Wynberg Old Boys' News, 24 December 2025

Head and Deputy Head Prefects 2025, Bruce Igilige & Zach Gibbon, leading the Matrics into the Valedictory Service and the ranks of Wynberg Old Boys Tuesday, 14 October

OLD BOYS’ NEWS WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2025

INDEX President's Message Executive Committee & Constitution Open Mic with Bedingham & Verreynne Annual Dinner Report Heritage - Dinner 1939 In Memoriam Legacy Fund Report Opening of the Jacques Kallis Indoor Cricket Centre Old Boys' Events 2026 WBHS Events & Tours 2026 Education - Chris Luman & Greg Brown, 1977 Education - Why a single sex, boys' school?

Theatre - Keenan Oliphant, 2009 Reflections - James Green, 1964 Books - Steve de Witt, 1980 Reflections - Craig Nairn, 1990 Heritage - Wynberg 1930s Profiles - Tristan Munz, 2022 & Kyle Cato, 2019 Community, Nick Barclay 1999, Learnership Community - Junaid Ismael, 2015 Community - Woolworths My Difference WBHS Music on Tour WBHS Music Eisteddfod Excellence Sport Rugby - Zach Porthen, 2022 Rugby - Xola Nyali, 2023 Rugby - Aden da Costa, 2024 Hockey - Tevin Petersen, 2018 Hockey - Viwe Mbata, 2022 Chess - Daniel Budge, 2024 Cricket - Oscar Nauhaus, 2006 Cricket - Jason Smith, 2012 Cricket - Paul James, 2025 Surfski - Nick Notten, 2013 Surfski - Zach Preyser, 2017 Lifesaving - Garth Bruwer, 1996 Water Polo - Travis Theron, 2015 Contact Info

Greetings, Old Boys!

It’s been a busy and rewarding few months since our last newsletter, with plenty happening across the Wynberg Old Boys’ community.

Our 2025 Dinner and Food Market was a highlight on the calendar. We’ve received excellent feedback on the dualevent format to assist our planning to ensure that our gatherings remain relevant, well-supported, and enjoyable for Old Boys of all ages.

The 2025 Dinner itself was well supported and full of Wynberg spirit. We were especially honoured to host five Old Boys from the Class of 1955, marking 70 years out of school an incredible milestone! There was also fantastic support from the Classes of 1965, 1975, 1995, 2005, and 2015, and of course, our newest members, the Class of 2024.

Several year groups also held informal reunions at the Bill Bowden Pavilion, adding to the camaraderie and celebration.

Looking ahead, planning for the 2026 Dinner and Food Market is already underway. The Class of 1976 has hit the ground running for their reunion, and the 1996 lads have started their preparations too. To the 1986, 2006, and 2016 groups, we hope to see you out in full force next year! And to our stalwarts from 1956 and 1966, whose legacy helped shape the Wynberg of today, please reach out if we can assist in any way with your celebrations.

At our AGM at the end of September, we elected a new committee. We ratified the first major update to our Constitution since 2017, ensuring the Union continues to operate with strong, modern governance.

In October, our Johannesburg Chapter hosted its first dinner in about four years, a smaller gathering but an important restart. Sincere thanks to Ted Coffin for making it happen and laying the groundwork for future regional events.

We also had the privilege of welcoming the Matric Class of 2025 into our ranks at Valedictory, where they received their Old Boys’ ties. We wish them every success with their final exam results and for life beyond Wynberg.

On 29 October, we hosted a very special Open Mic evening at the Bill Bowden Pavilion featuring David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, our own Wynberg lads at the crease in the Proteas triumph in the World Test Championship victory over Australia. It was an inspiring evening that raised R8,000 toward our Jacques Kallis Indoor Cricket Centre, with more funds to follow through the auction of signed Proteas shirts.

There have been plenty of Old Boys making positive headlines recently - more on that later in this newsletter - but for now, I’d like to close with a simple request: Please take a few minutes to ensure your contact information is up to date in our database. WOBU is internationally compliant in the protection of personal information.

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support, together we keep the Wynberg spirit thriving.

Wynberg forever!

Werner van Kets (Matric 1992) President, Wynberg Old Boys’ Union Werner van Kets Old Boys’ Dinner 2025

Sport - Sikelela Zelanga Matric 2016: Hostel Prefect, Fine Family Bursary Recipient, 1st Team Chess

Executive Committee 2026 President Werner van Kets (1992): president@wobu.org.za Patron Jan de Waal (Honorary Life Member): jdewaal@wbhs.org.za Treasurer Freddie le Roux (2000): finance@wobu.org.za Events & Engagements Brett Erasmus (1981): liaison@wobu.org.za

Sikelela holds an Advanced Diploma in Emerging Markets and Country Risk Analysis, a postgraduate qualification in Business Communications, and a Bachelor of Social Science in Political Science and Economics.

Currently a Client & Intermediary Support Specialist at Sanlam Collective Investments, he has built a strong reputation for excellence in client relationship management and strategic service delivery.

Sport Sikelela Zelanga (2016): sport@wobu.org.za

A two-time Sanlam Achiever Award recipient, Sikelela’s career reflects his passion for building trusted partnerships and driving growth through data-driven insights. A proud Wynberg Old Boy, he continues to give back to the school community as a rugby coach at Wynberg Boys’ Junior School, fostering teamwork and personal development among young players.

Communications Chris Merrington (1979): chrism@wbhs.org.za

Sikelela Zelanga & Chris Merrington Grey Weekend Hockey, 2015

Facilities Richard Barrett (1994): facilities@wobu.org.za

Secretary Sarah Raine: secretary@wobu.org.za WBHS Office Hours 09h00 - 15h00

WYNBERG BOYS’ SCHOOLS 1841 - 2026

WOBU Constitution Amended and adopted at the AGM on 29 September 2025

Sikelela’s contribution to Wynberg Sport dates back over a decade, from when he took on the weekly live text commentaries for Hockey and Rugby matches before the days of live streaming video. He was, in fact, the first WBHS schoolboy to commentate on live streaming at the Wynberg 175 Rugby Festival, co-broadcasting with actor, Deon Lotz - Ed

Open Mic with David Bedingham & Kyle Verreynne Wednesday, 29 October 2025: What a night! The Proteas World Test Championship Open Mic Evening was a resounding success - a true celebration of cricket, community, and Wynberg pride.

With a full Bill Bowden Pavilion, Old Boys and guests were treated to an evening of laughter, insight, and emotion. Keith Richardson was the consummate raconteur, sharing witty and heart-warming anecdotes, while Zaahier Adams, fresh from covering the WTC Final in London, brought a journalist’s eye and insider’s knowledge to the conversation.

David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne were outstanding humble, engaging, and deeply reflective. David admitted that panel discussions “aren’t really his thing,” but said he felt honoured and privileged to return to his old school to share his story - from his early Wynberg days to lifting the ICC World Test Championship mace. Both spoke movingly about the coaches and mentors who shaped them, and both were blown away by the new Jacques Kallis Indoor Cricket Centre.

Zaahier Adams (1999) David Bedingham (2012) Kyle Verreynne (2015) & Keith Richardson

The evening had everything: great food from The Lamb and Tuna Man, wonderful stories, plenty of laughter, and moments of genuine pride and connection.

The event also raised valuable funds for the Cricket Centre through the signed wine bottles and raffle items, including: A mini cricket bat signed by David, Kyle, Jacques Kallis, and Graham Smith, Two canvas prints sponsored by Matthew Mabin (Zip Print), and Two bottles of wine signed by David and Kyle.

