2026 – A HISTORICAL MILESTONE FOR
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
Celebrating 125 years of excellence
In 2026, Pretoria Boys High School (PBHS) will proudly celebrate a momentous milestone: 125 Years of Excellence.
Founded in 1901, PBHS has spent over a century shaping generations of young men. Upholding the values of courage, integrity, and honour, these men are able to go forth and make a real difference in the world.
As one of South Africa’s most respected schools, PBHS has earned its place as a beacon of academic achievement, sporting excellence, and cultural richness. Under the banner “My History. My School. My Legacy.”, the school will honour its enduring values and legacy with a year-long celebration of everything it represents.
“This milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of Pretoria Boys High,” said Headmaster Mr Greg Hassenkamp. “Our 125th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but a commitment to shaping the future, inspiring the next generation to uphold our school’s values of integrity, honour, loyalty and respect.”
A Legacy That Inspires
For 125 years, Pretoria Boys High School has stood as a pillar of educational excellence and personal development in South Africa. From its modest origins in the early days of Pretoria to its evolution into one of the country’s most respected institutions, PBHS has shaped generations of influential figures while consistently nurturing an enduring sense of brotherhood. The school’s iconic red, white, and green have become synonymous with the pride the boys carry into the world.
“As we mark 125 years, we celebrate not just a school, but a brotherhood that spans generations,” said Mr Chris Oldnall, Deputy Headmaster. “These celebrations are a tribute to every boy who has walked our halls, worn our colours, and carried our values into the world. They are also an invitation to our current boys to dream big and write the next chapter of our story.”
A Year of Festivities
Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present.
To mark this historic occasion, PBHS will host a dynamic calendar of events, bringing together old boys, current students, families, and friends in celebration.
Sports Festivals
Basketball: 8-10 January 2026
Water Polo: 13-15 February 2026
Nomads Hockey: 28-30 March 2026
Easter Rugby Festival: 4-6 April 2026
Soccer: 15-17 July 2026
Cricket: 24-27 September 2026
Cultural Events
Café Concert: 22-24 March 2026
School Production: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat: 19-22 May 2026
SA Championship Pipe Band Gathering: 20 June 2026 Son et Lumière: 24 July 2026
Four Schools Concert: 20-22 September 2026
Art & Photography Exhibition: TBC
Old Boys Reunion Weekend: 4–6 June 2026
Old Boys Gala Concert: 4 June 2026
Friday Assembly: 5 June 2026
Reunion Dinners (10–60 Years On): 5 June 2026
Rugby & Hockey vs Jeppe (Home): 6 June 2026
125th Anniversary Old Boys Dinner: 6 June 2026
Commemorative Collectibles
To mark the anniversary, PBHS will release exclusive memorabilia:
- A 125-Year Commemorative Book, chronicling the school’s rich history.
- Visions of Boyhood, a pictorial celebration of school life through the decades
- Limited-edition red and white wines
- An Abigail Alice print, capturing the iconic architecture of the school
- Special edition merchandise offered by the PBHS Parents Association
Join the Celebration
All members of the PBHS community—past and present—are warmly invited to be part of this landmark celebration. Event details and ticketing information
will be shared via the PBHS website and official social media channels.
Share your memories and join the conversation using the hashtags: #PBHS125 | #PBHSExcellence | #VirtuteEtLabore | #PBHSBrotherhood
Pretoria Boys High School and the PBHS Old Boys Association invite you to be part of a year that celebrates pride, unity, and legacy.
My History. My School. My Legacy.
Virtute et Labore – Through Courage and Labour
REUNIONS
Over a period of five weeks we hosted 234 Old Boys at three reunions – the 10, 20 and 30 Year On celebrations.
On Saturday, 26th July 2025 the Class of 2005 held their 20 Years-On Reunion Dinner at the dining hall at Pretoria Boys High School after attending the Friday assembly the previous day. The 87 Old Boys, led by 2005’s Head Prefect David Clark, made the most of the weekend supporting Boys High sports teams and getting reacquainted over a few cold ones at the Old Boys Club. Of course the highlight of the weekend was the formal reunion dinner on the Saturday night where they were joined by Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp, Old Boys Association Chairman Jason Webber, PBHS Second Master Craig McBride and a few former Masters. We enjoyed their company and their spirit and hope to welcome the whole Class back to the School on the Hill during the 125th Anniversary Celebrations next year.
