PBHS 125TH ANNIVERSARY
SAVE THE DATES!
4-6 JUNE 2026
MESSAGE FROM HEADMASTER GREG HASSENKAMP
Dear Old Boy
Several exciting events have been planned for the School’s 125th Anniversary next year.
The one that is most significant for you is the Old Boys’ weekend over the weekend of Thursday, Friday and Saturday 4, 5 and 6 June 2026.
On the Thursday there will be a welcoming gathering and tours of the school and boarding houses followed by a 125th Anniversary Music Concert. The concert will include a number of the school’s ensembles and bands and will culminate with a performance by the school’s philharmonic orchestra. It will be a very special day and one you do not want to miss.
On the Friday all old boys will be invited to a Friday assembly which will be held at the front of the school.
Partners are welcome to attend both events.
The Friday afternoon will be for each year group to plan and arrange activities as they see fit as will the Friday evening, except for the reunion groups of 1966-2016 which will celebrate their reunions.
On the Saturday we will be playing hockey and rugby against Jeppe here at the school and on the Saturday night we will be hosting the Annual Old Boys’ Dinner. This dinner promises to be the biggest gathering of PBHS Old Boys ever held and an evening you do not want to miss. It is going to be HUGE!
So please start planning. Diarise the dates, gather your mates, book the flights, confirm the accommodation, let the family know you will in Pretoria for the weekend and make sure you are part of what is going to be a very special weekend as we celebrate everything that is great about our school.
For further details please make sure you are on the Old Boys Association emailing list or update your contact details. Please contact Sally de Beer in the Association office (info@pbhsob.com) should you need any assistance.
See you in June 2026!
“Tis here we learn to live”
GREG HASSENKAMP
We will soon be releasing a Special Edition Newsletter outlining the venue and bookings for the Old Boys Dinner on Saturday, 6 June 2026.
As part of the 125th Anniversary celebrations during 2026, Pretoria Boys High School will be hosting a Hockey Festival from the 28th to 30th March 2026 and a Rugby Festival from the 4th to 6th April 2026. Save the dates!
PBHS ADVANCEMENT OFFICE NEWS
The Pretoria Boys High School’s Advancement Office has released their second newsletter.
The Old Boys’ Association joins the School in welcoming the arrival of Donné Roebert to the Advancement Office. She brings with her a wealth of experience in database management and stakeholder engagement, which will significantly strengthen the School’s ability to connect with the PBHS broader community. As the Association, we look forward to the positive impact she will make as, together with the School, we continue to build lasting relationships and advance the mission of the School on the Hill.
To read the full newsletter, please use this link: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/PublicMedia/95/1/1
Donné Roebert of the PBHS Advancement Office
REUNIONS
50 Years On – the Class of 1975
On Friday, 12 September 2025 the Class of 1975 celebrated their 50 Years On Reunion. They submitted the following summary of their experiences during the course of the day starting with tea on Solomon House lawn and ending with a sherry before listening to the daily playing of the Last Post at 17:30.
“After 50 years, from afar and asunder, 27 boys from the class of 1975 reunited on 12th September 2025 at the magnificent grounds of Boys High. No longer spring chickens, the Old Boys were still full of energy — even proving it with an effortless climb of Polly Shorts during the walkaround.
Nametags helped at first, but were quickly forgotten as animated conversations reignited old friendships and shared memories.
Headmaster Mr Hassenkamp welcomed the group warmly, crediting the school’s enduring strength to generations of leaders and staff.
Many were struck by the effortless courtesy of today’s boys — their dignity and self-respect a hallmark of Boys High that stands in contrast to the wider world.
At assembly, Dr Michael Cosser spoke of Boys High as a lifelong brotherhood.
As boys, we looked to fathers and teachers; fifty years on, we return as men ready to give back, sharing what we have gained with each other, the school, and the next generation.
Stephen Keet reflected on how much has changed since 1975 — from telegrams and chalk dust to smartphones and global challenges — and yet how much has stayed the same. The values of discipline, curiosity, character, and excellence remain timeless anchors, preparing each generation for life beyond the classroom.
The reunion closed with the singing of “Forty Years On” and the suggestion that future 50th reunions may call for a new verse, symbolising continuity and renewal.
The day was more than a return; it was a renewal — a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the lifelong brotherhood of Boys High,” – the Class of 1975.
The Class of 1975
40 Years On – the Class of 1985
The Class of 1985 celebrated their milestone Forty Years On Reunion on Friday and Saturday, 24 and 25 October 2025.
Our sincere thanks to the organising committee consisting of 1985 Old Boys David Manley, Cleave Gass (Head Prefect 1985), Fortunato Mazzone, Tim Stewart, Albie Malan (Deputy Head Prefect 1985), Glenn Jakins and Jerry van Wyk for assembling their group and making it a few days to remember! We all enjoyed their lively company and we are already looking forward to seeing them at the 125th Anniversary celebrations next year!
We noticed an apt social media post by Fortunato (Forti) Mazzone who was Master of Ceremonies at both the Friday lunch and the Saturday formal reunion dinner, and decided to share it in our newsletter.
