27 August 2016
The 10 Year On Reunion for the class of 2006 was held over the weekend of the 26th and 27th August 2016. Hard to fathom the fact that we had been absent from the hallowed halls of Pretoria Boys High School for 10 years. There was much excitement in the build up to the weekend that would see many brothers reunite to reminisce about stories of achievements, mischief and, of course, a smoke on the koppie.
The weekend kicked off on Friday, 26 August 2016, at the Blue Valley Golf Course in Centurion. With the 40 strong old boys who arrived for golf, there was no stretching, no putting practice and no hype in any way or form about golf. The boys chose the route of a cold beer, and thus began the start to a weekend filled with laughs and memories.
Following a couple great rounds of golf, but far more useless ones, the lads made their way to the Pretoria High School Old Boys Club to meet up with the rest of the 2006 boys.
On Saturday mid-morning a few met once again at the Old Boys Club to collect cars, wallets and their names. There was an attempt to play a bit of soccer and touch rugby, however this ended shortly after in a mutual decision for a cold glass of water, hops, barley and yeast.
At 17:30 on Saturday afternoon, the class of 2006 met at the fish pond in front of the main school building. Mr John Illsley welcomed the group, reminiscent of our Form I days, and proceeded to give us a tour of the newly built school hall and Bill Schroder library. Speaking on behalf of all those who attended this tour, what an absolute pleasure to see our great school moving in leaps and bounds to ensure the boys are schooled in the greatest establishment this country has to offer.
On a beautiful evening, and dressed in our number ones, we made our way down the infamous Suicide Hill to the Central Dining Hall with much excitement for the event to start. Boasting a strong turnout of 150 Old Boys, and honoured with the presence of a few of Masters, the class of 2016 had no doubt that this would be the 10 Year Reunion we had all anticipated.
The success of an event like this depends largely on the Master of Ceremonies, and Kelly Van Niekerk took to this role like a duck to water. Kelly’s quick wit and funny sense of humour ensured that there was no shortage of laughter.
- Master of Cermonies – Kelly Van Niekerk
- Grace – Brad Burrow
- Toast to South Africa – Hlabi Kgothadi
- Toast to Absent Friends – Daniel Brits
- Toast to the Masters – Ian Stewart
- Toast to the School – Tannah Matus
- Headmaster’s Address – Tony Reeler
- Vote of Thanks – Gareth Sanders
We were spoilt on the evening with some very inspiring and very well put together speeches. Hlabi Kgothadi’s Toast to South Africa reinstated the faith we need to have in this wonderful country of ours, his passion for South Africa is second to none.
A big thanks also to Daniel Brits for his toast to those who are, unfortunately, no longer with us today, Ian Stewart for the many funny stories of the Masters and Tannah Matus on his address to the School. We are the product of an amazing establishment and we, the Old Boys, have a job to continue to fly the PBHS flag high.
An event like this is nothing without the boys having been addressed by their fearless leader. A special thank you to Dane Blignaut who made a last minute plan to attend the event and stand up to address those who all look up to him still so honourably to this day.
An event like this is nothing without the boys having been addressed by their fearless leader. A special thank you to Dane Blignaut who made a last minute plan to attend the event and stand up to address those who all look up to him still so honourably to this day.
A night with the boys is priceless, but it makes the occasion that much more special to have the Masters present who had a great impact on our time at PBHS. We would like to convey our greatest appreciation to Mr Illsley, Mr McBride, Mr Smuts, Mr Franken, Mr Obermeyer, Mr Chalky Sommerville, Mr Keeton, Dr Van der Watt, Mr Housden, Mr Phipps, Mr Mansfield (LEGEND) and of course, the boss himself, Mr Schroder.
Mr Reeler, it is no easy task taking over the reins from someone like Mr Schroder. However, there is no doubt that after the wonderful address you gave to us on the night, and the time you took to have a chat with the various bunches of Old Boys, you have instilled in us that you continue to take this wonderful establishment to greater heights. We wish you all the best in your tenure as Headmaster and will continue to feel comfortable knowing that we have you as the leader of Pretoria Boys High School.
A big thank you to Steffani Kruger and her team of staff for the wonderful catering. There was not one stomach that left that dining hall unsatisfied. A HUGE thank you to Inge Paulsen-Liddle for her constant assistance behind the scenes in ensuring that the boys had the best reunion possible. Without you, this event would not have taken place.
The love of his brothers and the love of this great school brought back those from all corners of the country and globe to take part in this special reunion. A special thank you must go to those who went out of their way to ensure that this event was one not to miss.
As we eagerly count down the days to the 20 Year on Reunion, there is one thing we will always remember ‘TIS HERE WE LEARNT TO LIVE.
– Gareth Saunders
Convenor, Class of 2006