The Class of 2005 – 20 Years On
Just three weeks later, we welcomed the Class of 2015 to their first of six reunions – the 10 Years-On. 2015’s Head Prefect Mashao Mukhari and 77 of his classmates attended the normal Friday assembly on 15th August and returned the following night to celebrate their formal reunion dinner.
Mashao gave an impactful and motivational Toast to the School at the Saturday night dinner. A few excerpts follow, starting with the School Song:
“We are ent’ring life together, Free of sorrow and of care, With a youthful fire and vigour, Nought can e’er our hope impair; Though we know indeed but little of the life we have to dare, ‘Tis here we learn to live.” T’is here we learn to live. Boys High!
I must confess that I have reflected quite a bit on our time at Pretoria Boys High, more so in the decade since. I have concluded, my friends, that the only way that we truly honour this place is by being the men it sets out to create. We honour this place by truly living out its values…
The world has changed. And is constantly changing. And the pace of said change is unrelenting. To some the world we lived in, in 2015, is significantly different to the world we are in now. And I tend to agree.
Institutions like Pretoria Boys High School are more important NOW than they have ever been before.
An institution with clear values. Honour, respect and hard work.
Truly the virtues of labour.
An institution with a clear mission. To make great men.
An institution that understands that it is an institution. A bellwether for society. An institution not afraid of change. But not changing for change’s sake.
Long live Pretoria Boys High School.
Its values
Its mission
This institution.
Boys High.
Remember Boys High.
Remember its values – Remember honour, respect and hard work
Remember – vigour, and nought can e’er your hope impair
Remember – being a gentleman
Remember – the desire to help those in need
Remember – it’s worth doing even when no one can see.
May the never changing and uncompromising values of this great institution guide us forward.
The Class of 2015 – 10 Years On
On Friday and Saturday, the 29th and 30th August 2025, the Class of 1995 celebrated their 30 Years On Reunion, starting with a day at the School. After being served tea and coffee on Solomon House lawn, the group was taken on a tour of the School by Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp. They then explored the Museum, Bill Schroder Centre and Music Centre before participating in a special Friday Assembly. Lunch was enjoyed in the Sommerville Pavilion and those that went before them were remembered during the playing of the Last Post at 17:30, a beautiful School tradition. The Old Boys returned on Saturday night to celebrate their 30 Years-On Reunion Dinner in style.
During his assembly address to the boys, convenor and Deputy Head Prefect of 1995, Ian Williams said inter alia:
“The people I admire most are those who, certainly from the outside appear to be smashing the game of life. They all seem to have one common thread running through their characters & the way in which they approach just about everything. That is balance. The balance between work & play, risk & reward, the grind & frivolity and sometimes even the balance between good & bad, right & wrong. If there is one thing I really hope to communicate to you all, it is the importance of finding this balance in your day to day, month to month, year to year.
From all the 1995 boys here today and from the very bottom of my heart, our greatest wish for each and every one of you is that you find that elusive perfect equilibrium, that unique and very personal balance that will allow you to succeed at the game of life, find your place in this world (wherever and whatever that looks like), thrive and be happy.
Mr Hassenkamp, to you and all the staff. It is clear and obvious to the old boys, from our tour this morning that the school we all love and cherish is in extremely capable hands, continues to evolve and improve. For this we are very grateful, and we salute you all.
To the heart and soul of PBHS…. Boys, be intelligent, choose to be happy, grip it and rip it every single day but please, I beg you don’t forget to remember the …. The Balance!”
The Class of 1995 – 30 Years On
BRANCH VISITS
On Tuesday and Wednesday 5 & 6 August 2025 PBHS Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp and Old Boys Association Chairman Jason Webber attended branch visits in Cape Town and Hermanus.
Cape Town Dinner : Tuesday 5 August 2025
Old Boy Johann Kok (Class of 2021, Hofmeyr) gave us some information on the Cape Town Dinner which was attended by over 100 Old Boys.
“On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, a group of 120 Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys descended on the Newlands Cricket Ground for the Annual Cape Town Branch Dinner, along with the Headmaster Gregary Hassenkamp, and Former Second Master John Illsley. The occasion proved to be sufficient motivation for the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Mr. Geordin Hill-Lewis, to betray his promise ‘never to address a room filled with so many Bulls supporters.’
During the evening, two things stood out to me – the magnificence of the tradition that we uphold, and the caliber of man we produce.