Keith Richardson, Kyle, Jan de Waal, David & Cedric Poleman (WBJS Headmaster)

And there’s more to come: the pair also signed three Proteas shirts to be auctioned soon, with proceeds going directly toward the Jacques Kallis Indoor Cricket Centre.

It was an evening that perfectly captured the Wynberg spirit, past, present, and future.

Watch this space - there will be more Open Mics!

Brett Erasmus

Verreynne & Bedingham families

Annual Dinner Wednesday, 27 August 2025: This year’s WOBU Annual Dinner marked the first year of our new dual-format approach.

We hosted 157 guests at the formal sit-down dinner and a further 96 guests at a more relaxed event at the Bill Bowden Pavilion. The combination of tradition and a relaxed social option proved highly effective and was well-received.

We were especially pleased by the strong representation from milestone reunion years, notably the 1955 (70-year) and 1965 (60-year) groups, whose presence added great depth and heritage to the evening. Visible contingents from the 1975s, 1985s, 1995s, 2005s, and 2015s contributed to a vibrant crossgenerational spirit. Many formal dinner guests joined the informal festivities afterwards, with some of our eldest Old Boys among the last to leave.

Several moments stood out. The welcome drinks in the Jowell Quad, outside the Fish Bowl, were widely praised for creating a warm, unified start to the evening. The atmosphere at the BBP, buoyed by live music, open space, and easy mingling, was a clear highlight. The presentation of Honorary Life Membership to Tony Steward was a proud and memorable point in the programme.

We were fortunate to have both schools strongly represented, with excellent support from the Headmaster, staff, operations team, and the music department - including wonderful contributions from the steel band, concert band, and pipers.

View the Annual Dinner photo album on Flickr

The event was made possible through generous sponsorships from our Old Boy winemakers, AA Badenhorst Family Wines, Beaumont Wines, Testalonga, Miles Mossop Wines, and Luddite — craft beer support from Devils Peak Brewery via Witte & Co., and printing sponsored by Matthew Mabin (Zip Print). Total sponsorship amounted to R32,500, and we extend our sincere appreciation to all contributors.

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the new dual-format structure and the opportunities for mingling. Overall, the evening successfully honoured Wynberg’s traditions while embracing new ways to bring our community together, a balance we look forward to building on in the years ahead.

Werner van Kets

Verreynne & Bedingham families

Family Wines

View the Annual Dinner photo album on Flickr

MADE FROM GRAPES SWARTLAND - SOUTH AFRICA

HERITAGE || DINNER 1939 “I was recently in Tankwa Karoo and Die Hel, stayed over in Prince Albert and had dinner at ‘The Rude Chef’ and saw [this framed menu] on the wall.”

Andre Conradie, Matric 1981

How exactly how our Dinner menu came to be framed and on display in the ‘Groot Karoo’ is a mystery, but possibly a little of the ‘sleight-of-hand’ recorded in the 1939 School Magazine might explain it? - Ed ... tap to read the 1939 Magazine

Image source: shipsnostalgia.com Del Monico’s circa 1950

The Del Monico Theatre (later Palais de Danse) was centrally located in Cape Town’s history, famous in its time for entertainment and dining, and even featured in historical photos with Merchant Navy personnel - Ai assisted search!

IN MEMORIAM Our sincere to condolences to the family and friends of our fellow Old Boys who’ve passed away. The Roll of Honour is read out annually at the Old Boys’ Dinner, recording those who died since the last gathering, and is and marked by a two-minute silence.

Since the Annual Dinner, Wednesday 14 August 2024 Robert Jones, 2004, August 2023 (reported in 2024) Mark Watters, 1975, 2023 (reported in 2024) Ernest Ford, 1954, 14 August 2024 Peter Lopes, 1977, 18 August 2024 Anton Petersen 1962, 24 August 2024 Gabriel Hawkins, 2023, 30 August 2024 Michael Bush, 1979, 30 September 2024 Liam van Aswegen, 2013, 9 October 2024 Jeff Sternslow, 1963, 11 November 2024 Mike Bowditch, 1962, 27 November 2024 Dion Rushovich 1985, 17 February 2025 Kurt Nilsen 1990, 21 February 2025 Alcott Gola 2004, 20 March 2025 Thomas Garven 1960, 8 April 2025 Michael Porter 1970, 22 April 2025 John Web 1958, 15 May 2025 Brad Bing,1981, 21 May 2025 John Webb, 1958, 17 June 2025 Jim Goodacre, Honorary Life Member, 22nd June 2025 Frederick Horace Simons, 1948, 24 July 2025 Since the Annual Dinner, Wednesday 27 August 2025 Michael Burt, 1977, 12th September 2025 Alex Boettger, 2019, October 2025 Peter Merrington, 1974, 14 October 2025 John Ward, 1985, 8 November 2025 John Boje, 1953, 6 December 2025

SECURING THE FUTURE OF OUR SCHOOLS

“A Wynberg education is a privilege” Establish bursaries, scholarships, and grants for promising young men Support the high academic, sporting and cultural standards of the schools Maintain and develop world-class facilities and amenities Find out more superamorastrust.com/legacyfund

VIDEO PRESENTATION

ONLINE PLEDGE FORM

Dear Legacy Fund Members Greetings from your Alma Mater. We are pleased to present the second report to our members for 2025.

Since our previous correspondence, a lot has been happening with the Legacy Fund. I am pleased to report that our London dinner was very well attended and has attracted quite a bit of interest in the fund, with some of the attendees already contributing to the fund and promises of more to come. Our first foothold abroad is now secure, and the plan is to extend that into the USA and Australia, where we have a significant Old Boy presence.

Within South Africa, we continue to attract new members, and I extend a special welcome to these new contributors from abroad and in South Africa. We remain firmly on track to reach our target of R100 million in pledges/contributions by the end of December 2027. I have also set a new long-term goal for the fund to raise R200 million by 2041, the year of the Wynberg bicentennial celebrations.

Our eventual aim is to support 100 boys attending the school.

2025 Academic Year Progress At the beginning of the third term, I met with the11 students supported by the fund to discuss their academics. I am pleased that they are all making excellent progress and are on course, not only to pass the year but to excel. Over and above academics, these young men are also fully involved in all aspects of school life.

In the meantime, 4 additional students have been identified to join our scholarship programme next year when they join the school in Grade 8. This will increase the number of scholarships offered by the Legacy Fund to 15.

In addition, the Fund will be making one-off grants to the value of R930 000 to deserving students later in the year.

Heritage Week The school was a hive of activity in the week of 25 to 30 August. The dinner was well attended by Legacy Fund members wearing their ties and spreading the word. During the week, I contacted several Old Boys interested in contributing to the Fund, and am pleased to report new fund members to swell our ranks.

London Dinner As mentioned earlier, the London dinner was a great success despite the disappointment that our two Protea cricketers were unable to attend due to being involved in a last-minute warm-up game in Bournemouth on the day of the dinner.

They certainly made up for it a week later by beating the Aussies at Lords.

Nevertheless the 52 Old Boys, 1 former teacher, and 1 Bishops’ Old Boy who attended had a wonderful evening of renewing friendships and reminiscing. There was genuine interest, and several of the attendees have joined the Legacy Fund.

A special thanks must go to Charles McGregor, who organised the wonderful Goodenough College venue for us.

