request:
A 'shout-out' from Stephan Pretorius, WBHS Head of the Engineering & Design Faculty, for possible assistance in acquiring out-of-budget 3D printers for the Academic award-winning Faculty:
"We're on the lookout for 2 x 3D printersCreality K1C, and a CNC medium size (approx. 500mm by 750mm).”
If you can assist or would like more information, please email Stephan at spretorius@wbhs.org.za
Academic Internship at WBHS, 2026
We offer a renewable one-year internship programme for Senior and FET Phase positions. This opportunity is open to students currently studying part-time towards a B.Ed. degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through an accredited institution.
If you believe that teaching is not just about delivering content but about shaping the character and future of young people, then you share the core values of Wynberg Boys’ High School.
Visit the WBHS website for more info
Photography Assistance: School & Old Boys’ Events
Our Schools and Union are keen to expand our photography team to assist at key events such as Derby Sport, Heritage Week (Old Boys’ Dinner in particular), Golf Days, and our community events. Photo credits on all work, volunteers keen to collaborate with the School and be part of our annual 17 million online photo view platform are welcome email Chris Merrington. Wynberg Digital Media Coordinator, at chrism@wbhs.org.za
MySchool is Now MyDifference – What This Means for You and Our Wynberg Schools
The MySchool programme has officially rebranded as MyDifference under Woolworths' administration, marking an exciting evolution in community giving. While the name has changed, the mission remains the same – supporting schools, charities, and environmental causes at no cost to you. For Wynberg Boys’ Schools, this means continued access to valuable funding every time you swipe your card at participating retailers.
Woolworths Rewards and MySchool cards will become obsolete in 3 months, and MyDifference will take their place. To ensure that your contributions are still being allocated to Wynberg Boys’ High School, we ask that you log in to the Woolworths App via Google Play or the App Store.
Here's how to migrate/or join MyDifference:
Log in to the latest version of the Woolworths app, using your ID number. Update your details. Tap on the 'Loyalty' tab at the bottom of the screen. Follow the prompts in the app to join MyDifference.
Select your CAUSE: Wynberg Boys’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ Junior School Click ADD CAUSE for each of our Wynberg Boys’ Schools.
Thank you for your support! On average, Wynberg Boys’ High School, through your help, raises R150k per annum through this worthy passive income initiative. Please keep swiping!
Greetings to all Legacy Fund members and Old Boys from a rather cold and wet Cape Town.
Following our very successful dinner in London on 5 June, I thought I’d let you know about two important events coming up in Cape Town shortly. I hope that all who reside in Cape Town, and possibly even beyond, will be able to attend at least one of these functions and use the opportunity to promote the fund amongst your peers and fellow Wynberg Old Boys.
The first event is the Old Boys Dinner, which takes place on Wednesday, 27 August, in the Clegg Hall again this year. Recently, we have had a strong presence at this event, and I hope you all will be attending again this year. As usual, I encourage you to try and join up at a table with your classmates, but if you wish to join the Legacy Fund table, you are most welcome. Please just let me know if you will be joining our table. Tickets are R500 and can be purchased via Quicket or directly from Brett Erasmus. liaison@wobu.org.za or WhatsApp 083 3276092
The second event is a very special Legacy Fund initiative on 10 October at Westlake Golf Club.
This is the Jeff Sternslow Memorial Golf Day to raise funds for a bursary to Wynberg Boys’ High in Jeff's memory. Jeff was a keen golfer and squash player who ran WOBU squash for many years. He was a very involved and proud Old Boy and contributor to the Legacy Fund. A group of his friends, also Legacy Fund contributors, came up with the idea of an annual golf day in his memory and to raise money for the bursary. The Golf Day will be followed by a dinner and auction of selected high-value items.
We would love you to sponsor a 4-ball and play in the day. We are also looking for hole sponsors, donations for prizes, or items or experiences to be auctioned on the evening. Even if you cannot be involved, you could still attend the dinner. For further details regarding this event, please contact WOBU secretary, Sarah Raine, at secretary@wobu.org.za
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Jan de Waal
Please Stay Connected! Secure login to the Union's databasePlease add as much information to your personal profile as possible! Should you need assistance, don't hesitate to email our Union Secretary, Sarah Raine: secretary@wobu.org.za
WOBU Phone & WhatsApp:
(+27) 082 976 9158
Facebook:
Wynberg Old Boys' Union Page
Wynberg Old Boys' Union Private Group
Instagram: @WOBU
WBHS School website
WBHS News, Events, and Fixtures
Live streaming of all WBHS Sports via the Supersport Schools website or app
Marketing Manager: Ms Claudia Levarelli, clevarelli@wbhs.org.za
Digital Media: Chris Merrington (1979), chrism@wbhs.org.za
WBJS School website
Marketing Manager: Mrs Aneeqa Said, marketing@wbjs.org.za
Digital Media: Chris Merrington (1979), chrism@wbhs.org.za