Tradition is what unites both professionally and culturally diverse men in the pursuit of a common goal. The English author G.K. Chesterton famously writes, ‘Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.’
The branch dinner is our vote to continue in the footsteps of our Boys High ancestors, to stand with our heads held high in defence of honour, integrity, loyalty, and respect – values that are increasingly treated as an anachronism – because we understand that they mean as much to a new Form 1 as they do to Mr. Roger Cleaver from the class of 1953.
Masculinity is the manner in which we choose to express that tradition. The celebrated novelist Robert Chandler writes, ‘He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor—by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world.’ This has to be the standard to which Pretoria Boys High unrelentingly aspires, and the branch dinner is the living testimony that it succeeds. For above all it is gratitude that brings us together – yes, to get out of the house; yes, to see friendly faces; yes, to hear stories doctored to the eyeballs with ‘Boys High spice’ – but that is secondary to showing up to celebrate the school on the hill where we all learned to live.
As ’40 Years On’ echoed as the evening drew to a close, it is with immense pride that we can look to the future of Pretoria Boys High, steadfast in the knowledge that noble aspirations and moral fibre underpin the quintessential Boys High boy” – Johann Kok.
Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp addressing Old Boys at the Cape Town Dinner
Photo: Dr Humphrey Lewis
David Gleeson (1983, Solomon) & Matthew Currie (2010, Solomon)
Photo: Dr Humphrey Lewis
Overberg Lunch : Wednesday 6 August 2025
One of the convenors, Ed Meyer (Class of 1957, Rissik) penned an article about the branch lunch held in Hermanus.
An excellent luncheon was held at Shane Sauvages’s restaurant La Pentola in Hermanus, with beautiful views over the sea and mountains of Walker Bay.
Shane, an Old Boy (1989), always produces a special meal for this Old Boys lunch and 17 of us enjoyed great fellowship and catch-up in the pre-lunch drinks session and at the table.
Convener, Ed Meyer, welcomed everyone to this lunch, 10 years after the branch was founded. Ed mentioned that during this time we had lost five members, including one of our founders, the passionate Old Boy David Leppan (1966). During 2025, we lost a further two members being Graham Hearn (1962) and Frank van der Velde (1960). Ed paid tribute to Graham Hearn, who had joined the Overberg branch conveners after serving the Association in Pretoria as a committee member and director for seven years. In 2014 he was awarded an Honorary Life Vice Presidency of The Association. Frank van der Velde a former Mayor of Cape Town, had passed away recently. A tribute was given to Frank by his brother, Rob van der Velde (1962) and a full obituary for Frank and his many achievements will appear elsewhere in this newsletter.
Ed introduced Jason Webber, Chairman of the Association, who spoke on the value of the Old Boys to the School and the plans for 2026 to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Boys High. The Headmaster, Greg Hassenkamp, then replied to the toast to the School and gave us an update on the current situation, with anecdotes on some of the events and happenings at the school. He spoke of the quality of the all-round programmes and opportunities for the boys to fulfil their individual potential.
Ed thanked Greg and Jason for their visit to Hermanus and their feedback on our great School, which has endorsed our feelings of pride in PBHS. They were each presented with a bottle of good Cape Red wine, with hopes of an impromptu get-tother with Greg when he is down here again on holiday.
Top: Hermanus group photo
Bottom: Thomas Rundle, Jason Webber, Mark Rundle
Joburg Old Boys Get-Together : 7 November 2025
The next – and last for the year – branch visit will be the Joburg Lunch for all Gauteng Old Boys on 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.
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.
To secure your place, 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
Willem Pauw (2013, Hofmeyr)
On 15 June 2025, Willem Pauw (Class of 2013, Hofmeyr) graduated with a PhD in History from the University of Edinburgh. Before enrolling for his doctorate at Edinburgh University, he obtained his BA, BA(Hons) and MA from the University of Witwatersrand with distinctions. He is already employed in Edinburgh as a research officer by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, a government initiative to improve its child care policies by investigating and learning from past practices and incidences.
In a letter to PBHS Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp, kindly forwarded to the Old Boys’ Association, Willem’s parents Johan and Lita Louw, wrote: “As his parents, we have no doubt that PBHS had a significant positive influence on the personal development of our son Willem. He really flourished during his later years at school and achieved decent marks while enjoying his rugby in the lower ranks. He was privileged to have attended the Bush School in his formative years. In addition, he benefited greatly from the history tour to Europe led by Mr John Illsley in 2012. It was indeed Mr Illsley who inspired him to pursue an academic career in History. However, the general rounding provided by PBHS was excellent preparation for his life after matric.”
