REUNIONS
60 Years-On
The Class of 1965 kicked off the 2025 “reunion season” with a day at the school packed full of activities and laughter on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Led by 1965’s Head Prefect Gordon Hay, 32 Old Boys accompanied by 14 of their partners, arrived at Pretoria Boys High School for tea at 08:00. This was followed by a tour of the school grounds by Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp, visits to boarding houses, the Bill Schroder Centre (which comprises of the Library and Music Centre) and the Museum.
Just after midday a special assembly was held and besides the guests in attendance, Old Boys from various parts of South Africa and from Australia, Israel, Canada, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom joined the assembly via livestreaming.
During his assembly speech, Gordon Hay told the 1500 boys present: “Build and value your relationships. Those you build here and those that will continue as Old Boys of this school. Your journey as a pupil of this school continues long after you leave. My classmates are proof of this. In South African we have the philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’. ‘I am because we are’ (also ‘I am because you are’). Your best investment will be in relationships”.
Old Boy Reverend Dennis van der Spuy gave the scripture reading during assembly.
Here are a few comments from those in attendance:
“The walkabout of the School grounds brought about a cascade of memories with classmates sharing their memories as we walked, ever so slowly with a most understanding Headmaster. The full extent of the changes in the School over 60 years became apparent. Massive changes but still the same School. The School has been blessed with a succession of leaders who have magnificently navigated the challenges of their time in office” – Mike Yates.
“The standout impression for me was the impressive Headmaster of the school, Mr Greg Hassenkamp. I also had the privilege of meeting with him in his office with Mrs Joanna Holliday to finalise the setting-up of a ‘Willy Brooks Science Award’ at PBHS. His commitment, dedication and leadership are outstanding, and I can’t help but think PBHS is in good hands and could not have a finer Headmaster” – Robert Fitzpatrick.
“The thing that struck us most was how polite the boys are. It almost became a chore to have to thank the boys for their offers to help and explain that we could manage the challenging climb up the stairs in the memorial quad on our own. I cannot recall us being that helpful sixty years ago. Well done Headmaster and staff” – William Hofmeyr (grandson of William Hofmeyr, Headmaster from 1909 to 1935).
The Class of 1965 – group photo at their 60 Years-On
Gordon Hay giving the Head Prefect’s address at assembly
20 Years On
The next reunion is the 20 Years-On of the Class of 2005 and ticket sales are OPEN. If you are from the Class of 2005 and haven’t as yet purchased your ticket to the reunion dinner on Saturday, 26 July 2025, please use this link: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/class-of-2005-twenty-years-on
10 Years-On
The Class of 2015 will be celebrating their 10 Years-On Reunion on Saturday night, 16th August 2025 and the convening committee is currently finalising arrangements. The ticket sales link will be distributed to the Class shortly.
THE ANNUAL OLD BOYS DINNER
The 106th Annual Old Boys Dinner was held on Saturday, 7th June 2025 and the feedback from Old Boys of all ages has been so positive that we’re already looking forward to next year’s BIG BASH for the school’s 125th Anniversary! Save the date – Saturday, 6th June 2026.
One of the Old Boys in attendance summed up the evening perfectly in a post on LinkedIn and we are proud to publish it in our newsletter as we could not have said it any better.
“A Night That Rekindled Brotherhood, Legacy & Purpose:
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Dinner – and what a powerful evening it turned out to be.
Surrounded by gentlemen from the 1940s through to the 2020s, it was a beautiful reminder of how timeless our school’s values truly are. Regardless of age or background, we were all connected by a shared experience – forged in the same classrooms, shaped by the same ethos, and inspired by the same traditions. Sitting beside men I had never met, it felt as if we’d known each other for years. That’s the kind of bond PBHS creates.
The speakers were exceptional – inspiring, humorous, and deeply moving. But what truly stood out was hearing the current Headboy speak. His words mirrored the same feelings I had over 19 years ago. In a rapidly changing world, it was reassuring to see that Pretoria Boys High remains steadfast in its mission and values.
One of the evening’s greatest highlights was learning about two remarkable Old Boys – Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther – who have taken bold action to give back through the Trilogy Ocean Challenge. Their mission? Raise critical funds to give bright, underprivileged boys the opportunity to attend PBHS – to be moulded into the future leaders South Africa desperately needs. Ordinary men, doing something extraordinary for a cause greater than themselves.