His generous donation reduced the cost of the dinner significantly. I also want to thank Old Boys: Adi Badenhorst (Badenhorst Family Wines), Stephen Newton (Cape Point Vineyards), and Neils Verburg (Luddite Wines,) who generously donated wine for the dinner. It added a special touch to have good South African wines made by Wynberg Old Boys with our dinner.

We look forward to another dinner in London next year.

The Jeff Sternslow Memorial Golf Day In the previous newsletter, I mentioned that we were planning a Golf Day in Jeff’s memory. The purpose is to honour Jeff, who assisted so many Wynberg boys over the years, and to raise money for a squash bursary to Wynberg Boys' High in his name.

The day was held at Westlake Golf Club on 10 October and was a huge success. In all, we had 88 golfers participate on the day, and a further 22 persons attended the prize giving, dinner, and auction after the golf. We also received several generous donations towards the bursary fund.

The day made a profit of R170 000, with further donations to the value of R180 000 received, as well as monthly pledges of R5000. Our intention is make this an annual event.

I thank Gary Mulder and Sarah Raine for all their assistance in organising the event, and Brett Erasmus and Mickey Lumb for their help on the day, and all the Legacy members for their support. Special thanks also to those who donated prizes and auction items, and the individuals who purchased those items.

Jacques Kallis Indoor Cricket Centre This magnificent centre is now completed and fully operational. The Legacy Fund made a significant contribution to this project through our Building and General Fund.

Legacy Fund Functions This year, our functions were the London dinner, the Old Boys’ dinner, and the dinner and auction after the Jeff Sternslow Memorial golf day. Thank you to the many Legacy Fund members who helped organise and attend these events. Thanks to your efforts, the events were a great success.

In 2026, we hope to have another dinner in the UK, but we will also organise a gathering in Cape Town, likely in April. Further details will be shared with you in the new year.

A few reminders All members of the fund who contribute monthly should check that their payments are still being made every month.

Those who contribute annually, please make the payments at the time specified on your pledge form.

All members who have pledged money in their wills, please make sure that their will has been updated accordingly. Do not put this off.

If you have not received a tax certificate and would like one, please let me know.

In conclusion, I thank you for your support and appeal to you all to make a pledge in your will, promote the fund, and encourage fellow Wynberg Old Boys to join us in securing the future of Wynberg.

Jan de Waal 14 WBHS Headmaster COO of the Legacy Fund Patron of the Wynberg Old Boys’ Union th

Deon & Jacques cut the ribbon.

Official opening of the Jacques Kallis Indoor Cricket Centre at Wynberg Boys’ High

For more information about the Legacy Fund, please contact Jan de Waal: jdewaal@wbhs.org.za The Wynberg Legacy Fund operates under the auspices of The Supera Moras Trust. Trust Registration Number: IT4977/2008

Esmund van Wyk, Director of WBHS Cricket, Deon Scheepers, Storme van Rooyen (Matric 2025), Jacques Kallis, Paul James (2025), Jayden Denman (2025) & Pietie Loubser, 1st XI Coach

Fund Administrator: Barry Jessop, Dorrington Jessop Incorporated, barry@djilaw.co.za

Bank Details: Supera Moras Trust Standard Bank, Constantia Account Number: 276180534 Branch Code: 025309 Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ

JACQUES KALLIS INDOOR CRICKET CENTRE TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

Read the official Programme

EVENTS || OLD BOYS

WYNBERG BOYS’ SCHOOLS 1841 - 2026

Wynberg 185 Heritage Week

Old Boys’ Summer Sport vs WBHS

Monday 17 August 2026 Old Boys' Chess vs WBHS Old Boys' Squash vs WBHS, Bill Bowden Courts Mountain Bike Heritage Ride, WBHS Track

16 - 20 February 2026 - match days & times TBA Basketball, Cricket, Tennis, and Water Polo Old Boys’ Contact Sikelela Zelanga, sport@wobu.org.za

Tuesday 18 August 2026 Old Boys' Hockey vs WBHS 1st XI, Wynberg Astro Cross Country Heritage Run, WBHS Campus

Golf Days

Wednesday 19 August 2026 Old Boys' Soccer vs WBHS Thursday 20 August 2026 WBJS Flag Raising Ceremony, Arnold Lorie Hall Nussbaum Concert, Nussbaum Auditorium Friday 21 August 2026 WBHS Founders' Day, Clegg Hall WBJS Founders’ Mini Rugby Festival, WBJS Hockey vs SACS, Away Saturday 22 August 2026 Rugby vs SACS, Away Old Boys' Dinner, Clegg Hall & Bill Bowden Pavilion

WBHS Golf Day, 20 March 2026, Westlake WOBU vs Old Grey, 15 May 2026, Mowbray Jacques Kallis Foundation, 11 September 2026, Westlake WBJS Golf Day, October 2026, Mowbray Jeff Sternslow Memorial, 13 November 2026, Mowbray Old Quad, 20 November 2026, Royal Cape Golf Organiser Contacts Old Boys Jan de Waal, jdewaal@wbhs.org.za Jacques Kallis Foundation Sharon Jardim, sharon@jacqueskallisfoundation.org WBHS Sarah Raine, golfday@wbhs.org.za WBJS Aneeqa Said, golf@wbjs.org.za

EVENTS || WBHS 1

WYNBERG BOYS’ SCHOOLS 1841 - 2026

Wynberg 185, WBHS: Term One

Peninsula Cricket Festival Wednesday 7 - Sunday 11 January 2026 1st XI & U15A at home Wynberg Cricket on Instagram and Facebook Inter-House Swimming Gala Tuesday 27 January 2026 WBHS on Instagram and Facebook Inter-House Sports Day Tuesday 3 February 2026 WBHS on Instagram and Facebook

Standard Bank Wynberg Rugby Festival Friday 13 - Sunday 15 March 2026 Wynberg Rugby on Instagram and Facebook Sunset Concert Sunday 22 March 2026, John Baxter Amphitheatre Wynberg Music on Instagram and Facebook

Wynberg 185, WBHS Tours: Term One

Basketball Grey High Festival, Gqeberha Friday 30 January - Sunday 1 February 2026 U19A Jenny Orchard Invitational, Maritzburg College Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 February 2026 Wynberg Basketball on Instagram and Facebook Chess Grey College Invitational, Bloemfontein Wednesday 18 - Saturday 21 February 2026 Wynberg Culture on Instagram and Facebook Cricket Grey High Festival, Gqeberha Friday 30 January - Sunday 1 February 2026 Wynberg Cricket on Instagram and Facebook Hockey U14 Nomads, Jeppe U16 Nomads, Selborne College U19 Nomads, Pretoria Boys’ High Friday 27 - Monday 30 March 2026 Wynberg Hockey on Instagram and Facebook Rugby Kwaggas Festival, Oudtshoorn Friday 27 March - Wednesday 1 April 2026 U19 St Stithians Festival, Johannesburg Thursday 2 - Monday 6 April 2026 Wynberg Rugby on Instagram and Facebook

EVENTS || WBHS 2

WYNBERG BOYS’ SCHOOLS 1841 - 2026

Wynberg 185, WBHS Music: Term One Quarterly Concert WBHS Music Students & Art Exhibition Wednesday 11 March 2026, Nussbaum Auditorium Wynberg Music on Instagram and Facebook Wynberg Create on Instagram and Facebook Standard Bank Wynberg Rugby Festival Gig Band Performance, WBHS & Old Boys Saturday 14 March 2026, Bill Bowden Pavilion Wynberg Music on Instagram and Facebook Wynberg Rugby on Instagram and Facebook Sunset Concert Sunday 22 March 2026, John Baxter Amphitheatre Wynberg Music on Instagram and Facebook