Congratulations Willem, we are all so very proud of you!
Willem Pauw (2013, Hofmeyr) at his graduation from
the University of Edinburgh
Miles Markus (1959, Town)
In July 2025, Professor Miles Markus received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Medical Research Council (as illustrated here) for his work on malaria. He was also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wits Research Institute for Malaria, in 2024. In 2023, he was presented with the Elsdon-Dew Medal of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (their highest honour): https://www.parsa.ac.za/awards-c786.
Congratulations Professor Markus!
Professor Miles Markus July 2025 SAMRC Award
Three PBHS Old Boys in Proteas Men’s T20 Squad
Proud moment for Boys High!
Three of our Old Boys have been named in the Proteas Men’s T20 squad: Aiden Markram, Corbin Bosch (Class of 2012), and Donovan Ferreira (Class of 2016).
We wish them the very best for the season ahead!
Photo courtesy PBHS social media
Award-Winning Swim with a Purpose
Old Boys, Deputy Headmaster Chris Oldnall (Class of 2005, Matheson) and Peet Crowther (Class of 2007, Matheson) were recently honoured to have received the award for Best Wetsuit Swim of the Year at the Cape Long Distance Swim Association Awards.
What began as a challenge of grit and endurance, the Trilogy Ocean Challenge, has become a mission with purpose – every stroke and every km swum dedicated to creating opportunities for talented young men to walk through the gates of Pretoria Boys High School.
This recognition is not only for the swim itself, but for the brotherhood, resilience, and vision of building a better future for those with very little.
Their efforts are part of a legacy project: breaking cycles, saving lives, and ensuring that boys can experience the world-class education and unique brotherhood that define Pretoria Boys High School.
Thank you Chris and Peet. The boys who have been provided opportunities through your hard work and sacrifices are so grateful!
Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther
Photo & text: SA Hall of Fame & PBHS
PHSOB CLUB NEWS
(OLD BOYS’ CLUB)
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Each masterclass explores a single grape variety through
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No brands to push, no sales agenda, just pure wine education.
Led by expert wine guide Jacquie Renirie, you’ll discover the fascinating history behind each cultivar. Taste how different winemaking philosophies transform the same grape into completely different expressions.
FIRST MASTERCLASS: CHENIN BLANC
WHEN: 3-5pm, Saturday 1 November 2025
WHERE: Old Boys Club, 378 Queens Crescent
COST: R350 per ticket (snacks included)
BOOK: Call Jeanne on 082-2115238. Seats are limited.
PBHS EVENTS, ACTIVITIES & NEWS SNIPPETS
Inaugural PBHS Closed Chess Championship
The Inaugural PBHS Closed Chess Championship will be held on Saturday, 18 October 2025. The tournament is open to the PBHS community, that is Students, Staff, Parents, Teachers and Old Boys.
Registration will be at 07:30 with Round 1 starting at 08:00 and the prize giving between 13:00 and 14:00.
The format: 5 Rounds – 30/30 Rate of Play.
Entry fee – R150.00 and entries close at 12:00 on Thursday 16 October 2025.
The venue is the PBHS Abernethy Hall.
Registration link: https://my.karri.global/qr/bb4x9mq/c-ymd4n9q
The QR code published below may also be used to register.
Hoping to see all chess enthusiasts of the PBHS Community taking part!
PBHS Pipe Band Drum Corps
On Saturday, 13 September 2025, members of the PBHS Pipe Band drum corps competed in the South African Drumming Solos at St Benedict’s College.
PBHS had the largest number of competitors on the day and achieved outstanding results, including event wins for Jaydon Klassen (Snare Novice March), Luyolo Puwani (Drum Pad), and our Drum Corps (Juvenile Drum Salute).
Well done to all the drummers on their impressive placings across multiple categories – we are proud of your talent, hard work, and dedication.
Photo & text: PBHS social media
The Inaugural Pretoria Boys High School X Salomon Trail Run
Calling on the PBHS Community 📣 *Save the date!
PBHS boys, future PBHS boys, parents, old boys, and trailblazing hearts, this one’s for you.
On 21 September 2025, we run not just for the thrill, but for transformation.