But I couldn’t help but notice – the turnout was smaller than it should have been. With thousands of graduates over the years, more of us should be showing up, reconnecting, and contributing to the future of this great institution.
As our current Headmaster, Mr Greg Hassenkamp, so beautifully put it: ‘It’s not the star athlete or academic that defines us – it’s the common boy, immersed in the culture and values of the school, who leaves five years later as the gentleman the world needs’.
I left the dinner inspired, humbled, and with a burning question: Why haven’t I done more to support the school that gave me so much?
So here’s my challenge to all fellow Old Boys – let’s dig deep. Give your time. Give your support. Give the next generation the same opportunity we were blessed with.
And if you need a compass for how to live – I’ll leave you with the timeless words of Lou Holtz, which echo everything our school stands for:
Do what’s right
Do everything to the best of your ability
Show people you care
Let’s honour our legacy by living those values – and ensuring they live on in generations to come” – Jonathan Sher (2006, Arcadia)
Thank you Jonathan for your powerful message. We are sure that many people, just like those who saw your LinkedIn post, felt the passion, loyalty and sincerity in your words.
As Mr Sher so rightly mentioned, the current Head Prefect, Luka Jovanovic, gave a speech that earned him a huge round of applause from the Old Boys present. Hereunder a poem that formed part of his speech:
I came here a boy, unsure and unseen
With Grasshopper blisters and shirts still too clean
Ran down Jacaranda Drive, heart in my throat
‘Till a prefect stopped me with a stare and a quote
I was stopped by a prefect, tall as a tree
What’s my name Form 1 he barked down at me
And though I guessed wrong and scrambled away
That moment I knew it’s here I would stay
I learned to run, I learned to strive
I learned to laugh, I learned to thrive
I learned that lates could lead to law
I learned to fail then try once more
From sandwich-less breaks to koppie climbs steep
To friendships that dug their roots down deep
In late night regrets and early light cheers
I gathered a lifetime in just five short years
I’ve stood in the rain, I’ve lost on the courts
I’ve felt the sting of a dream cut short
But I’ve also been lifted, been led, been shown
That love for a place can become your own
I’ll miss the noise, I’ll miss the quiet
I’ll miss the loss, I’ll miss the riot
I’ll miss the field, I’ll miss the bell
I’ll miss the stories I’ll never tell
So why do we cry when the curtain draws near?
Why do the bravest boys shed a tear?
It’s more than tradition or blazers or songs
It’s where the broken boy learns where he belongs
So here’s to the red, the white and the green
To all that we’ve been and to all we have seen
For this was the time, the climb, the fight
The memory bathed in the red, green and white
And now as I stand where the hill starts to end
I do so with pride and a tear, I won’t pretend
I know I’d relive it through joy and through pain
And if given a chance, I’d do it all again
To Boys High!
Head Prefects L-R: Daniel Manley (2023), Murray Rogers (2024), Luka Jovanovic (2025) and Manqoba Khumalo (Deputy Head Prefect 2025)
Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp at the Old Boys Dinner 2025
L-R: Master of Ceremonies James Orr, PBHS Museum Curator Malcolm Armstrong and retired Master Keith Mansfield
Special guest Dr Bradley Schroder shares a joke with retired Second Master John Illsley
Guest speakers Old Boys Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther spoke about their epic and history-making Trilogy Ocean Challenge open-water swims
L-R: Jason Webber (Chairman of Old Boys Association), Karabo Matang (Association Director), Mure Wesigye, Gomolemo Segabutle (Association Director), Charl Cilliers and Anil Pillai
OLD BOYS BRANCH VISITS
On Tuesday, 20 May and Wednesday 21 May 2025 the Headmaster, Greg Hassenkamp, and Chairman of the Old Boys Association, Jason Webber, attended Old Boys Dinners in Tzaneen, Limpopo and White River, Mpumalanga.
Both events were well attended, thanks to the Tzaneen convenors Mark Andrew (1987, Rissik) and Mark Hassenkamp (1986, Solomon) and the White River convenor Kuen Pappas (1993, Rissik).
