The 2023 Chronicle

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n the realm of Michaelhouse, none can compare to West. Its culture stands as an unwavering testament, resistant to significant alteration, and I take pride in affirming its enriching influence on every young man associated with it. West embodies the ideal breeding ground for a true Michaelhouse boy. Within West, a unique calibre of Michaelhouse student emerges – the West man, distinguished as the epitome of excellence. The distinctive trait cultivated in West is none other than character, making it abundantly clear that West is unequivocally the best. West consistently maintains a position of competitiveness across diverse arenas. Not only has our House been the cradle of exceptional athletes within our school, it has also fostered a vibrant community of cultural enthusiasts. The A Block, serving as trailblazers, set the standard, closely followed by the commendable efforts of the B Block. This collective prowess undoubtedly contributed to West’s remarkable success this year. The key lies in the seniors of the House, who, through their achievements, command respect, choosing inspiration over intimidation. This approach substantiates the essence of a truly great House. In the dance of time, the A Block of 2023 became muses for the Cacks to emulate, and the E Blockers gracefully followed suit. Their journey unfolded as a tapestry, woven not just with individual achievements but with a shared spirit of encouragement, camaraderie and compassion. Anesu Mutongoreya, Akalipo Nseula, and Lerako Mogalakwe, luminaries in the realm of basketball, orchestrated a symphony of excellence. Anesu, adorned with the mantle of captaincy, led with grace and determination, casting a guiding light for others to follow. In the E Block, a constellation of versatile athletes emerged. Akalipo’s prowess transcended basketball, echoing through the fields of rugby and soccer. Ben Hughes, a

In the ballet of progression, the D Block gracefully pirouetted into a new chapter, witnessing remarkable growth among its members. Jess Webber, a virtuoso of aquatic realms, not only graced the waves with the U15A water polo team but also claimed victory at the Fish River Canoe Marathon, painting the year with strokes of aquatic triumph. Skyler Nienaber and Max Oliva, like harmonious notes in a symphony, collaborated on the U15A rugby stage, contributing to a crescendo of teamwork and shared success. Connor Hatfield, a maestro on the squash court, achieved the extraordinary by representing the first team throughout the year, his racquet weaving tales of skill and dedication. Rendani Nonge, a scholar adorned in academic laurels, claimed the zenith with a first place finish in term two exams, with Jake McDonald in close pursuit, securing second place. Jack Stevenson, a wordsmith in the realm of rhetoric, stood as a pillar in the Junior Debating team, carrying them into the quarter-finals. His cultural odyssey earned him the coveted half-colours for cultural endeavours. In the symphony of cultural accomplishments, Corban Chellan’s voice resonated in the KZN Midlands Youth Choir, an accolade harmonizing with the half-colours for music he earned. Max Oliva, another maestro in the melody of achievement, joined the ranks of half-colours for music, adding a melodious note to the D Block’s tale. As the curtains close on this chapter, the D Block leave behind a legacy of progression, academic brilliance and artistic crescendos, each member contributing his unique verse to the symphony of 2023. The C Block, a remarkable grade, showcased significant development from their E Block days. Luvuyo Tsibani demonstrated impressive academics, consistently ranking in the top ten in quarters one, two and three. His involvement in the debating team earned him a call-up for KZN. Tebogo Mogashoa, known as TJ, excelled not only in second team basketball but also as a key player for the first team tennis. Balancing sports and academics, TJ secured a place in the top 20 for academics and participated actively in debating. Hano Mokutu’s vice-captaincy of U16A basketball and inclusion in the U16A tour squad highlighted his sporting prowess. Mark Conway maintained his exceptional academic performance, achieving top-ten status, Tarps recognition and a 90% average in term three. He showcased his versatility by excelling in vocal ensemble and winning the 800m race on athletics day. Brunton Bigalke, in his inaugural year, exceeded expectations by making U16A hockey and later securing a position in the first team. His achievements extended to representing second and first team golf and making the KZN Inland B hockey side, being its captain. Academically, Brunton stood out as the top Afrikaans pupil and earned a spot in the top ten; he also received half-colours for service. Nyiko Mashaba, a vital member of the athletics team, excelled academically by securing a top-five position in Zulu. Jack Hulley continued his musical prowess, particularly on the guitar. Kyle Indeche, a new addition, contributed to A team soccer. Jacques le Vieux excelled in French. Tumi Motsepe took part in the National Independent Public Speaking Competition, ranked first in Zulu, and joined the U16A rugby tour. His solo performance on the Choir tour earned him a gold certificate and a top-five position. Franko

celestial athlete, graced the stages of U14A cricket, rugby and sevens rugby, a testament to his dedication to the sporting arts. Anesu’s ascension from the D team to the A team in rugby painted a portrait of resilience and triumph. The E Block, a canvas of potential, unfolded its leadership saga, with Matthew Southwood leading the U14A hockey. His orchestration extended to the U14A cricket field and tennis courts. Leo Oliva, a poetic soul in the language of sports, graced both U14A soccer and cricket. Ryder Jordan’s aquatic

ballet in U14A water polo and Ashton Watkin-Jones’s inclusion in the A team cricket tour added a touch of magic to the narrative. In this lyrical saga, the E block emerged not just as athletes but aspoets of leadership, crafting verses of inspiration and unity, etching their tale into the annals of 2023 with strokes of beauty and grace.

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