Wynberg 185, WBHS Tours: Term One

Water Polo Paul Roos Festival, Stellenbosch Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 January 2026 U19B Pearson Tournament, Gqeberha Friday 30 January - Sunday 1 February 2026 U14A Pitcairn Cup, Reddam Constantia Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 February 2026 U19A Vides Tournament, East London Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 February 2026 Grey High Tournament, Gqeberha Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 February 2026 Wynberg Water Polo on Instagram and Facebook WBHS Events, Fixtures and News Save the website link for detailed sports fixtures and event updates

EDUCATION

Congratulations to Chris Luman and Greg Brown, Wynberg Matric 1977 prefects and classmates, on their outstanding contributions to South African boys' school education. Chris retired as Headmaster of Maritzburg College in February after 13 years at the helm, while Greg hung up his mortarboard in December after 18 years as Headmaster of Bishops Prep. Our thanks to Dr Luman for his insightful article on Single Sex Boys’ Schools on the following page; we look forward to publishing more from these stalwarts of teaching with over 80 combined years of classroom memories!

Watch the Instagram Reel

Watch the Instagram Reel

28 February 2025 Dr Chris Luman, Wynberg Matric 1977 Retires as Headmaster of Maritzburg College

3 December 2025 Greg Brown, Wynberg Matric 1977 Retires as Headmaster of Bishops Preparatory

Why a single sex, boys’ school?

Do boys perform academically better in a single sex school?

The matter of single-sex education has received increased attention in recent years in schools overseas. Boys only schools have reduced dramatically in countries such as New Zealand and UK, despite the research that has been conducted over a considerable period of time to suggest otherwise . One of the main reasons for this is not based on academic performance, but rather on but rather on financial matters and one could argue whether this is morally correct or not?

Research Extensive longitudinal research commissioned by The Association of Boys’ Schools of New Zealand (ABSNZ, the peak body representing the entire sector of schools for boys, their staff and families) and conducted by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) demonstrated that, over a period of seven years leading up to 2017, boys in boys’ schools performed more strongly on all measures tested by NZCER than boys in coeducational schools in New Zealand [Adams and Cummins, 2019].

The IBSC conducted their own research and came up with the following key points to consider: 1. Schools for boys understand and celebrate boys.

Schools that make the intentional choice to focus on the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional lives of boys and young men share an appreciation for the intensity and complexity of boyhood. Educators at boys’ schools celebrate and value all that it means to be a boy.

2. Schools for boys seek first to build good men.

In addition to pursuing high academic achievement, schools for boys share many broad goals: to promote well-being, to develop resilience and empathy, and to see that each boy achieves his potential. But none is more important than the essential goal of building good character and, by extension, of helping each boy and young man make responsible choices and live an honorable life.

3. Schools for boys know that boys develop and learn in different ways.

It’s a simple fact that boys and girls grow at a different pace.

Boys’ strengths are different from those of girls. While girls generally develop earlier physically and socially, refining their reading and writing skills sooner, boys are more spatial and visual by nature, and they demonstrate a natural affinity for areas like abstract mathematics. They are also hard-wired to learn more easily through action than words.

4. Schools for boys teach in ways that boys learn best.

Each faculty member in an all-boys school has made a conscious choice to teach boys. They enjoy boys’ irreverent humour and draw energy from their natural exuberance. Their passion to teach boys requires a commitment to build relationships, craft a curriculum, and lead a classroom that engages each student in the way he learns best.

5. Schools for boys help them discover and explore their full potential.

Without the social pressures of a co-ed environment, boys in an all-boys school can explore the full range of their personalities and potential. Avoiding stereotypes, they discover they have many roles to play as a scholar, athlete, artist, musician, and friend.

6. Schools for boys foster brotherhood and lifelong friendships.

Working together in the classroom, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, students are united by a special bond of brotherhood. Many boys’ school graduates say the friendships they developed with their peers and with faculty are among the most important benefits they carry with them from their schools.

This connection of brotherhood extends to a broader community of what many schools call Old Boys — alumni who stand ready to positively support these young men now and in the future [IBSC, 2025].

“One of the important advantages of a single-sex education is the opportunity it presents to create a learning environment, literally and figuratively, that accommodates what boys and young men need.” [IBSC, 2025] Dr Chris Luman [PHD, MED, PG DIP SPORT MANAGEMENT, BA, HPTD, DE, TEFL/TESL] Former Headmaster of Maritzburg College, WBHS Matric 1977

THEATRE

Keenan Tyler Oliphant Award-Winning Director Monday, 8 December 2025: 2009 Old Boy, and Old Faithful, Keenan Oliphant, recipient of the Susan Stroman Directing Award, given biennially to an early- or mid-career director.

Describing himself as a Theatre-maker and Director from Cape Town, Keenan’s work is in the lineage of the theatre-making and storytelling traditions of Southern Africa, producing and directing premier devised pieces, In-between and Private Parts, at the South African National Arts Festival.

Since relocating to New York Keenan has directed and developed work at Ars Nova, New York Theatre Workshop, Playwrights Horizon, The Vineyard Theatre, PlayCo, HereArts, Clubbed thumb and more, with New York Times critics’ pick Vulture, New Yorker and NYT best theatre of 2024, among a number of accolades.

With an impressive body of directing and associate-directing work under his belt since 2019, Keenan is currently Associate Director of Hadestown (Broadway), with plans to present Animal Wisdom in May 2026 at the Signature Theatre in New York, and to restage Hadestown in São Paulo, Brazil, in August.

Keenan’s post-Wynberg qualifications: Master of Fine Arts, Directing (Columbia University) Bachelor of Music Honours Jazz Vocals (UCT) Bachelor of Arts, Drama, English, & Jazz (UCT) Keenan led the Steel Band while on the WBHS staff, produced & directed "Our Country's Good" in 2016. He also created and directed the Wynberg 175 production of "From an Acorn to an Oak Tree" - the story of the Wynberg Boys' Schools in music and song:

THEATRE

Keenan Tyler Oliphant Matric 2009 Monday, 8 December 2025: Keenan Oliphant received the Susan Stroman Directing Award, Vineyard Theatre, New York.

Read the full article

Keenan was recently interviewed in melodramamag.com: ‘ ...

“I often say as a director, I am operating as a jazz musician.

[There’s] an internal feeling, a pulse,” says Oliphant, who draws on an extensive jazz background in his directorial process. He is also informed by his artistic upbringing in South Africa’s nonhierarchical theatre-making culture. Oliphant and Purdum discuss the play [Nazareth Hassan’s Practice] he admits is one of his favorites he’s gotten to direct, as well as his collaboration with Hassan, his musical sensibilities, and his feelings about power dynamics in theater — on and off stage ...’

Read the full interview

Read the review

REFLECTIONS || JAMES GREEN, MATRIC 1964 Many Wynberg Old Boys lose track of each other over the years. I certainly have. The only ones that I ever heard from again were Harold Potash and Barrie Everard. I’m sure that some would have asked: ‘I wonder whatever happened to Jimmy Green?’

Here is my path travelled since matriculating in 1964.