“This weekend was the ‘forty years on celebration’ of the Matric class of 1985 at Pretoria Boys High School. The greatest school in the world. The school on the hill. The place where gentlemen are born and forged in the most balanced educational approach that exists. A place of ethics, free thinking, quality, brotherhood, history and foundation. Where the everyman can find his niche. Where economic status, ethnicity, religion, and politics play no part in your progress through the process of creating men that are of use to society.
A place where sportsmen, scholars, intellectuals, musicians, nerds, jocks, extroverts, introverts, speakers, conservatives, liberals and free thinkers all exist in harmony. A place where respect still exists and is actively encouraged. The exact opposite of elitist. It is the most inclusive school in the world. And a place where forty years on all of the above still gather and treat each other with love and kindness.
Thank you to ‘our’ headmaster Mr Greg Hassenkamp for keeping these values alive and well and for making the school ever better. And for hosting us with Sally and your team with aplomb and genuine kindness. We might be grey but we are still red, white and green. To the core.” – Forti Mazzone, Class of 1985.
The Class of 1985
JOBURG OLD BOYS’ GET-TOGETHER
FRIDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2025
The annual get-together for Gauteng PBHS Old Boys will take place on Friday, 7 November 2025 from 12:00 to 17:00 at the Thundergun Steakhouse, Blackheath, Randburg. Those who want to stay later can move to the bar area.
This is the last branch Old Boys’ get-together of 2025.
Tickets are R250.00 pp which will secure a deposit. Each Old Boy will be responsible for their own food and drink on the day, minus their R250 deposit.
The convenor is Bruce van Wyk, working in conjunction with the PBHS Old Boys “Thundergun Group” and the manager of the Thundergun Steakhouse.
Dress code – casual or Old Boys tie.
Please note that bookings will close on Thursday morning, 6 November. To secure your place before then, kindly pay your deposit by using this link and your name will automatically be added to the guest list:
https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/joburg-get-together-2025
OLD BOYS’ ACTIVITIES AND NEWS
THE CLASS OF 2025 BECOME OUR YOUNGEST OLD BOYS
Annually during the third school term, the Chairman and Directors of the Old Boys’ Association address the matric class to explain the benefits of joining the Association and staying connected with the School on the Hill.
The Class of 2025 did not disappoint and by the time their final assembly started, 210 of them had signed up and proudly wore their Old Boys ties to assembly. We are sure that more boys will sign up before the end of exams when we hold a get-together for them, to welcome them to the PBHSOB Association, together with the Headmaster, the Masters and Directors from the Old Boys’ Association.
The matric special, a once-off joining fee of R500.00 which includes a free Old Boys tie to the value of R250.00, will remain available until 17 December 2025. Please use the link:
https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/matric-special-2025
Final Assembly Class of 2025 – Photo courtesy PBHS
OLD BOYS’ PRIZE AWARDED TO HEAD PREFECT AT VALEDICTION
The Old Boys’ Prize was awarded to Head Prefect Luka Jovanovic at the School’s Valediction Awards 2025 on Thursday, 16 October 2025.
The Association’s Prize is awarded to the student of the School considered by the Old Boys to have shown the most outstanding qualities of application and endeavour, sportsmanship and manliness, loyalty and integrity, example and leadership.
After Luka’s rousing speech at this year’s Old Boys Dinner, we are more than certain that he meets all criteria. The Award was handed over to Luka by the Association’s Chairman, Jason Webber.
Head Prefect 2025 Luka Jovanovic
Photo courtesy PBHS social media
KYLE MEADOWS, CLASS OF 2020 (TOWN)
The Old Boys’ Association noticed an article on citizen.co.za “From rugby star to purpose-driven business leader” and it was about one of our own, Old Boy Kyle Meadows, Class of 2020.
“Kyle Meadows, once a feared rugby centre, left the sport to pursue business. From hardship and resilience, he built award-winning companies, mentoring young leaders and proving success is about purpose, not position,” according to the article published in Rekord and penned by Elize Parker.
The article goes on to state: “At Pretoria Boys High School, Meadows was a popular figure. Powerfully built, with a knack for reading the game, his ability to split the defence and stop runners in their tracks made him one of the school’s stars.”
According to Rekord, Kyle’s first job was in marketing and “from one client, he built up a marketing company, and then it was on to a second company, this time focusing on strategy. By 2021, he had been appointed head of a top marketing start-up, and recognition followed fast. He was soon listed among South Africa’s Top 15 most influential businesspeople.”
Read the article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/local-news/2025/08/23/from-rugby-star-to-purpose-driven-business-leader/
We reached out to Kyle and asked him to send us a short bio and a photo:
At Boys High
- 1XV Rugby for two years
- SCA – Head from Grade 9 till Matric
Subsequent to leaving Boys High:
Went Professional with Rugby and Played for the Vodacom Blue Bulls and SAXV Charente Rugby in France
Started a company that went to a top startup in South Africa across multiple sectors and continues to win awards
Got voted as one of top 15 influential businessmen in the country
Passionate about building businesses and fixing businesses to 10x Growth
A man after God’s heart for our nation.
