THE 105TH ANNUAL OLD BOYS’ DINNER
The 105th Annual Old Boys’ Dinner was held in the Central Dining Hall at Pretoria Boys High School on Saturday, 8th June 2024. We were thrilled that 170 Old Boys ranging from the Class of 1942 to the Class of 2023 attended, representing the young and the young at heart.
After arriving to the festive sounds of the school’s Dixie Band and a hearty welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, David Gleeson (1983, Solomon), the guests enjoyed an evening of excellent food, good company and conversations and a lot of networking and catching-up.
When giving the toast to absent friends, master and Old Boy James Orr (2009, Solomon) reminded us how important it is to keep in regular contact with friends by reading “Around the Corner” by Charles Hanson Towne, a poem taught to him by former master Keith Mansfield who was also in attendance. He then read out the names of those who sadly passed away since the 2023 Old Boys’ Dinner and whose obituaries were given to the Association:
Gavin Beckwith, Class of 1972 (Life Vice President of Association)
John Hall, Class of 1962
Dr Charles Brain, Class of 1945
Bruce Herbert, Class of 1963
Emile Paulsen, Class of 1994
Dr David Tothill, Class of 1953
Alan van Veenhuyzen, Class of 1963
Alexander Duff, Class of 1967
Leondro Moreira, Class of 2019
Mrs Sylvia Reid, 1997 Head Of Department, Music PBHS
Peter Harrower, Class of 1980
Barry Amm, Class of 1952
Paul Mare, Class of 1957
Brandon Foot, Class of 1978 (Deputy Head Prefect)
David Johns, Class of 1972
John Nixon, Class of 1960
Justice Laurie Ackerman, Class of 1950 (Head Prefect)
Former Headmaster Bill Schroder with James Orr who proposed a toast to Absent Friends
The Toast to South Africa was made by Gomolemo Segabutle (2008, Rissik and Old Boys Association Director), who said inter alia: “This year marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate 30 years of democracy. Three decades ago we witnessed the birth of a new era driven by the indomitable spirit of our people. South Africa stands tall on the global stage, not just because of our rich history, but also because of our remarkable achievements. Our advancements in science and technology are groundbreaking, our vibrant and diverse cultural heritage is a source of immense pride, our sporting triumphs unite us in celebration, showcasing the extraordinary talent that springs forth from our soil. Our educational institutions continue to nurture bright minds who make significant contributions both at home and abroad. In a toast to South Africa – to our rich history – to our remarkable achievements – to our diverse, resilient people – and to the bright future that lies ahead – TO SOUTH AFRICA”.
Gomolemo Segabutle proposed the Toast to South Africa
The Head Prefect Murray Rogers (Rissik House) addressed the Old Boys and guests. Some excerpts from his speech for which he received a standing ovation:
“Jean-Baptiste Karr is quoted as saying ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’. For the past 123 years Pretoria Boys High School has been in a constant state of evolution and change – new buildings, subjects, teachers and opportunities. However, one thing has remained constant – the Boys High boys have remained the same – the character that has stood the test of time. He has an unshakeable belief that Pretoria Boys High School is the greatest school in the world. It is a term that he unapologetically uses, telling anyone that will listen about how great Boys High is.
The quality of man that our school produces is head and shoulders above any other. Our school is renowned for producing two Nobel Prize laureates, 18 Rhodes Scholars, several government ministers and members of Parliament, eight Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals of South Africa, as well as numerous prominent intellectuals, high-ranking sportsmen and vastly successful businessmen. More importantly though, our school produces men who become good fathers, husbands and sons – men who are solid citizens.
Boys High is the type of school that blazes a trail that others merely attempt to emulate. Boys High is a place where boys become men and learn lessons to last a lifetime. Boys High is our home, it is our school, ’tis here where memories fill corridors, ’tis here where dreams become reality, ’tis here where strangers become friends and where friends become family, ’tis here we learn to live”.