Every kilometre fuels better beds, safer spaces, and a boarding experience worthy of PBHS boys’ brilliance.
Lace up 👟. Let’s raise the standard together.
Preserving Tradition, Building the Future!
Enter here: https://live.protime.co.za/event/1559
PBHS Hockey
Congratulations to Owen Mc Menamin on being named joint recipient of the SuperSport Schools Goalkeeper of the Year award.
A fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition!
Photo & content: PBHS social media
Four Schools Concert🎶
A Pretoria tradition since 1988, the Four Schools Concert brings together the orchestras and choirs of Affies, Affies Meisies, PBHS and PHSG for an unforgettable musical celebration.
Audiences can look forward to a rich programme featuring Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty, Christopher Tin’s Sogno di Volare, Disney’s I See the Light from Tangled, and in honour of Afrikaans’ centenary, favourites like Kurt Darren’s Kaptein and Johan Stemmet’s Dis ’n Land.
📅 Dates: 28 Sept (15:00 & 19:00), 29–30 Sept (19:00)📍 Gert Potgietersaal, Affies🎟️ Tickets R100 via Quicket
https://qkt.io/tXzqDB
A spectacular evening of music for the whole family – not to be missed!
PBHS Athletics – the Records are Tumbling!
Record Alert No 1 🚨
📣 We have a new school record!
🚨 TUT Top 12, Pilditch – Siyanda Dladla was congratuled by his teammates for shattering the school u16 Long Jump record with an astonishing leap of 7.16m! 🔥
The previous record was set at 7.03m by Thlogi Ramafathula back in 2015.
Superb season opener, Siyanda!
Siyanda Dladla – Long Jump school record (Photo: PBHS)
Record Alert No 2 🚨
📣 We have a new school record!
🚨 Logan de Jager has broken the school u14 Shot Put record – a record that has stood for more than a quarter of a century – after launching his shot 14.99m!
The previous school record was 14.94m set by P Fourie way back in 1999.
Powerful push, Logan
Logan de Jager – Shot Put
Photo and text: PBHS social media
IN MEMORIAM
ANTHONY (TONY) WILKES
HONORARY LIFE PRESIDENT : PBHSOB ASSOCIATION
CLASS OF 1946, TOWN HOUSE
We were deeply saddened by the passing of the Association’s Life President, Mr Tony Wilkes who passed away on 5 August 2025. Our deepest condolences to his devoted wife Phyllis and their family.
Mr Wilkes not only attended Pretoria Boys High School and was a diligent Life Member of the Old Boys’ Association but was also the School Secretary from 1968 to 1992. In 1992 he was appointed as an Honorary Life Vice President of the Old Boys’ Association and at the 2014 Old Boys Dinner it was announced that he was appointed as the Honorary Life President.
Up until shortly before his passing, at the age of 97, Mr Wilkes attended all our Old Boys Dinners and reunions to which he was invited. He was truly a dedicated and loyal Old Boy and he will be sadly missed.
Hereunder follows a tribute to Mr Wilkes written by Eugene Ashton (Class of 1996, Solomon) when his appointment as Honorary Life President was announced in 2014 – it is a truly befitting tribute:
“I have a wonderful memory of Mr Wilkes. I was in my last year in primary school and after a conversation with my father (Solomon 1971) decided that I would follow suit and apply to go the PBHS.
I found the telephone number in the phone book and on an arbitrary week day in 1991 telephoned the school. My father was the sort of parent who insisted that you got on with what you wanted to do. I introduced myself, once the phone had been answered, it was Mr Wilkes. I will never forget the conversation, he treated me with sincere interest and answered each of my questions in turn, finishing with taking my details to post off the application forms.
True to his word they arrived a week later with a wonderful cover note wishing me well and good luck with my application.
It is incredible to think that Mr Wilkes matriculated in 1946. His association with the school was and continues to be lifelong. He is so well known to every schoolboy, to every teacher, every old boy, that it is impossible for me to say anything more than he is the very epitome of a Gentleman and if there is anyone who is front of mind when it comes to living the very values espoused by the School on the Hill, it would be Mr Wilkes.