During that time, the school took great pride in its sporting achievements and successes. Sporting prowess defined pupils - everyone looked up to them! I remember Fritz Pieksma, Andre Badenhorst, Brian Mawman, Colin Tatham, 1st XV and 2nd XV rugby players; Barrie Everard, judo champ; Mike English, swimming champ, and many others, whose faces I only remember. That’s what age does to your memory! Hope I have spelled the names correctly.

We were never allowed to forget the great Springboks the school had delivered in that time. Doug Hopwood; Lionel Wilson; Dave Stewart.

1963 was a great year for rugby at the school. I was seriously injured during a rugby match when I was 11. My right elbow was shattered during a tackle on the try line. With a permanent disability, I was advised not to play rugby again, and, for that matter, any sport. I became the official ‘orange manager’ and then linesman for the 1st XV that year. But it would also prove to be my undoing. One day, I misjudged a line-out’s position and Mr Tasker’s wrath knew no bounds!

He grabbed the flag from me, fired me immediately, and gave the flag to a more observant boy. It took me a long time to forgive him.

As far as sports go, I was to prove the doctors wrong, for I still play a good game of tennis at the age of 78.

In 1964, the school faced academic challenges, with only 11 students from a large class of 148 achieving first-class matriculation results (above 60% average). It’s astonishing to see how much has changed over the years! Today, the school shines brightly as a symbol of academic excellence in the city, while still making waves in sports and cultural achievements. What an exciting transformation! It is gratifying to see the emphasis placed on teaching science, maths, and technology.

The school has had dedicated and visionary staff at all levels over the years, and played a pivotal role in shaping my future.

The exceptional teachers I encountered truly inspired me to pursue a successful career in academia, industry, and as a writer in my retirement years.

REFLECTIONS || JAMES GREEN, MATRIC 1964 Mr Tasker, who demoted me as linesman, was to make a lasting impression on me. He taught us history. Extremely entertaining and imaginative, he made the classes memorable. He had a differing view on South African History at the time, which was driven by narrow-minded, myopic syllabi glorifying the role of the Dutch East India Company, the Voortrekkers, and the Anglo-Boer War. He also taught modern (1960s version) International History in an enlightened way, which I remember clearly to this day.

Mr Francis was an inspirational English Teacher who was not ashamed to explain D. H. Lawrence's modernistic views to us, while we sniggered at his interpretation of Lawrence’s poems, such as ‘The Snake’. He taught in the shadow of the legendary Mr Thompson, who wrote the book ‘The History of a School’.

It began in my maths class, where Mr Lennox inspired me to win the Mathematics Prizes in Form Four and Form Five. He was a powerful motivator and formidable man. I think he was 5 feet tall (1.524m), but with a scathing tongue and brilliant mind. I was a favourite of his and only felt the sting of his tongue once when my marks dropped from 97% to 85%. He normally let me sit at the back of the class, doing my own thing while the others struggled with the maths. It’s not that they were significantly worse than me, but rugby, cricket, and swimming took priority. Mr. Lennox’s words in his broad Scottish accent: ‘If yer note-books had state secrets in 'em, they'd be safe frae snooping eyes!’, were never meant for me, being the ‘nerd’ in his mathematics class.

Another reason for his favouritism is that I was also one of the best buglers in his cadet band - we won the band competition in 1963, beating Bishops! My most outstanding achievement at school (in my view) was winning the Silver Bugle Trophy being the best bugler in the band.

I received the Science Prizes at the end of those years, too. I don’t believe there was any envy from the rest of the class, as academic pursuits were a very low priority, and the ‘nerds’ and ‘geeks’ were at the bottom of the social hierarchy! Mr Thorpe was well-known for conducting inspiring experiments on his desk, which must have ‘rubbed off’ on me as I went on to study Chemical Engineering at university.

The other teachers, Mr Gilmore (geography) and Mr Sieberhagen (Afrikaans) were good as well; I remember Mr Gilmore's excellent geography lessons on ‘cold fronts’ and ‘black south-easters’ in the Cape and the towns Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, and sheep farming in Australia, where I have lived for some forty years. We enjoyed reading ‘Swart Pelgrim’ in Mr Sieberhagen’s class.

I was a boarder in Littlewood House, where Mr Morris did his best to provide a conducive environment to us who wanted a good ‘matric’. But it was not to be. I was the only one in Littlewood House who obtained a first-class ‘matric’—by the ‘skin of my teeth!’ In 1964, there was little communication between those setting the Cape Senior Certificate external examination papers and WBHS. The externally set exam papers were stranger than fiction.

I was supposed to get A’s in mathematics and science. We must have been following the wrong curriculum. I had a panic attack when most of the questions were unrecognisable; we had not touched on them in class. I scraped a C in both subjects. Then, there were only eleven first-class (above 60% average) passes in the entire ‘matric’ class of 148. We were to learn that students at some of the Afrikaans schools in the Cape were getting all A’s!

It took me a year in the army at Youngsfield to get over that.

Mr Lennox’s words always resonated with me, ‘Jimmy, you have top-notch mathematical skills. You should go down that path!’ The O’okiep Copper Company in Namaqualand awarded me a bursary, and I attended the University of the Witwatersrand, which saw me graduate in Chemical Engineering in 1970.

REFLECTIONS || JAMES GREEN, MATRIC 1964 I completed an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering at Pretoria University, then a Ph.D. at Natal University. The rather esoteric topic, ‘The Mathematical Structure Associated with Flotation Networks, ' achieved international recognition in journals such as Chemical Engineering Science.

This opened the way to an academic career as a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University and then a Professor in Quantitative Management at Unisa.

But I abandoned academia in 1984, absconding to SASOL and then the oil and gas and petrochemical business in Australia, where I worked as the Chief Process Engineer with Exxon Mobil (Esso Australia).

Retrenched at the age of 50, we (my wife and I) established a risk management company that assessed safety and environmental risks in the chemical industry. We were consultants in this field to companies such as Caltex, Exxon Mobil, Shell, and BP until the outbreak of COVID-19 when we retired in Melbourne.

Whatever I did, that inspiration from Mr Lennox has stayed with me throughout my life; my unsung hero!

If any Old Boys are interested, I have just written a book about some of my ancestors who lived on farms where the school stands today and some of my slave and Khoekhoen ancestors. The stories told to us by Mr. Tasker so long ago provided inspiration for the book.

The book is titled ‘Rogues, Sinners and Saints: Our Afrikaner and Dutch Ancestors.’ Many South Africans, no matter their background, can trace their roots back to a small group of early colonists from the 17th century, having settled in the area where WBHS stands today.

Rogues, Sinners and Saints Our Afrikaner, Indigenous and Slave Ancestors JAMES GREEN

Dr James ‘Jimmy’ Green Melbourne, Australia Dr Green’s book is available for download on our Wynberg Issuu.com channel.

As always, please respect the author’s copyright.

To contact Jimmy, please email secretary@wobu.org.za to be connected.

Bill ‘Shorty’ Lennox WBHS 1950 - 1980

Eric Tasker WBHS 1934 - 1967

Taught maths, science and biology, was sent in 1964 to the United States by the Cape Education Department to study the ‘New Maths’, coached athletics and rugby, & trained Wynberg's trophy-winning cadet band for 28 years

Legendary history teacher, passionate about theatre and the st arts, 1 XV rugby coach of distinction, Life Member of WP Schools Rugby who continued to teach and inspire at WBHS for decades postretirement

BOOKS || BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

Steve de Witt Matric 1980

Bush Brothers, Steve’s memoir about conscription in the 1980s, is now in a third print run, having been a runaway success. A nuanced, intimate account of the Border War, it has received high praise from reviewers.