Head Prefect 2024 Murray Rogers
The Chairman of the PBHS Old Boys Association, Jason Webber (2008, Hofmeyr), used the occasion to acknowledge some very influential gentlemen.
He said: “Periodically, there are individuals whose contributions to the School, the boys, and the Old Boys are of such significance that they warrant specific, heightened recognition. The Old Boys Association reserves a very specific award for such instances, an award which is not out of necessity made on an annual basis, but rather only when such recognition is truly warranted. This award is the Life Vice-President award.
While there are various categories of individuals who are eligible for nomination as Life Vice-Presidents, including Governing Body Chairmen, Association Directors, Branch Chairmen, and Members of Staff, and while length of service is a consideration, a common criterion which distinguishes this award from others that the Association makes, is distinction.
The previous awards were made back in 2015. This year, the Board decided to make four new awards. I made the first of the four new Life Vice-President awards to Mr John Illsley, retiring Second Master, very fittingly at his special final assembly at the School in November last year. This evening it is truly an honour for me to be able to make awards to three more individuals whom I have also had the benefit of interacting with over the years on a personal level. Unfortunately two of these gentlemen (Dr Niel van der Watt and Mr Eddie Penzhorn) are unable to be with us tonight, but we are fortunate to have one here with us.
Please allow me to read excerpts from the motivation prepared by the Headmaster regarding the nomination of Mr Keith Mansfield who is here with us this evening:
‘Mr Mansfield joined the staff of Pretoria Boys High School in January 1998 after having being Head of Department at Potchefstroom Boys High. Little did Mr Schroder know at the time what an inspirational appointment this language teacher would be. Mr Mansfield would go on to teach at Boys High for the next sixteen years where he would retire from teaching after 33 years in the profession.
During his time at Pretoria Boys High School Mr Mansfield involved himself in a large number of extra-curricular activities. Not only did he teach English and French but he also served as a Matheson House tutor; ran the Writer’s Club for 12 years; served on the Boys High Highlights committee as Master in Charge; edited an edition of the Pretorian and directed the school production HMS Pinafore. He also worked for the South African Council for English Education (SACEE), he was an Armstrong house language editor and played a vital role in the Form 1 Orientation Programme. He only ever took two days sick leave.
Mr Mansfield is a man of immense integrity and moral standing with a sound set of values. He never expected anything from others that he did not live himself. To have been taught by Mr Mansfield is a rare privilege indeed. Every school-going person in this world has stories to tell of teachers who have made an impression upon their minds, through their ability to reach them in the classroom. I doubt very much if there are any who have been taught by Mr Mansfield who will not remember this gentleman for all the right reasons.
To say that Mr Mansfield was an outstanding language teacher goes without saying. He loved his languages, commanded them well, and his lessons were always well prepared. In front of a class Mr Mansfield was an entertainer as much as he was a teacher.
But, in addition to being an outstanding English teacher, Mr Mansfield proved to be an inspiring role model. A number of boys from this school’s lives have been positively influenced by the brief years they spent in this gentleman’s presence. Amongst these boys I include past 1st XV Rugby captains!
The key to Mr Mansfield’s success as a teacher of boys was that he has never been afraid to be himself. In a world where there appears to be a greater tolerance of lower personal standards and greater freedom, where personalities seem to be influenced by the stereotypes around us rather than by sound role models, our pupils are in great need of personal role models while they search for their own identities. In the testosterone filled environment of a boys school, one would expect one of the many sporty men to fulfil this role, yet the irony is that perhaps one of the most gentle men on the staff achieved more in this regard than most of us could ever hope to. Despite the love for his subject, Mr Mansfield always understood that he is in fact not teaching English but simply using the subject to reach boys in a more fundamental way.
There is no question that Mr Mansfield is a candidate as deserving of nomination for this award’.
It is with absolute gratitude that I, on behalf of all Old Boys of Pretoria Boys High School, appoint Mr Mansfield as an Honorary Life Vice-President of the Old Boys Association”.