Congratulations Kyle, we look forward to hearing more from you in the future – you truly represent a Boys High Old Boy.
Kyle Meadows, Class of 2020
NIKHIL KEOLAN GOUNDEN – CLASS OF 2017 (SUNNYSIDE)
Nikhil Keolan Gounden (Class of 2017) is making strong waves in tech and youth empowerment. At just 25, he is the co-founder and CEO of TEAM AF (formerly A Reason To Feel), a creative-digital agency that combines design, technology and youth engagement to build impactful projects.
Based in Pretoria, he also leads “Youth Disability Talk Out”, a programme focused on disability advocacy and mentoring young people with disabilities.
Besides his advocacy work, Nikhil has gained international recognition: according to Crunchbase, he ranks among the top 1% of tech-leaders globally, placing him high among “investable people in tech” worldwide.
He is also skilled in full-stack development, UX/UI design, data analytics and market expansion, applying those across both private and social sectors.
Follow his work here @areasontofeel on Instagram.
The Old Boys are proud of you Nikhil, following the Boys High way!
Nikhil Gounden, Class of 2017
PBHS ACTIVITIES AND NEWS SNIPPETS
PBHS 2026 PREFECT BODY
Congratulations to the PBHS 2026 Prefect body and to the 2026 Head Prefect, Ruan Leonard, and Deputy Head Prefect, Tyron Smit. We have no doubt that you will be leaders of note next year. The Chairman of the Old Boys’ Association, Jason Webber, on behalf of the Board of Directors, sent a personal note to Ruan and Tyron to congratulate them and advise that the Old Boys support them 100%.
PBHS BOARDING – APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Dreaming of expanding your horizon? 🌍✨
Applications are officially open for Grade 8, 2027 boarding at Pretoria Boys High School!
At Boys High, boarding is more than just a place to stay – it’s a home built on tradition, brotherhood, and excellence. From the classroom to the sports field, lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories are made here.
📅 Applications close: May 2026
👉 Apply today: https://boyshigh.com/admissions/
Be part of the brotherhood 💚❤️🤍
PBHS Boarding – Text and photo courtesy PBHS social media
PBHS REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY – 11/11/2025
PBHS warmly invites Old Boys, Parents, and members of our community to join us for our annual Remembrance Day Ceremony on Tuesday, 11 November at 11:00.
Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held at the front of the school as we honour those who served and sacrificed.
A MESSAGE FROM PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
Please support our school by joining the MyDifference Loyalty Programme.
The income benefits the school greatly and we would appreciate if you added us as a beneficiary!
See poster below for details.
PBHS ATHLETICS
The Athletics team competed at the GreyOranje meet in Bloemfontein over the weekend in mid-October and performed better than ever before.
PBHS came back with two school records, a meet record, seven gold medals, 14 silver medals and 4 bronze medals.
They finished 2nd in the A-Section, which is their best-ever position in this competition, and their average score continued to climb:
2022 – 742
2023 – 770
2024 – 812
2025 – 847
Well done!
OBITUARIES
TRIBUTE TO MR WERNER OBERMEYER
Mr Werner Obermeyer arrived at Pretoria Boys High School in 1970 to take up a post in the Industrial Arts Department under the then headmaster, Mr Desmond Abernethy. He immediately became involved in the life of the school coaching rugby and cricket. In 1976 he left to take up a teaching post at Clapham High School in the Commercial Subjects Department. Resigning from education at the end of 1978, he took up working for Murray and Roberts Construction until the end of 1985.
In 1986 the headmaster, Mr Malcolm Armstrong, re-appointed Mr Obermeyer to the Industrial Arts Department where he primarily taught Metalwork and Woodwork. Once again, he was very quickly actively involved in the extra-mural life of the school. He initiated the Practical Hobbies Club whereby boys could utilise the practical subjects’ facilities in order to pursue their various hobby interests. He was also instrumental in establishing the Angling Club in 1988 and would regularly accompany aspiring fishermen on weekend fishing outings when time allowed. Over the years, he coached athletics and he also became known as a formidable rugby coach in the lower teams, having many successful seasons.
Cricket was however always his first love and it was here that he made his greatest contribution. He coached at all levels, from the Under 16A to the 7th Team. He spent countless hours coaching and umpiring. Whenever the staff played matches, he would always be seen standing in the middle. He made score boards for the cricket fields, repaired damaged equipment and was always willing to help.
Twenty four years is a long time for any man to dedicate to one school. Throughout this period, Mr Obermeyer was at all times a loyal servant of the school. His devotion and love for the school never faltered. After retiring from the school in 2003, while serving under the headmastership of Mr Bill Schroder, this was no different. He continued to support the school at sport fixtures and school events and was a most regular guest at Old Boys functions. His continued involvement with the school is testimony to the love of the school and in turn the impact he made on the many young men he taught and coached.
Mr Obermeyer’s warm presence and jovial personality will be missed. The school will forever be grateful for his service and meaningful association over so many years of his life. Submitted by Mr Paul Ewart Phipps.
The late former Master, Mr Werner Obermeyer RIP