“That night Barry and I sat drinking beer with ten mates next to a river.

The next day their chopper was shot down. We helped carry the body bags.

A week in Angola was not measured in days, but in the depth of your eyes.”

Max du Preez: “It explores love at its purist – between men of intense loyalty facing fear and death” Arn Durand: “Brilliant, the best in the genre” Robyn Sasson: “A highly readable and lucid account of the terror of being a teen in a war that has nothing to do with him”

Steve de Witt

A generation of Wynberg men was pulled into the controversial conflict. “We emerged scarred and many still don’t speak of it,” says Steve. “The intensity and trauma cut too deep. Four decades passed before I was able to see the war objectively – then the words just flowed through my pen. What pleases me is the range of people reading the book. Soldiers’ wives and children say they now understand what their husbands and fathers went through.”

An MBA graduate, Steve relocated to London after teaching English at WBHS in the 1990s. Founding a successful IT company, he retired in his forties. He now writes full-time and is president of Bush Brothers Reunited, a military veterans’ organisation.

BUSH BROTHERS is available at Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, and Bargain Books.

Ebook and hard copy on Amazon.com

Steve de Witt

REFLECTIONS || CRAIG NAIRN MATRIC 1990

Cross Country Heritage Run

35-Year Reflections: Cross Country to Mountain Biking I remember some of the details well, but not the date, or even the time of year that the 1990 school cross country race was held. I was in Matric, the starters gun had fired and we were heading in the direction of the fairly intimidating slope leading up the from the main rugby field opposite Lovers’ Walk, towards the squash courts on the top fields.

As the adrenalin pumped and my vascular system tried desperately to accommodate the sudden demand for increased blood-flow, I couldn’t get over the speed at which the lead runners were attacking the first climb. And while I had no ambitions of competing at the sharp end of the race, I felt reasonably good about doing myself justice in an event at which my “well of experience” had the depth of a teaspoon.

In retrospect, I’m glad that this was a 3 lap race, so that by the time I had settled into a pace that was manageable I was slowly able to identify the areas where I could push myself a bit and maybe even gain a few places, and those where I just needed to cling on and hope that I could keep the momentum going. Surprisingly, I was relatively strong on the climbs and it was places like the grind to the top field, followed by the scramble up from what is now the Jacques Kallis Oval, and finally the paved charge up from the lower car park by the shooting range and around the external perimeter of the school block, where I could solidify my position in the field.

The final lap saw me running neck and neck with Evan Wolff for the full second half before edging him for 24th place, one behind ultra-distance legend, Leonard Rust, and far behind the top dogs of Grant Lewis and Brendan O’Neill.

Mountain Biking Heritage Ride

But was I happy with this – hell yes! Endorphins were firing, it hadn’t been a death march, and I had shot the lights out of my expectations on a course that was tough, and though I did not appreciate it at the time, beautiful!

Fast forward 35 years, and here I am again, riding a mountain bike around the perimeter of the top cricket fields, ducking through sweeping berms and keeping the momentum as I crest short sharp ramps, all the while soaking up the beauty of a setting that I had seen on just a handful of occasions over the last 3 decades.

While cross country running never quite stuck with me, I have had a love affair with mountain biking that has lasted 25 years and have been lucky to experience in places across the UK, France, Spain, the USA, and now back to my beloved Cape Town. Am I a champion mountain biker, no chance, but this is a sport that can bring a smile to the face of anyone in any shape, and the enjoyment factor is what makes it a sustainable form of exercise that we can enjoy for a lifetime and can keep pushing us to become fitter and healthier.

Cycling is a global rite of passage, in every society learning to ride a bike is a process passed through as kids, the successful completion of which bestows unprecedented freedom upon the individual. Progress is then swift, racing our friends is an important next challenge, not to mention the necessary and somewhat nebulous skill of “trying stuff out” that often ends in bloodshed, but always teaches us a lesson.

And what is the other thing that we invariably do after we take a tumble from a bike – we get up and try again.

REFLECTIONS || CRAIG NAIRN MATRIC 1990

Schools like Wynberg are rare on a global scale, offering, in addition to first-class education, a range of sporting activities second to none - these spark interest, the competitive spirit, and even long-term sporting dreams. But the challenge is in introducing a lifestyle interest that can help shape your future health and well-being for life.

And here I find myself back on the humble MTB track, cut into the dirt of the school’s perimeter, eking out every meter with berms and switchbacks, gaining hard-fought altitude, and creating hours of fun. Could this be the foundation for a lifestyle choice that can be beneficial to the lives of many for a lifetime?

I’d like to think so.

Craig Nairn & Deon Engelke, Matric 1990

But what is this rite of passage leading to, and how can it change our lives? Every society has a different view of cycling, and for us in South Africa, it is primarily a Sport, yet travel to the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, China, and much of Southeast Asia, and it becomes – Transport. I believe that this idea of active transport is going to become an incredibly important part of the health of future generations. In a world where time is at a premium and our ability to fit exercise and leisure activities into our day becomes more difficult, we need to use the time we have to get to places to do this exercise. And before long, we realise just how much fun this is and how beautiful our surroundings are, as we appreciate them from the vantage point of a saddle, rather than the tinted windows of a car, focused instead on the brake lights of the car in front of us.

It seems that every aspect of our lives is now a specialty. To exercise and remain healthy, you need to join a gym, download an exercise app, and hire a professional trainer.

You then need to allocate a time in which to pursue this necessary evil, and in the main, we don’t do it. Except for the masochistic few, inflicting pain upon the body as a means of being healthy is guaranteed to fail, and the reason – it’s no fun. We live in a world designed to promote laziness under the guise of increased productivity – escalators instead of stairs, Teams calls to colleagues within earshot instead of walking a few steps to have a conversation. Car journeys of hundreds of meters instead of walking or getting on a bike to make the same journey in fresh air and in appreciation of the bodies we have been blessed with and the environment we have been gifted.

In a world now fashioned by technology, there is a health crisis on the horizon.

Craig Nairn, Matric 1990 || United Kingdom

REFLECTIONS

From the 1990 School Magazine Tap to read the publication on Issuu.com

HERITAGE || WYNBERG 1930'S Aerial photo courtesy of Sigi Howes, former Head of the Centre for Conservation Education, based in what was Aliwal Road Primary School (top left), our Wynberg Schools’ close neighbour for over a century. The Girls’ Schools above Cavan Road, and a sliver of The Boys’ School’s 1920s extensions, with ‘The Glade’ behind.

BROTHERS IN AN ENDLESS CHAIN

Tristan Munz, Matric 2022, in the Media My journey into media began in high school, driven by a curiosity for storytelling and the power of digital content. What started as a personal interest soon became a clear direction, pushing me to pursue opportunities that would allow me to learn, experiment, and grow within the media space.

That path led me to Habari Media, where my passion became professional experience. Working across well-known publications such as CarMag, Cape Town ETC, Joburg ETC, and Getaway, I developed a strong foundation in journalism, SEO-driven writing, and deadline-based publishing. It was here that I learned how to create content that balances creativity with performance.

