The Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association held its very first Chesa Nyama on the 4th of March 2017 in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
For those who are not aware, a Chesa Nyama is a social setting where you buy and braai meat usually supplied by a nearby butchery or a bar/restaurant. They are popular in the townships and are places where many friendships are made and maintained.
The idea started with the Chairman of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association, Thomas Rundle asking an important question: How can we make the Association more attractive to its increasingly young and diverse membership who tends to lose touch with the school after leaving. So, in consultation with a few Old Boys, the idea gained momentum to host something fun and different… and the Old Boys’ Chesa Nyama was born.
On a warm afternoon in Mamelodi about one hundred Old Boys strolled in to find drinks, their name tags and the Pretoria Boys High School Headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler welcoming them for a day of meat, music and televised sports with friends most had not seen since leaving the school.
After catching up over a few drinks and a steak, the Old Boys were called for an address by the Headmaster who updated the Old Boys on the school and the changes it has under gone in the years since he has taken up the role of Headmaster, including the introduction of soccer along with other initiatives designed to make the school feel more inclusive to all the boys who attend it.
Thomas also took to the stand to reaffirm the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association’s commitment to the event and finally Goitse Konopi, a researcher in the Office of the Presidency for the National Planning Commission, also stood up to deliver a fiery speech on how the school can contribute to the future of the country.
In closing, the day was a great success and a vote of thanks has to go out to all of those who contributed to it, in particular:
- The Chairman, Headmaster and members of the PBHSOB Association Executive Committee for their support
- Peter (CJ), Rami Moatshe and all the staff at Jack Budha
- Tebatso Kiewit, Chris Kaniki, Lebo Likhethe and Timo for assisting with the marketing of the event and the arranging of the DJ’s
- The Old Boys who donated their time to DJ at the event free of charge
- Mandla Holomisa who provided Jameson as welcome drinks
We believe this is the first time a school like ours has had an event of this nature and as Thomas mentioned, apart from the reunions, the event is the second largest after the Summer Sports Day, and it is one we look forward to having and growing for many years to come.
Regards,
Aphile Molefe
CONVENOR
