The 2023 Chronicle

incoming E Blockers. They have built unbreakable bonds as older brothers to the new boys. Oliver Guy had a significant year achieving exceptionally in every sport he played, making the A team for water polo, rugby and soccer. He was cho sen for the Sharks Next Generation Squad, where he played a key factor in helping the U15 Sharks win Rhino Week. He was joined by Reece Cole, who was also chosen for the Sharks Next Generation Squad. For water polo, Oliver made the KZN team and at the end of the year he was chosen for first team, which is a significant achievement as a D Blocker. Khashane Maenetje also had a notable accomplishment, mak ing the Midlands football team. On the musical side, Michael Ngorima was chosen to join the Competition Marimba Band, which over the years has become hugely popular, making it very competitive to get into. When you reach C Block you reach the senior phase of your Michaelhouse career. As a C Blocker you begin to become fig ures who the juniors can look up to, and this year Tatham C Block stepped up to the occasion. Craig Cribbins put in great effort and time on the canoeing front. His efforts paid off when

and determination are something that cannot be taken lightly. While focusing on their leadership portfolios they have always put up their hands to offer help when needed, especially to run the House and carry out duties during stressful times of exam inations for the A Block prefects. Many of them have achieved a lot over the course of this year, which has gone so smoothly. I have no doubt that they will continue to lead the House in a positive way. One thing they must learn is that one’s time at Michaelhouse goes by very quickly, so I plead with them to carry on making a difference in everyone’s lives in the House as they have done in the past four years. Four years have gone by so quickly and Tatham A Block wanted to leave their mark in their fifth and final year. We found our selves with many leaders, such as Elihle Ngcobo, who was first team basketball captain and who led the team to victory in the Maritzburg College tournament. I was privileged enough to be captain of the Competition Marimba Band at the International Steelpan Competition, where we won two categories and came second in another. Tatham also had the first team soccer captain, who was Glen Chiimba. It gave us great pride to end our rivals Hilton’s winning streak in rugby. This couldn’t have been done without Michael Thornton, who played with heart every week end as the first team rugby lock. Academically, Thomas Denny led Tatham A Block by coming top ten in the grade at the end of trial examinations. Samir Dookie made Tatham proud by being chosen to play piano for both the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. It was unfortunate that we lost a few tutors such as Mr Edgar, and Mr Zikhali, who was promoted to Assistant Housemaster of Farfield. However, the new tutors integrated into Tatham perfectly and helped the boys enormously. Mrs Roberts gave us a different perspective on life and helped multiple times with our English work. Mr Kimber, a Founders Old Boy, never failed to make the boys smile and often gave advice on issues we were dealing with. Mr Mabaleka was a great addition to Tatham, applying his wit and knowledge to help the boys strug gling with maths or physics. Miss Nell offered an approachable person to the boys where you could feel safe and talk about an ything without feeling judged. Mr Ball has been amazing as the Assistant Housemaster. He has stepped up well during times that Mr Kotze has been away or sick. Mrs Shezi really showed the House what it meant to have a House mother. She has got ten to know the boys very well and has ensured that we have felt safe and comfortable in the House. Her caring personality really helped Tatham to run smoothly. But at the same time, the House wouldn’t have run so well without our House cleaner, Matrina. She not only engages with the boys but puts her whole heart into ensuring the House is spotless. Thank you, Matrina, for all you have done for us. The House would never be the same without you. To the tutors, I am very grateful for all the work you do for the House. At times it can be straining dealing with energetic teenagers, but the Tatham tutors have done an exceptional job navigating through that. One thing that has been constant in our five years at Michael house is Mr Kotze. Our time here has been so happy because of him. The best word to describe Mr Kotze is “understanding”. He understands the boys and the way to create a happy environment where the boys can still be boys. Working closely with him this year has taught me so much, and these are lessons I will apply

he came first for the U16 and U18 at the KZN River Championships lead ing him to make the South Africa team. With our Housemaster being a fisherman, Henry Walters made Tatham proud when he made the South African team for fly fishing and came second at the SA Fly Fish ing Nationals on the Orange River. Earlier this year Ziyanda Hlongwa also achieved when he made the U16 KZN team for basketball. Khwezi Dube represented Tatham well with his excellent academic results, mak ing top ten in the grade in the second term. Ziyanda Hlongwa and Khwezi were also part of the 2023 Compe tition Marimba Band who won the International Steelpan Competition.

Tatham B Block had a rough start, not wanting to let go of childish fun. But as the year progressed, they soon began to step up. As the year ends I can safely say the House is in good hands. Tom Baguley proved his worth on the rugby field mak ing the U17 Sharks Academy team. Tristan Roques had an ex cellent season in first team soccer, being named best player of the season at the end of the year. Academically, we were rep resented by Hendri Zietsman, who consistently got excellent results and made the top ten in the grade in the third term. Ane lechi Obasi made the third round of the Math Olympiad and was invited by Stellenbosch to further develop his mathematic rigour and problem-solving skills. As a House we are proud of Cameron Strudwick as he was chosen for the U19 KZN cricket team. He was also invited to the SA Cricket Talent Accelera tion Programme. It is because of these achievements that he was chosen as the cricket captain for 2024. It also gives me great honour to hand over the House to Ben English as the Head of House for 2024. I am very proud of him and I know he will do the House justice. The Tatham B Block have come a long way from their early days at Michaelhouse. They have turned out to be natural leaders in the House. Their sheer will

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