Alongside my editorial work, I built REV-olution Magazine, which opened the door to collaborations with over 58 brands and high-profile creatives. Through this platform, I gained hands-on experience in interviews, content strategy, brand development, and multimedia production. One of the defining moments of this journey was my association with Bobby Brown, which further exposed me to working at a higher level within the entertainment and media industry and reinforced the importance of professionalism, adaptability, and trust in creative partnerships.

Transitioning to Cape Town Magazine felt like a natural progression. From a high school student with an idea to a media professional contributing to established platforms, each chapter has shaped my voice and strengthened my purpose. My journey continues to be driven by growth, collaboration, and a commitment to telling stories that matter.

Tristan Munz

Read Tristan’s latest article: New Year’s Eve 2025/2026

Kyle Cato, Matric 2019 Kyle has spent the last 5 years on his studies to become a licenced aircraft maintenance engineer. Two and a half years were spent in Port Alfred, and the balance in Cape Town working on a variety of different aircraft and engine types.

Kyle has a keen interest in working with historical military aircraft and vehicles. Kyle is pictured in a (former) SA Air Force AM.3C Bosbok. “The Bosbok came to the fore during military operations in SWA and Angola during the late 1970s and 1980s. The aircraft was used extensively on the border, with several shot down during the course of the war.

The 40 AM.3C's were delivered [from Italy] between May 1972 and December 1974 and were allocated the serials 920 - 959. The first Bosbok to be produced for the SAAF made its debut at the Turin Air Show in 1972, although it still wore its Italian civil registration (I-TAM). The variant operated by the SAAF was the AM.3CM version, which had provision for four NATO M-4A stores attachment points.” www.saairforce.co.za

Kyle Cato

Kyle Cato in SAAF AM.3C Bosbok 938

COMMUNITY

We’re reaching out with something very close to our hearts.

Many of you know that our son Nick (Matric 1999, aka Scarlet) lived a full and beautiful life after his kidney transplant. In his honour, the Nick Barclay Learnership has already trained doctors across Africa in paediatric kidney care, giving thousands of children a chance at life.

We now have a special and urgent opportunity: A Cape Town doctor has been selected to train in Paediatric Nephrology at Red Cross Children’s Hospital for the George Hospital region in Garden Route, South Africa.

The training post is available.

The funding is not.

If you feel moved to help, any contribution will make a meaningful difference and will directly continue Nick’s legacy of love, resilience, and hope.

South African EFT Donations: Children’s Hospital Trust Bank: Standard Bank Account No: 071443126 Account Type: Business Current Account Reference: <Surname>-BarclayRenal (to ensure correct allocation) Section 18A tax certificates are available.

Thank you for helping us keep Nick’s legacy alive!

With love Mike & Lucille Veldsman More info on the link: The Childrens’ Hospital Trust

COMMUNITY || PROVISION ALLIANCE ProVision Alliance is a youth development organisation founded by Dr Mogamat Junaid Ismail, a proud Wynberg Old Boy of 2015.

Born from a deep commitment to empowering young people in our community, ProVision Alliance creates pathways for students to realise their full potential through mentorship, skills development, and educational support.

Junaid experienced, firsthand, the transformative power of quality education and strong community support at WBHS. Recognising that not all young people have equal access to opportunities, he established ProVision Alliance to bridge this gap and create a network of support for students who need it most.

ProVision Alliance works to empower young people through holistic development programmes that combine academic support, mentorship, life skills training, and career guidance.

“Every young person deserves the tools, resources, and encouragement to build a successful future.”

ProVision Alliance annual awards Algie Pavilion, WBHS Dr Mogamat Junaid Ismail, with top achiever in Grade 10, Amber Willoughby

ProVision Alliance delivers through several key programmes: One-on-One Mentorship: Pairing students with dedicated mentors who provide guidance, support, and accountability throughout their academic journey Academic Support & Tutoring: Targeted assistance in key subjects to help students achieve their academic goals and build confidence Life Skills Development: Workshops and training sessions covering essential skills like communication, leadership, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence Career Guidance & Exposure: Connecting students with career opportunities, workplace visits, and professionals who can inspire and inform their future paths Community Events & Celebrations: Regular gatherings that build community, celebrate achievements, and create a supportive network for young people Alumni Network: Ongoing support for programme graduates, helping them move successfully into tertiary education and the workforce Our Wynberg Schools’ community has always stood for excellence, brotherhood, and service. We invite you to extend that legacy by supporting ProVision Alliance: Become a Mentor: Share your experience, skills, and wisdom with a young person who needs guidance Volunteer Your Time: Join us at events, workshops, and programmes throughout the year Make a Donation: Financial support helps us expand our reach and impact Spread the Word: Connect us with other potential supporters, partners, and mentors As Old Boys, we understand the privilege of our education – let's ensure the next generation has the same opportunities to succeed.

COMMUNITY || PROVISION ALLIANCE

Video: ProVision Alliance on YouTube Dr Mogamat Junaid Ismail

Find out more about ProVision Alliance Instagram Facebook BackABuddy Changing the narrative for the underprivileged youth of the Cape Flats and townships. The greatest obstacle to our youth is not a lack of ability, but a lack of self-belief, information and resources. The rates of unemployment, gang violence and drug abuse is constantly rising, and if no one steps in, the cycle of poverty will only get worse.

Our goal is to provide inspiration, support and key insights to clarify a path to financial freedom. We aim to guide students through their journey of self-discovery and provide access to opportunities tailored to their strengths.

2015 archive photo, 90 years of the Memorial Gates Head Prefect Almero Prinsloo & Communications Prefect, Junaid Ismael

COMMUNITY || MY DIFFERENCE

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!

WYNBERG MUSIC ON TOUR || JUNE/JULY 2025

Congratulations to the boys and Music Staff on an outstanding "tour de force" of the Garden Route during the mid-year school holidays.

All reports and feedback on the 8-day trip, packed with performances by our four traveling ensembles, have been overwhelmingly positive, praising the standard of music and how wonderfully the tour party presented themselves as ambassadors for Wynberg Boys' High.

A huge thank you to all those who worked tirelessly in fundraising, planning, and supporting the tour - may this trip catalyse many more cultural tours in the seasons ahead.

Read the itinerary View the photos Wynberg Music on Instagram and Facebook

Jan de Waal & WBHS Music Staff: Jonathan Chuter, Peter Catzavelos, Natalie Karg, and Richard Haigh

WYNBERG MUSIC EISTEDDFOD EXCELLENCE It is our great pleasure to report the excellent performances by eight of our school ensembles at the Cape Town Eisteddfod.

According to Vanessa Brink, the Coordinator of the Eisteddfod, WBHS is the school with the largest number of choirs and ensembles that enter the Eisteddfod, which is something to be very proud of.

The Choir, String Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble all received a High Honours (86-89%).

The Concert Band, Jazz Band, Steel Band, Guitar Ensemble, and Vocal Ensemble all received a Diploma (90% and above).

Video: WBHS & WGHS Combined Concert Band Clegg Hall, September 2025

Thank you to the music staff who lead these groups for ensuring a consistently high standard of performance across the board in what has been an exceptionally busy and demanding year: Peter Catzavelos, Combined Concert Band & String Ensemble Jonathan Chuter, Jazz Band Richard Haigh, Choir Natalie Karg, Vocal Ensemble Dave Reynolds, Steel Band Ethan Rutter, Percussion Ensemble Brian Thom,Guitar Ensemble Take a bow, Wynberg Music Department, here’s to many more ‘encores’ ahead!