In 1992 The Association introduced the honourary offices of President and Life Vice-Presidents. Mr Wilkes was immediately appointed a Life Vice-President in recognition of his singular dedicated to the School and his service to the Association. Mr Wilkes was, in and amongst other things the Editor of The Phobian for over two decades. How appropriate then than Mr Wilkes was appointed President of the Association at this year’s Old Boys Dinner. He Follows Mr Abernethy (1992 – 1998) and Ronnie Edwards (1999 – 2013).
I was fortunate enough to work at his side for many years as the deputy editor of The Phobian.
Mr Wilkes is one of the finest men I have ever met and I think it wholly appropriate that he was appointed to the office of President. Meeting him at this year’s dinner was such a pleasure. In his eye you see the sparkle and delight, the enthusiasm of a Town House boy circa 1946. He is a Gentleman, a fine old boy, and worthy President of our Old Boys’ Association” – Eugene Ashton
Mr Tony Wilkes and Eugene Ashton at the 2014 Old Boys Dinner
Photo supplied by Eugene Ashton
IN MEMORIAM
TIMOTHY TUCKER
CLASS OF 1959
Tim passed away surrounded by his family on 7th May 2025.
Born in what was then the Northern Transvaal on a farm near Nylstroom (now Modimolle) Tim spent his entire school career as a boarder in Pretoria, first at WHPS then from 1955 to 1959 at Pretoria Boys in Rissik House. He was a fine all-rounder, playing rugby and cricket for the school as well as diving, gymnastics and tennis.
After matriculating he spent a year on his father’s farm gaining practical experience before attending Cedara Agricultural College (where he met his future wife, June) prior to embarking on his career as a farm manager. He had a wide and varied career which took him all over the country as well as Zimbabwe and Eswatini, finally ending his career in the Natal Highlands.
He was a kind, generous and witty man, much loved and a proud father of 6 children. In addition he had 15 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren
His final year was dogged by ill health which he bore with his customary fortitude and stoicism. RIP Tim – submitted by Tim’s brother Philip Tucker.
Timothy Tucker 1941-2025
IN MEMORIAM
JAUN BREHANY
CLASS OF 1991
Excerpts of obituary provided by Piers Steenekamp (Class of 1991):
“Jaun and I arrived in Pretoria at roughly the same time, about a quarter of the way through our standard nine year in 1991. He arrived from Port Elizabeth; and I came from East London. A few days before school started we were both in the same clothing shop buying our school uniforms. We did notice each other, but didn’t talk to each other at the time.
The first day of school started, I remember we were both sitting outside the deputy headmaster’s office, waiting to be assigned to a class. We started talking and recalled how we had seen each other in the shop a few days earlier. When we were called into the deputy headmasters office, he asked where we were from and noted that since we were both new, and from the Eastern Cape, he would place us in the same class.
At school, Jaun was probably the coolest and most suave person I had ever known. Supremely gifted on the sports field, a superb rugby player, despite pulling his shorts up very high, something we used to tease him about occasionally over the years. I know Jaun was very proud of the fact that he played for the Pretoria Boys High first team, and I remember being struck by his brilliance in many a game for the school.
A few years after finishing school, tragedy struck, Jaun suffered a terrible motor vehicle accident, which left him paralysed from below his chest. I remember visiting Jaun in hospital a few weeks after the accident, and seeing the determination in his eyes to face his new challenges, something he never lost over the years, despite how he must have felt at times.
Regarding his physical wellbeing, post his accident, Juan was never one to moan, he would just get on with what he had to do. He would nonchalantly tell us about an upcoming operation he had to have, or the fact that he was experiencing pain in his shoulders or his wrists. That was something that I always admired about Juan, his ability to consider his circumstances, assess his options and move forward, just like he did all those years ago on the rugby field.
I cannot tell you the shock we felt on the 01st of April as the news of his passing was shared with us. I can honestly say that the numbness and shock has still not left us as a group. I know, that if Jaun were able to talk to us today, in true Jaun style, he would tell us to live our lives like he did, with excellence, with determination and positivity no matter the road ahead.
Rest in peace Brother, you have been taken too soon, but I know we will meet again, and then we will celebrate just like old times. We love you Brother” – Piers Steenekamp.
Jaun Brehany – Class of 1991
IN MEMORIAM
BOIPELO MOTLHATLHEGO (“DON BLOSIO” / “BIPS”)
CLASS OF 2008, HOFMEYR
27-11-1990 TO 13-07-2025
Boipelo Motlhatlhego, fondly known as “Don Blosio” or “Bips,” will always be remembered as one of Pretoria Boys High School’s outstanding boys. A natural leader, an exceptional athlete, and a true gentleman, he embodied the spirit of Boys High in everything he did.