Mr Keith Mansfield with PBHSOB Association Chairman Jason Webber
We were honoured to be joined for the evening by one of our most senior Old Boys, Mr Diedrich von Staden, from the Class of 1942. He recently visited the School and we had the privilege of inviting him to the 105th Old Boys Dinner as one of our special guests. Mr Von Staden had a great time getting to know the younger gents.
Mr Diedrich von Staden, Class of 1942
We were also honoured to have the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Mayor Cilliers Brink, as the after-dinner guest speaker. He spoke broadly about building a capital city that works for all of its people. As he proposed a toast to the School, he said: “It’s great for me to be part, even as a guest, of institutions such as this – people and communities that have made their principles applicable to successive generations, and I hope that we can continue and that we can draw from your example”. He then asked all guests to stand and raise their glasses in a toast to Pretoria Boys High School.
Jason Webber, Mayor Cilliers Brink and Greg Hassenkamp
In his response to Mayor Brink’s toast to the school, Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp said (excerpts of his address):
“During the course of the last term, I’ve been able to witness our boys playing sport as if their lives depend on it. I’ve been able to watch a school musical production which is almost of Broadway quality – a production produced entirely in-house and with our very own orchestra, one of the very few schools in the country which can do that.
During this term, I’ve received too-many-to-count verbal compliments, complimenting our school and particularly our boys. From the feedback I constantly receive from visiting parents and schools, I’d like to believe the following. How do know a Boys High boy? Because he stands out from the rest, not by what he says but simply by what he does.
Another aspect which has reminded me this term of the school we are and what we stand for was the 60 Year Reunion that we had the privilege of hosting, that we have the privilege of hosting every year. To have Old Boys finishing as far back as 1964 returning to the school with their wives is truly significant and testimony to what our school stands for and what it means to be an Old Boy of our school. Very importantly it is also a testimony to our current boys, of the fact that they together with all the Old Boys are part of a family far bigger than the 1500 boys that fill our school hall every Friday for assembly. We must never under-estimate the value of our Old Boys’ reunions and the important role that they play in the current boys’ understanding of our school. To have Old Boys such as Diedrich von Staden from the Class of 1942 coming back to our school happens at very few schools in the country, never mind the world”.
The Board of Directors of the Old Boys’ Association all attended the Dinner
Seated L-R: Ben Viljoen, Jason Webber, Gomelemo Segabutle
Standing L-R: Humphrey Lewis, Karabo Matang, Greg Hassenkamp, Geoff Meyer, James Lourens, Kyriacos Floudiotis
Deputy Head Prefect Matthew Moorhouse & his father Alistair Moorhouse
REUNIONS 2024
The second reunion of the year was the 20 Years-On celebration of the Class of 2004 led by Head Prefect Rob Ferguson.
The large group of 105 Old Boys filled many rows of the gallery in the Abernethy Hall to attend Friday’s assembly on 12th July 2024 after meeting and greeting over tea in the Reeler Room.
On Saturday night, 13th July, they gathered in Pretoria Boys High School’s dining hall for their reunion dinner.
This festive group brought their energy, fun and love of the school into the corridors and throughout the grounds. We so enjoyed their company that we’re considering introducing a 21 Years On next year!
The best description of the event was reflected in one of the Old Boys’ social media posts hereunder:
🎉 Celebrating Two Decades of Brotherhood and Memories! 🎉
This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 20-year reunion of Pretoria Boys High School. Walking through the familiar hallways and reconnecting with old friends brought back a flood of memories and a deep sense of nostalgia.
From the classrooms where we first discovered our passions to the sports fields where we learned the value of teamwork, Pretoria Boys High has been instrumental in shaping who we are today. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come, each of us embarking on unique journeys, yet forever connected by our shared experiences.
This reunion was not just about reminiscing; it was also a powerful reminder of the enduring values instilled in us – integrity, perseverance, and camaraderie. It was inspiring to see how these values have guided us in our personal and professional lives.
A big thank you to the organizers for putting together such a memorable event and to all my fellow alumni who traveled near and far to be part of this special occasion. Here’s to the next 20 years of continued growth, success, and lasting friendships!