Video: WBHS Pipe Band performs at Cavendish Square, 1 December 2025

Wynberg Music on Instagram and Facebook

Long service recognition for Mr ‘Cat’ - 40 years of teaching

Video: WBHS Steel Band performs on the Hawthornden Field, November 2025

SPORT || SPRINGBOK DEBUT

Zachary Porthen

2017: WBJS U13A st 2022: WBHS 1 XV & SA Schools Captain 2023: SA U20 2024: SA U20 Captain 2025: Springbok debut vs Japan

Matric 2022 || Hawthornden Field & Beyond

"A proud product of both Wynberg Boys’ Junior and High Schools, Zachary has consistently exemplified the values of humility, dedication, and excellence - both on and off the field.

His natural sporting talent, combined with a strong work ethic and leadership, has earned him the admiration of his peers and the wider school community.

We extend our appreciation to his parents for their invaluable support and the positive pastoral influence they have had on many within the Wynberg family.

We are immensely proud of Zachary and all that he continues to achieve." Justin van Winkel, 1st XV Coach & Head Prefect 2001

SPORT || SA U20 RUGBY

Xola Nyali Matric 2023 || Hawthornden Field & Beyond

2023 st WBHS 1 XV Captain WP CRaven Week Captain SA Schools Captain 2025 SA U20, World Rugby Championship winners

“Xola led through his actions and not loud empty statements. This was no surprise after his breakout 2022 season. He was an example by the way he trained, the physicality he brought and the way he conducted himself at school.

Our skipper was immense for us on attack and defence, busting holes through many teams’ defences and single-handedly deleting the biggest carriers. We were very proud of his appointment as the WP U18 Craven Week captain. After going unbeaten, he was selected to the SA Schools team, and as captain. This a significant achievement for any schoolboy rugby player.

We are very proud of Xola and his achievements - he is destined to have a big rugby career and guaranteed to continue flying the Wynberg flag high and with pride.”

Adapted from the 2023 WBHS School Magazine

SPORT || SA U19 RUGBY

Aden da Costa

2019: WBJS U13A st 2024: WBHS 1 XV & SA Schools 2025: WP Currie Cup debut & SA U19

Matric 2024 || Hawthornden Field & Beyond

“Wynberg's 2024 Head Prefect and 1st XV Captain is a proud product of Wynberg Boys’ Junior and High. Aden grew up on the sidelines of the Hawth, passionately passing and kicking his rugby ball. His love of the game has never wavered, even under the pressures of leadership and playing for the provincial and national sides.

Aden had a switch that he flicked when he ran into battle against WBHS rugby rivals. As the contest increased in intensity and pressure, the more he thrived!

Running through or around defenders, he tackled to make sure carriers did not want to see the ball again, and amongst all of this, he would calmly control the lineout. Aden led our team to a historic win against Paarl Boys' High in 2024 and a top 20 SA Schools ranking.

He is the real deal but more importantly, he is a sincere friend and loyal Wynberg man who is going to thrive beyond the school gates.”

Adapted from the 2024 WBHS School Magazine

SPORT || SA HOCKEY

Tevin Petersen Viwe Mbata

December 2025 Old Boys, Tevin Petersen, left, Matric 2018 and Viwe Mbata, Matric 2021 debuted for the SA Men’s team in the three test home series vs India Read the article

SPORT || SA CHESS

Daniel Budge

Daniel, Matric 2024,represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Malaysia during November 2025, becoming the first Wynberg Old Boy to represent South Africa in an international chess tournament.

Read the story in the WBHS Newsletter

SPORT || INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Oscar Nauhaus Cricket Namibia Jason Smith CSA Proteas

Beyond the Jacques Kallis Oval

11 October 25: The historic one-off T20 (T20I), the first ever international between the Namibia Eagles and the Proteas, took place at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground - and two Wynberg Old Boys were involved: Jason Smith, Matric 2012, top scoring for the Proteas in the match, and Oscar Nauhaus, Matric 2006, HP manager of Namibian Cricket.

SPORT || SA SCHOOLS & SA U19 CRICKET

Paul James

Matric 2025 || Beyond the Jacques Kallis Oval

December 2025 Selected for the CSA U19 team for the World Cup to be played in Namibia & Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February 2026, & chosen for the SA Schools Team September 2025 Paul & Luke Kleinsmith (also 2025) represented CSA Under-19 Emerging Men in a five-match 50-over series against Zimbabwe, 20 - 29 September at the Queens Sport Club in Bulawayo.

A tour part of CSA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing young cricketing talent in preparation for future tournaments, including the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026.

February 2025 Paul & Beni Hansen (2024), represented CSA U19 Men's side in the Youth Test series vs England.

SPORT || SURFSKI

Nick Notten Matric 2013 Gold Medal, Cape Point Challenge

Sunday, 14 December 2025 Nick successfully defended his 2024 title in the epic 52km paddle from Witsands, round the Point, to Fish Hoek Beach.

Nick lifts the Cape Point Challenge trophy

Nick is no stranger to the leader boards, here or abroad, having just returned from the The Shaw and Partners Doctor in Perth, where nd he finished 2 overall behind Australia’s Cory Hill, current World Surfski champ.

Tap to watch Nick’s Facebook interview about the Cape Point Challenge

Among Nick’s Achievements ICF World Oceanski Champs U18 Silver South African Marathon Champs Gold South African Oceanski Champs Gold

Nick Notten, left, in Perth

SPORT || SURFSKI

Zach Preyser Matric 2017 Gold Medal, PE2EL Gold Medal, Cape Point Challenge Saturday, 6 December 2025: Congratulations to Zach, winner of reputedly the world's toughest surfski event, the 4-day 250km paddle between Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and East London.

Zach is pictured with Nicola Birkett, gold medal in the Women’s paddling category.

Well done to them both, with special #SuperaMoras #Applause to Zach for successfully defending his 2024 PE2EL title!

An outstanding achievement, followed a week later by another winner’s podium appearance for mixed doubles gold with Jade Wilson in the 52km Cape Point Challenge.

What an exceptional fortnight!

Zachary is the son of proud Dad, Mark Preyser, Matric 1975 - Ed Zach Preyser & Jade Wilson

SPORT || LIFESAVING

Garth Bruwer Matric 1996 Manager: SA Lifesaving Team

November 2025: Garth Bruwer was selected to manage the South African Lifesaving team in the Orange Cup in Rotterdam. It was a proud moment for the Bruwer family as his daughter was chosen for the President's Team for the same tour.

In attendance to congratulate both of them during their blazer and capping ceremony was Garth's father, Jacques Bruwer (Matric 1972).

Garth is also a keen lifesaving competitor holding several individual and relay SA records in the Masters category.

SPORT || WATER POLO

TRAVIS THERON Matric 2015

Manager: SA U18 Men’s Water Polo Squad

December 2025: Travis currently serves as Team Manager for the Western Province Schools U19A and U19B Men’s Water Polo teams, a role he has held for the past eight years. WP recently competed in the SA Schools Interprovincial Tournament in Gauteng, where the U19A side secured a silver medal.

“I am honoured to have been selected as the Team Manager for the South African Men’s U18 squad heading on tour to Brisbane, Australia. The team will participate in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, taking place from 1 to 13 April 2026.

This prestigious international tournament plays a key role in developing junior talent as Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

I am extremely proud to be a part of this journey.” #ProudlyWynberg #ProudlySouthAfrican

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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

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