From early on, Boipelo Motlhatlhego distinguished himself in athletics, receiving Honours Colours for Athletics in Form 3—a rare achievement that highlighted his extraordinary ability. He went on to set numerous school records and was part of the Athletics captaincy, ultimately earning the prestigious Victor Ludorum title.
His talent and determination carried beyond the school grounds, where he became a five-time South African Triple Jump Champion, inspiring not only his schoolmates but also the broader sporting community.
At Boys High, Boipelo Motlhatlhego’s leadership extended off the field as well. He served as a School Prefect and as House Prefect of Hofmeyr House, embodying the school’s values of integrity, responsibility, and service. His contributions were further recognized through the Margaret Theiler Award for Sporting Excellence, a fitting acknowledgment of his relentless pursuit of excellence.
After school, Boipelo Motlhatlhego continued to combine academic achievement with sporting excellence. At the University of Pretoria, he pursued a degree in Finance, served as Vice Chairperson of the Society for Financial and Investment Management Students (Fin’est), and represented both the University and South Africa in athletics, carrying his Boys High spirit onto the national stage. He later studied at Stellenbosch University, completing a BCom in Logistics, Transport Economics, and Economics, while remaining active in the SA Students Athletics Team and Stellenbosch University Athletics.
Beyond his many achievements, Boipelo Motlhatlhego will be remembered most for the person he was. Those who knew him—“Don Blosio” to some, “Bips” to many—will recall his humility, kindness, and ability to bring people together. He carried himself with quiet strength and left an indelible mark on all who walked alongside him.
Boipelo Motlhatlhego leaves behind his beloved wife and two children, who were the pride and joy of his life. Though his passing leaves us with a profound sense of loss, his story will remain a source of inspiration. His legacy will live on in the history of our school, in his academic and sporting accomplishments, and most importantly, in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him – written by Nii-Odartey Mills
Boipelo Motlhatlhego
27 November 1990 – 13 July 2025
IN MEMORIAM
FRANK VAN DER VELDE (1960, TOWN)
15.12.1943 – 06.07.2025
Hereunder excerpts from the obituary submitted by Rob van der Velde (Class of 1958):
Frank van der Velde sadly passed away after a short illness on 6 July 2025.
He is survived by his wife Nina, three sons and their wives and 12 Grandchildren.
Frank was born in East London during the Second World War….a time when all windows were blacked out to protect the city from passing enemy ships.
He was a Day Boy (Town House) at Pretoria Boys 1956 -1960 and an avid Old Boy thereafter.
He studied Electrical Engineering at Wits University and after qualifying worked for such organizations as Conlog Electrical, The Argus Group, Hill, Kaplan, Scott & Partners Engineers (now Gibb Engineering) in Cape Town and eventually establishing his own Private Electrical & Mechanical Consulting Practice with Hubert Moelans.
Frank was devoted to his family ……a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle……always giving them his all, participating fully in their lives and always there to lend an ear and give a helping hand.
Frank was a friend to so many whose moving tributes attests to his greatness. Frank – more than a mere man, a mentor to so many fortunate people, a deep thinker and a great “doer”. Frank would often stop just to meet people and make them feel special by showing a keen interest in what they had to say whether they be children or adults.
He had a great love for life…especially food, wine, nature and hiking, cryptic crossword puzzles and cycling…..having completed 37 Argus Cycle Tours – with his final tour on the back of a tandem with his son Mark to celebrate his 80th birthday.
Frank entered politics first as member of the Cape Provisional Council, then as a Cape Town City Councillor and at the height of his unblemished and successful political career he was appointed first as Deputy Mayor under Gordon Oliver and then Mayor of Cape Town from 1991 – 1993.
Always ready to accept a challenge …. during his tenure as the Mayor, when officiating at the send-off for The Cape to Rio Yacht Race, his adventurous spirit came to light when one of the crew present challenged him to fill the gap of a crew member who had dropped out due to illness. Not hesitating Frank accepted the challenge, packed his bags and set sail for Rio.
Frank you have touched so many with so much of significance and whilst you will be sorely missed by so many your legacy has and will for ever be an inspiration to us all.
We celebrate your life Big Man ! – Rob van der Velde, Class of 1958.
Frank van der Velde (1960, Town)