‘Tis here we learn to live.
Thayendran Naidoo 2004
The Class of 2004 attended assembly on Friday, 12th July 2024
The reunion dinner of the Class of 2004 – 20 Years On
OLD BOYS BRANCH VISITS 2024
After hearing that Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp would be attending a conference in London from 1-4 July 2024, two Old Boys – Alastair Constance and Shaun Anderson – jumped into action and arranged Old Boys Dinners in two countries.
On Friday night, 5th July 2024 the Headmaster joined about 90 Old Boys in London to celebrate the large and widespread family of Pretoria Boys High School. Former Headmaster Bill Schroder joined the group online from his home in South Africa and had a wonderful chat with the Old Boys, many of whom had attended the school whilst he was Headmaster. Our sincere thanks to Alastair Constance (1997, Rissik) for arranging this get-together which adds to the Old Boys’ many happy memories of the school on the hill.
Group photo of London Old Boys Dinner
Old Boy Lord Peter Hain and Greg Hassenkamp at the London Get-Together
On Saturday night, 6 July 2024, over 60 Old Boys from Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Germany and Switzerland) attended an Old Boys Dinner in Amsterdam. They were joined by Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp and enjoyed their time together, expertly organised by Shaun Anderson.
Old Boys living in Europe gathered at the Amsterdam Dinner
Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp catching up with Old Boys in Amsterdam
The PBHS Cape Town Branch’s annual Old Boys Dinner was celebrated at Newlands Cricket Ground on Wednesday 24 July 2024. And what a joyous celebration it was! Thanks to convenor Matthew Currie for getting 132 Old Boys together on a cold winter’s night to network, catch up with each other and the current and a former Headmaster and generally have an amazing reunion.
PBHS Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp told those present about a recent conference he attended at Harrow in the UK and the Old Boys Dinners he subsequently attended in London & Amsterdam and how positive and upbeat the Old Boys living abroad were. He also reiterated his firm belief that Pretoria Boys High School is one of the best schools across the globe, offering a top class education which balances academics, sports and cultural activities.
We were pleased that former Headmaster Anthony Reeler and recently retired Second Master John Illsley joined us, as well as former masters Dr Niel van der Watt and Mark Smith.
The Old Boys’ Association’s Chairman, Jason Webber, presented former Music Director Dr Niel Van der Watt with a prestigious award – that of Life Vice President of the Old Boys Association. During the presentation, the Chairman read out the following from the motivation prepared by Mr Hassenkamp:
“It was in his final year of university that Dr Van der Watt was first introduced to PBHS where in 1984 he arrived at the school to do his teaching practical. In 1987 he would start his teaching career at the school after having to first complete two years of military service.
Despite being appointed as an English teacher Dr Van der Watt’s first love was music and this was evident from the start. In September 1987, despite not being in the Music department, Dr Van der Watt took over the Dixie Band and Mr Armstrong had no choice but to appoint him as a music teacher as of 1988.
Being the young and passionate musician that he was, Dr Van der Watt wasted no time and in 1988 arranged for the first Café Concert to take place as did the first Four Schools Concert. Two musical items which, 34 years later, remain fully entrenched and highlights on the city’s musical calendar.
During his time at the school Dr Van der Watt continued with his passion for music both inside and outside of the classroom and in 1996 after having completed his Honours and Masters degrees he was awarded his Doctorate.
During this time Dr Van der Watt had also become a Member of Transvaal Education Department’s Music Subject Committee and later as a still rather young and new music teacher in the city, the Chief Examiner of Music. This is a position he would hold until relinquishing it in 2010.
In 1997 Dr Van der Watt was appointed as the HOD of Music at PBHS. It was also this year that he became permanent conductor of the PBHS Symphony Orchestra and joined Town House as a tutor.
Over the years to follow Dr Van der Watt would build on the strong foundation left to him to turn the PBHS Music Department into the outstanding flagship music department that it is today.
