The 2023 Chronicle

to the 16 schools which we support in and around Michaelhouse. Individuals have furthered their work in these or other schools under the aegis of a Rector’s Leadership Portfolio and there have been many examples of selfless commitment of our boys to furthering the interests of those in the broader community who are less fortunate than most of our boys. Andrew Schaefer has taken on the chairmanship of the Board from Ant Hewat with great zeal and is always available for discussion on the challenging issues which face us. One such issue relates to the impact of load shedding and our movement towards the creation of a much more sustainable and greener environment. The installation of solar panels is just the start of a commitment to much greater self-reliance and we are forging ahead in our quest to be energy independent. So, to conclude, Michaelhouse is a full school where the vast majority of boys are thriving and are well on the road to becoming significant men; we value all-roundedness and the development of boys as spiritual beings – men of compassion, courage and humility who will serve humanity and make a difference in this country and beyond it.

F done particularly well this year, with a total of eight matches being lost throughout the season from first team to eighth team. Not only is this a tribute to our coaches, spearheaded by James Fleming, but also to the strength and conditioning programme which has taken place in our High Performance Centre involving all sports. In just 10 minutes I am not going to cover every aspect of the school even superficially, but I should reflect that the work of the Transformation and Diversity Advisory Committee, which meets under the chairmanship of Mr Sibusiso Ncamani to discuss issues which may be troubling pupils, has continued to flourish. Matters of greater inclusivity, tolerance, understanding of different cultures and literally anything which is troubling the boys is raised in these meetings. Michaelhouse is a school in which all individuals can flourish, regardless of their socio- economic background, and we want to care, in particular, for those boys who come from poor backgrounds and who leave school and move into a post-school environment where they are under-resourced and, therefore, limited in terms of post-school opportunity. This is very much a work in progress. ellow Old Boys, I am so sorry that I cannot be there in person to take the baton from Wayne this morning, but I hope that this short message is some recompense for my absence. The journey to this moment has been a meaningful one for me in which I have come to know many of you. I’ve also come to learn just how rare and special our club is. I have felt for some time that there was a greater potential for our club. I started just with Old Boys, throwing my ideas around to get a sense for the collective desire to do good – in whatever form that might come. After having spoken to probably hundreds of Old Boys over the past few years, I can say with some authority that our collective desire and ability to do good for humanity is significant. The world needs men of Michaelhouse with their integrity, their humility, their compassion, their courage and their desire to serve something bigger than themselves. Our Houses have each adopted an outreach project which relates

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, MR SEAN LUMLEY (BAINES, 1994)

showing its worth. Overall I sense a growing energy in the club, and that bodes well for the future.

Over the coming two years I’ll be working with Rich Bates as my deputy and successor, Murray Witherspoon as the director of the club, and the club’s Friendraisers, Lerato Mokhethi and Aphiwe Mthalane

We’re going to focus on a few things.

First, to get the basics right. In essence, to elevate the operating efficiency of the club so it continues to become increasingly useful and meaningful in your lives – no matter where they are in the world. Be assured it is not just the five of us. There is an energetic central committee that meets regularly, as well as eight branches and 11 affiliates around the country and the world that are driving the Club for Life vision. I must note the recent surge of young Old Boys stepping up to do the hard yards necessary to run branches in a volunteer capacity as an extremely encouraging thing, as is the desire of more senior Old Boys to stay involved and take on roles as elder statesmen to guide the enthusiasm and impart wisdom. Second, I remain concerned about the gap – in some cases the chasm – between boys leaving school and becoming self sustaining, contributing members of society.

I am of the opinion that if the Michaelhouse Old Boys’ Club can join all the right dots, we can accomplish something glorious.

So as I enter my two years as your president, I am pleased that the Club for Life vision is now more than just an idea. The idea of asking for help, offering help, sharing knowledge, sharing memories and doing good business is being lived.

I am equally pleased that the gamble we took on investing in OM+ as the catalyst for engagement amongst our members is

For those with resources to continue their education – formal or

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