The White River Old Boys Dinner was held at 64 Coolmore Restaurant
Old Boy Terry Pappas (1999, Rissik) took Greg Hassenkamp (photo) and Jason Webber on an adventure the morning after the White River Dinner!
The next Old Boys Branch visits will be:
The Cape Town Dinner on Tuesday, 5 August 2025
The Hermanus Lunch on Wednesday, 6 August 2025
If you have not as yet heard from the organisers and would like to attend please email info@pbhsob.com.
OLD BOYS’ ACTIVITIES
Cameron Thomson (2009, Town)
Our sincere thanks to Cameron Thomson for sharing this exciting news for us to share with our old boys community:
“On Friday night, 23 May 2025, I had the honour of representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in my first international rugby match.
This occasion was particularly significant, as it also marked Bahrain’s debut in international 15-a-side rugby—a true milestone for the country and a notable moment for the sport in the region.
The match was played against Jordan and concluded with a resounding victory for Bahrain, with a final score of 66–13. It was a proud and memorable occasion, both personally and for everyone involved in Bahraini rugby.
As a proud alumnus of Town House, Class of 2009, I’m grateful for the foundation that my school years provided—both on and off the pitch. I thought it fitting to share this moment with the wider school community that played such a formative role in my journey,” – Cameron Thomson
Photo supplied by Cameron Thomson
Owethu and Tumelo Mahan (2022 & 2024, Town)
Old Boys Owethu and Tumelo Mahan are flying the flag high for SA and PBHS, heading out to swim in international Games in Germany and Namibia in July.
Owethu Mahan (2022 Town) was chosen by University Sports South Africa & SASCOC to represent Team SA at the FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany from 16-27 July 2025.
Tumelo Mahan (2024 Town) was selected by Swimming South Africa & SASCOC to represent Team SA at the 11th Region 5 Youth Games in Windhoek, Namibia from 4-13 July 2025.
Congratulations to both Old Boys, we’ll be cheering you on and we are incredibly proud of you! 👏 🙌 #TeamSA #RhineRuhr2025 #Region5games
📷 Top L-R Owethu and bottom L-R Tumelo
PBHS BOYS HIGHER CAMPAIGN
Climbing Higher. Lifting Others.
There’s no holding Old Boy and Deputy Headmaster Chris Oldnall back! Together with the SA Hall of Fame, Chris and four others will be tackling Mount Kilimanjaro under the banner —The Boys Higher Campaign. This is more than a fundraiser. It’s a movement fuelled by passion, purpose, and the unbreakable spirit of brotherhood.
This is what Pretoria Boys High School is about.
From 5–15 July, five extraordinary men—including two of Boys High’s very own teachers and one PBHS Form IV boy—will climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
But this isn’t just a physical summit. It’s a symbolic one.
Why are they climbing?
To raise money to uplift boys who’ve been dealt a harder hand in life. To provide bursaries to attend Boys High, as well as food, medical care, and holistic support to those with talent, drive, and potential.
This is The Legacy Project—an initiative with a vision to transform the landscape of education in South Africa. Whether you’re a parent, an Old Boy, or someone who simply believes in the power of upliftment—this is your call to action.
Because every rand matters. Whether it’s R10 or R10,000, your contribution brings a boy one step closer to dignity, opportunity, and a future he deserves.
Here’s to those who rise up, so others can too. Here’s to the change makers.
Meet the climbers. Follow their journey. Spread the word. Be part of the change. Updates will follow as the countdown progresses!
To read more, click here: https://halloffame.co.za/initiatives/legacy-quest/boys-higher-killimanjaro/
To make a difference, click here: https://www.givengain.com/event/boys-higher-the-ascent-of-purpose
Meet the Boys Higher Team:
Chris Oldnall – Old Boy (2005, Matheson) and Deputy Headmaster at Pretoria Boys High School
Luke Allan – Master at Pretoria Boys High School and 2IC at School House
Wade Grundy – Learner at Pretoria Boys High School and Team Leader
Keegan McIntosh – PBHS Old Boy
Jacques Kunz – South African Hall of Fame videographer
Matthew Forrester (2019, Town)
Many thanks to PBHS’s Lincoln Keeton for bringing this to our attention. Credit to Runner’s World journalist Taylor Dutch for the article published on 2 June 2025.