To say that the PBHS Music Department is renowned throughout the country is no over statement. To say that the PBHS Music Department is looked to by all other school music departments in the country as to how to do things is the reality and it is therefore not surprising that the school regularly receives visits from a variety of music departments – and not just schools – so as to try to emulate Dr Van der Watt’s successful model.
Dr Van der Watt retired at the end of 2022 after 36 years at PBHS”.
All present listened attentively to Advocate Billy Downer’s address and we look forward to see him at his 50 Years On Reunion later this year.
We appreciate every Old Boy, from the Class of 1958 through to the Class of 2022, who joined us and sang 40 Years On with such enthusiasm.
Some of the Cape Town Old Boys joined Greg Hassenkamp for a group photo
Jason Webber and Dr Niel van der Watt in Cape Town
Mark Smith and Matthew Currie at the Cape Town Old Boys Dinner
The Inaugural PBHS Old Boys’ Western Australia’s Outpost Dinner
On the 15th of June 2024, 19 Old Boys and their partners sat down for the inaugural (annual) dinner of the PBHSOB WA (Western Australia) Outpost. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all! Sadly, the other 15 Old Boys couldn’t attend due to prior family, career and other obligations.
We were graced not only by the company of our partners and several new members but also by a very special guest of honour, Old Boy Charles Elliot (“Eli”) Kitay and his son Mervyn seen in the photo hereunder with Skipper Selwyn.
Eli matriculated at PBHS in 1939 (at just 15 years of age), and celebrated his 100th birthday in January this year, complete with a personal letter from King Charles. Whilst unconfirmed, we believe that Eli may be the oldest still very mobile Centenarian Old Boy.
What a privilege it is to have shared the evening with Eli. Attending Boys High under Mr Matheson’s headmastership, he was taught Latin by Mr Pollock; two names most of us only associate with prominent school landmarks. Eli had his BSC (from Tukkies) by age 18 and worked as a civil engineer until he was 78. He took up long-distance running at the tender age of 50 and after a lifelong enthusiasm for swimming, broke a number of Australian National swimming records in the 90 – 94 age category, just few years ago. What an inspiration, and a reminder to us all that life is for the living and some connections truly stand the test of time.
We shared a delicious dinner preceded by formal toasts to our Ladies, the School and to Absent Friends proposed by our skipper Selwyn, who also said Grace.
Thereafter, the gents treated the ladies, and everyone else within earshot, to a resounding rendition of ‘Forty Years On’, sans the falsetto!
Thank you once again to Selwyn Dolgoy and Paul Hefer for planning and organising another fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new connections.
The WA Outpost is growing all the time, a reflection of the passion and efforts of Selwyn and the team. It is interesting to note that a similar group existed in WA between the 1980s and 2001 and that some members of that group are once-again participating.
If you are in Western Australia or know of other Old Boys in the area, contact Eddie (eddie.penzhorn@gmail.com) and join us for the next quarterly Outpost gathering. I’m looking forward to meeting you all.
Haydn von Maltitz (2003 – Rissik House)
Photos from the WA inaugural Old Boys Dinner
Eli and Mervyn Kitay with Skipper Selwyn
OLD BOYS ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTING NEWS
High School Years of Eftychios Eftychis (1964 – 1965) with the Art Masters of PBHS
Pretoria Boys High School recently celebrated a cherished addition to its Special Collection section: a captivating book authored by one of its esteemed alumni, Eftychios Eftychis. Adorned with exquisite sketches capturing the essence of the school and its surroundings in Pretoria, the book serves as a poignant tribute to the rich heritage of the institution and the architectural splendour of bygone eras. Within its pages lie intriguing anecdotes about the historic buildings and the author’s personal journey through Boys High. An extract from the book shows a reflection on the art teachers that influenced him during his school years at Pretoria Boys High.
“In 1960 I moved on to Pretoria Boys High School (also known as Boys High) where the difficulty in pronouncing my names and the stigma of my heritage followed me. I decided to take many of my friends to the cafe to meet my parents. They were generously received, and treated to cold drinks and sweets. Eventually, many realised that we were as ‘normal’ as they were.
