The 2023 Chronicle

FLY TYING Mr Edgar and Mr Cahill, with the assistance of the KZNFFA boys, offered a couple of fly-tying sessions on Friday nights, when the boys were taught in-depth fly-tying skills. EAST GRIQUALAND TRIP (TROUT CLUB) The 68th annual EG Trout Club trip this year was by no means for the faint-hearted. All the weather forecasts alluded to an extremely cold weather front heading up and inland, which only meant one thing at that time of the year – snow. And did it snow! On the first day there was lots of excitement, the fishing was good and a few were rewarded with the infamous large EG fish. And then there were the accidents. The weather conditions played havoc with the terrain, and the slippery and wet conditions caused a few fogged up windows and “collisions” explained as, “I couldn’t see and when I hit the brakes the car just kept on sliding.” The best 4x4 became a 2x4 after a good Samaritan disconnected the drive shaft – good old Land Rover, always has to be one. After the first day’s excitement, the weather cleared and for the remaining days some great fishing was to be had. The trip was a huge success thanks to Murray Cathcart and Bimpy Cathcart and their hospitality, for which we are eternally grateful. Being able to fish a third generation tradition such as this trip is always a privilege to be a part of. LESOTHO, SEMONKONG MALETSUNYANE RIVER FISHING TREK The 2nd Semonkong Fly Fishing Trek took place during the

September/October break this year. It was organized by the Michaelhouse Fly Fishing Club, and 12 fathers and sons participated in it. The trip was an unforgettable experience for all of them, and they will cherish the memories forever. They caught nearly 400 fish, including multiple brown trout, and landed numerous rainbow and brown trout that were over 50cm. The adventure of this trip is unparalleled by any other fly fishing experience on a bucket list. KZNFFA Competitional fly fishing is an opportunity offered to the boys by the KZN Fly Fishing Association. It is the best way to learn alternate fly fishing techniques and better your fly fishing ability. It is also an opportunity to fish different waters and meet like minded people. The following boys attended the KZN trials this year and made the following teams: These boys represented KZN at nationals at the beginning of October 2023 and obtained the following results: Sean Robinson and Henry Walters (KZNFFA A Team) won silver medals in the overall team competition at the National Fly Fishing Championships; Henry Walters won silver as the second-placed individual at the championships. Lastly, to end the year off with the final high note, Henry Walters was selected to fish the SA trials in December. STOCK MARKET EXPLORATION Our journey commenced with an exploration of the stock market. When we first look at the stock market the only thing we know is purchasing stocks of companies as investments into the potential growth of those companies. This session was aimed at identifying the many different instruments that the markets provide. We covered: the trading of commodities, which is a trade in the primary economic sector rather than manufactured products, examples being gold, silver and crude oil; index trading, where traders speculate on price changes in indices like the S&P500 and the JSE’s Alsi; the bond market, where debt securities such as notes and bills are bought and sold; financial derivatives, such as futures contracts and options, where investors might hedge against the volatility of an underlying stock; and unit trusts, collective investments that enable one to buy units in an already diversified investment portfolio. We further looked at trading charts and interpretation of trading charts. This included certain terminology that is used when analysing a chart and the difference between fundamental and technical analysis, with fundamental analysis involving the use of news and financial and economic factors to gain long- term returns, and technical analysis focusing on optimising short-term trade returns. • Sean Robertson – KZN B (second nationals) • Henry Walters – KZN A (third nationals)

INVESTORS SOCIETY

Staff Member in Charge: Mr Lwando Saunders

Newly taken over society, no boys in specific positions/ roles

THE INVESTORS SOCIETY: WHERE ASPIRATIONS FLOURISH

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here is a deficiency in practical financial education in schools throughout South Africa. When learners are poised to start earning income, they face a challenge in that they are unfamiliar with effective ways to grow and manage their money. The Investors Society is on a mission to give its boys the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions. Moreover, we inspire them to conduct independent research and share insights on various investment topics with their peers, articulating what investing signifies to them. The Investors Society, nestled within our academic community, is a hub of inspiration and enlightenment for those seeking diverse avenues for personal and financial growth. With a dynamic membership of 16 enthusiastic individuals, our society recognizes that true investing goes far beyond the stock market. We believe in a holistic approach, encompassing personal growth, real estate ventures and money management, each playing a crucial role in the journey to financial stability.

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