Excerpts from the article hereunder:
“He Qualified for the NCAA Championships with One Shoe. Luckily, He Practiced for That.
On Friday, May 30, the graduate student from Butler University lost his left spike in the middle of the men’s 5,000 meters, running the remaining 2,000 meters with one shoe. But the setback didn’t stop Forrester from executing the race of his career in Jacksonville, Florida.
With his foot pounding against the track for the last five laps Forrester gutted out a seventh-place finish in 14:00.14 in the second of two heats.
Despite having massive blood blisters on his toes and the ball of his foot, the runner from Centurion, South Africa, was thrilled to make the collegiate championship for the first time ever. ‘It’s cool, I like doing it (the hard) way, I suppose,’ Forrester told Runner’s World.
Heading into the NCAA east region meet, Forrester wasn’t sure if he’d be able to advance after navigating a calf injury for much of the spring. But he still looked for advantages that could favor his skillset. Growing up in central South Africa, where runners train in extreme heat throughout the summer, Forrester thought he’d be one of the few athletes who could handle the high temperatures in Jacksonville.
Forrester started at the front, hoping to establish a fast pace early on. Around 3,000 meters into the race, the 23-year-old was trying to maneuver for position within the pack when a competitor stepped on the heel of his spike. With a mile to go, Forrester was left to finish the race with just a sock on his left foot.
At first, Forrester started to panic but soon realized he was capable of maintaining the pace even under difficult circumstances. For much of his formative years in the sport, Forrester trained on grass track in South Africa, where most athletes run barefoot”. – Runner’s World.
On behalf of all Old Boys, we wish Matthew all the best in his athletics career. Continue making us proud and, as he said in the article, tie those shoelaces tighter!
Aiden Markram (2012, Armstrong)
All of South Africa, including the entire PBHS family, was ecstatic when the Proteas Men secured the ICC World Test Championship at Lord’s by defeating Australia.
On the social media platform X, @ProteasMenCSA said: “Aiden Markram is etched into Lord’s history. 136 off 207 balls, a masterclass under pressure, both match-defining and match-winning”🏏
Old Boy Corbin Bosch, 2012 Sunnyside, was also part of the winning team.
On their return to South Africa, they were met by an excited group of PBHS boys.
Request from family of Michael Brosnan (1976, Town)
The family of Old Boy Mike Brosnan (Class of 1976, Town) has reached out to the old boys community to possibly assist them via a Back a Buddy campaign to raise funds for medical treatment. Mike suffered a massive stroke on 3rd May and remains paralysed on his right side, and unable to speak.
Hereunder the message received:
“Dear Sirs
We are doing our utmost to make provision for Mike’s recovery right now. Could you kindly share amongst the old boys, please? It will really be much appreciated. I am doing this totally on my own so I try everything I possibly can to assist Mike to recover.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. Your generosity helped cover Mike’s initial treatments, making a real difference. However, his journey isn’t over. He still lacks movement in his right arm and leg, and urgently needs intensive occupational and speech therapy. Additionally, there’s a large swelling under his affected arm that requires an urgent sonar scan, but our local government hospital lacks the necessary equipment. Private care is our only option, and time is critical”.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/mickey-brosnan
Michael Brosnan, Class of 1976
PBHS NEWS AND ACTIVITIES
Rissik House – James Hale Memorial Golf Day
Rissik House: A Legacy of Belonging and Excellence
Since its founding in 1909, Rissik House has stood as a cornerstone of the Pretoria Boys High School boarding tradition. For well over a century, it has been more than just a residence—it has been a home where boys become young men, shaped by shared experience, strong values, and enduring camaraderie.
Rissik has proudly produced Old Boys who have gone on to distinguish themselves in sport, academia, business, and countless other fields. Yet, its greatest legacy lies in the lifelong friendships and support networks it fosters. Guided by the core values of discipline, unity, honesty, and honour, Rissik House remains a place where every boy is valued, challenged, and empowered to pursue his full potential.
In celebration of this legacy and in support of our ongoing development efforts, we invite all Old Boys to join us for the Rissik House James Hale Memorial Golf Day, taking place on Friday, 22 August 2025, at Irene Country Club.