At Boys High I took Art as a Matric subject. I had the privilege of being taught Art, and History of Art by two of South Africa’s best¬ known artists: Walter Battiss and Lawrence (Larry) Scully, both art teachers at the school at the time.
Having attended art lessons since primary school, I had a firm grounding in, and was familiar with, the medium of painting in both oil and watercolour. Walter Battiss was more than a teacher; he was a mentor and source of inspiration. His mastery in watercolours and its application on paper led me to emulate his techniques, which enhanced my own watercolour skills. Battiss, who was influenced by Picasso whom he met in Italy, was eccentric: he was described as the ‘gentle anarchist’. He used vibrant watercolours, which I admired since it was part of my own style. We used to go for strolls in the forest on the grounds of the school where he would point out what nature had to offer in terms of the effect of light, texture and colours. To him, awareness was an important sensibility in an artist. Battiss also made several trips to Greece which ignited the influence of islands on his creative thinking.
Larry Scully, a painter and life-long educator (he later became Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Stellenbosch University), taught me the abstract approach to art: how to juxtapose forms to achieve scale and harmony. In his Art History teaching he covered the periods from Babylonian times to Modernism. His classes were thorough and informative, which laid the foundation for my studies at university.
In Standard 8 (Grade 10) I painted a series of watercolour artworks for a project. Mr Clinton Harrop-Allin, another art teacher and artist at the school, who later published articles on architectural historical subjects, noticed them and called me to his classroom. He was so impressed with my paintings that he exhibited them in the school foyer. This was my first encounter with solo art exhibitions.”
Eftychios Eftychis – 2022
Eftychios and Dimitra Eftychis with Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp
Paul Wombo (Pretoria Boys High School Class of 2013, Armstrong) selected as a 2024 Global Changemaker
Paul has been selected to be a 2024 Global Changemaker and as part of his selection he will be attending the fully-funded international Global Youth Summit in Cape Town from the 21st to the 25th of October 2024 as part of the 50 Global Changemakers chosen across the world. The application process was rigorous with more than 1500 applications internationally with only 50 Global Changemakers being chosen to be ambassadors of Global Changemakers and to attend the Global Youth Summit
Global Changemakers is an international youth organisation and global pioneer in supporting youth-led sustainable development. Global Changemakers has a mission to support youth to create positive change toward more inclusive, fair, and sustainable communities. Global Changemakers do this by providing skills development, capacity building, mentoring, and grants. Global Changemakers was created in 2007 by the British Council with the aim of empowering youth to catalyse change. It has grown into a network of 1400+ young people from 190+ countries supporting each other and their efforts to make an impact. Global Changemakers became an independent organisation in 2013 and, to date, have funded over 500 youth-led projects on six continents, benefiting over 16 million people. These projects have also reached over 944 million people via the media and 19,5 million people online.
As part of being a Global Changemaker, Paul received a 100% scholarship to Global Changemakers’ Project Management for Changemakers course. This course is designed to equip Global Changemakers with essential skills to effectively initiate, plan, execute, and evaluate community projects. By completing this course, Paul becomes eligible to apply for grant funding from Global Changemakers for sustainable development projects linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which Paul intends to use in his social leadership roles to benefit the African community.
If you would like to read more about Global Changemakers, please refer to their website on the following link: https://www.global-changemakers.net/
Old Boy Paul Wombo, 2024 Global Changemaker
AN INVITATION TO A SPECIAL OCCASION!
We received this note from one of the PBHSOB Association’s Directors, Gomolemo Segabutle (2008, Rissik):
Mr. Schroder’s milestone 80th birthday is fast approaching! To mark this special occasion, we’re planning a casual get-together in the upstairs bar and roof patio at the Old Boys Club, Lynnwood on Friday, 27th September 2024.
It’s an open invitation for any of the old boys to drop by, grab a drink, and share some birthday wishes with Mr. Schroder. No formalities, just good company and a chance to celebrate.
Looking forward to a fun evening!