Renowned for its relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, the Golf Day caters to players of all skill levels—from first-timers to seasoned golfers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends, relive fond memories, and be part of a meaningful cause. The event also provides a valuable platform for businesses to showcase their brands and for sponsors to contribute to a worthy initiative that continues to shape the lives of young men.
The Rissik House community and all Boys High Old Boys are warmly encouraged to register and participate in this special day by using the following link:
https://forms.gle/HLudHFJMpYsXaMkp8
We look forward to welcoming you on the fairways!
PBHS SQUASH
Congratulations to Benjamin Southwood, Luke Stolle, Heinrich Schoeman and Mateo Naude for being selected for the U19 Northerns Squash teams.
We are extremely proud of you!
PBHS RUGBY
We are very proud of the boys who were selected for their respective Blue Bulls rugby teams.
Congratulations – we are super proud! ❤️🤍💚
GERMAN EXCHANGE
German Subject boys, Raul Fugareu (Form 4) and Fortune Azuatalam (Form 3), will spend four weeks on an exchange in Germany.
This will definitely be a life-changing experience, and we wish them all the best!
PBHS MUSIC 🎶
While most PBHS boys take part in external music exams later in the year, we’re proud to share an exceptional mid-year achievement. Stefan Fourie (Form 3, Armstrong) recently completed his Grade 8 UNISA Piano exam during the June session—and achieved an outstanding 92%!
This remarkable result earned him a place on the UNISA Honour Roll, as well as an invitation to the prestigious UNISA South African Music Scholarship Competition, taking place this October.
Congratulations, Stefan, on this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎶
INTRODUCING THE PBHS ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
PBHS has announced “the formal establishment of the Advancement Office at Pretoria Boys High School—an exciting and strategic initiative dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability, growth, and excellence of our beloved School.
As we approach the 125-year milestone of proud tradition, it is more important than ever that we uphold the legacy of Boys High, while at the same time, evolving to meet present and future needs. The Advancement Office will play a vital role in helping us to achieve this goal”.
Use this link to read the announcement in full: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/PublicMedia/92/1/1
IN MEMORIAM
RUDI FROHLING (1972)
Rudi matriculated from Boys High in 1972, having made a name for himself on the athletics track and through the relationships he built during his time at the school. He was a school prefect and took part in several school plays, but will probably be most remembered for his incredible talent in middle distance events.
His coach was the legendary Tim Hill, who inspired many through his quiet yet encouraging approach. Rudi spoke fondly of Tim whenever the topic of his athletic achievements would come up. His prowess on the track led to his being awarded a scholarship to Oklahoma State University in 1973; however, it was here that he suffered the first of a number of brain episodes, leading to his athletics journey being cut short.
Rudi will also be remembered as the lead singer for a number of bands in Pretoria in the 1970s, such as the Ragdolls, Baby Grand, Rooster and Leatherette. He then moved to Germany, where he co-founded 12 Drummers Drumming, a rock band which was soon signed by the international record label Phonogram. However, while recording their first album in London, he suffered a major brain haemorrhage, thus setting back the trajectory of the band by several years. The band went on to record another three albums and were hugely popular in Germany between the early 1980s and 1995, after which he returned permanently to South Africa.
In 1995 he married Geraldine Malherbe (Pretoria Girls High Old Girl 1983) and shortly after that they moved from Durban to Pretoria, where they helped to plant Capital City Church International (3ci). They had three children, Jesse, Danielle and Tahila – with Jesse clearly inheriting his father’s athletic genes. Jesse set a number of athletics records during his time at Boys High (matriculating in 2015).
Although Rudi struggled with his health throughout most of his adult life, he loved the Lord and his faith remained strong right to the end. He also spoke often of his time at Boys High and would reminisce at length about people and events from his years at the school. His memorial was held on 6 June 2025 in Pretoria – Neil Malherbe, brother-in-law.
Rudi Frohling
ALUMNET PERSONAL INFORMATION UPDATE
As most Old Boys join the PBHS Old Boys Association when they matriculate and personal information such as email addresses, contact numbers and physical addresses change within the next few years, it is important for our members to update their information. This ensures that you can be kept informed of Old Boys get-togethers locally and abroad and of important updates. If you have moved to another country, kindly update “Region”. Should you need assistance kindly email info@pbhsob.com.
To access the guideline, please use this link: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/PublicMedia/93/1/1
