FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

boys named as prefects for 2025. They will be led by Head of House Brunton Bigalke and Deputy Head of House Tebogo Mogashoa. Good luck for next year – take West to even greater heights. A Block is a very special group of boys who are close to my heart for many reasons. We entered this big, competitive environment as wide-eyed boys, but we are leaving as men of understanding, thought and culture. We have grown into men of Michaelhouse, and I am proud to call these boys my best mates, my brothers forever. This grade is full of unique and talented individuals, each adding to the culture of West, creating a powerhouse throughout our time here. We’ve been through it all, from pandemics to a 100-win streak over Hilton, which highlights the incredible journey we’ve experienced as a grade. We’ve fought together to achieve even greater things. Kwanele Shazi made the first team for athletics. Josh Southwood made the first teams for both tennis and sevens rugby. Richard Grant made the first team for basketball. Louis Souchon made the first team for golf and the second team for hockey, where he captained his team to a great season. Jack Hughes made the first team for rugby, the second team for cricket, and captained the first team sevens side. He also earned a red cap for his contributions to sevens. Patrick Lambert made the second team for cricket, and captained the first team in hockey. Under his leadership, the team secured a massive win over Hilton College, ending an eight-year drought. He also represented Michaelhouse and West in the Midlands hockey team. This is a remarkable group of young men, and I am extremely proud to be part of it. Jermiah Moodie, Katlego Morema, Bongani Ngcobo, Nathan Strachan, Luke Haswell and Lucien Baldry all excelled in various areas, and their contributions to the House were invaluable. A special mention must be made of our housekeeper, Primrose Mchunu, for all the work she does. Her positive and cheerful attitude creates a welcoming and homely atmosphere in our busy House. You are amazing, Primrose, and we truly appreciate all you do. And so, after five incredible years, this is the end. I want to thank the House for entrusting me with my role over this past year. I hope I’ve made you proud. I’m deeply grateful to the Housemaster, the tutors and, especially, the boys for helping create five unforgettable years of my life. All of us have the ability to make a difference in the world. Let us take the lessons we’ve learned from this great school and share them with the world around us. I believe that each of us is a leader in our own way. “Leadership is a personality trait that everyone possesses; one just needs to be brave enough to embrace it and make it a lifestyle.” So, as I depart from this incredible school, full of memories and with brothers for life, I leave knowing that this is my house, this is your house, this is Michaelhouse. I am honoured to join the long list of Old Boys. SALVETE: Massimo Buadi, Lloyd Evennett, George Firth, Matthew Gerber, Cameron Hatfield, Manoli Leondidis, Lelethu Magasela, Connor McMurray, Farai Murando, Iyanda Mzileni, William Robson, Noah Rushton, Thandanani Zuma VALETE: Lucien Baldry, William Brothers, Richard Grant, Luke Haswell, Jack Hughes, Patrick Lambert, Katlego Morema, Jeremiah Moodie, Bongani Ngcobo, Joshua Southwood, Louis Souchon, Kwanele Shazi, Nathan Strachan, Sibani Zungu, Nelisazungu Zungu, Ryder Jordan 182

cricket, with an impressive batting average of 50.60 and even scoring a century. Ashton Watkins-Jones had a standout rugby season, scoring an incredible 10 tries. Akalipo Nseula made the A-team rugby and was selected for the touring side in soccer. Lerako Mogalakwe displayed his leadership as captain of the B-team basketball, while showing significant improvement in his academics. Ben Hughes achieved an 80% aggregate and earned a green card for his academic efforts. He also excelled in rugby and cricket, scoring two centuries, including 147 not out against Pretoria Boys. He was vice-captain of the U15A rugby team and captained the U15A sevens team. He also represented the Sharks and was recognized for his dedication. Max Olivier made the U15A water polo team and had an outstanding rugby season, scoring a try in every game. He also completed the Midmar Mile. Max maintained an 80% aggregate and earned a green card for his academic efforts. Michaelhouse is an exceptional place, and in C Block the boys truly begin to realize just how unique it is. The year is also defined by the famous C Block Journey, where the boys delve into their deeper selves, reflecting on the past to create a better future. This year the C Block boys can be extremely proud of their accomplishments. Thandanani Zuma joined our West family and immediately made his mark. He made the First XI cricket team and the First XI hockey team. He was also selected for the U16A KZN hockey side. Connor Hatfield maintained an aggregate above 85% throughout, and represented our first team squash. Jake McDonald deserves recognition for his academic achievements, coming third in the grade during term three. On the cultural side, Jack Stevenson excelled in the debating league, and Corban Chellan was named the best senior soloist of the year. Max Oliva had a strong year, finishing in the top ten in term one, and securing a spot in the U16A rugby team. Charles Purdon represented the U16A hockey team, and his dedication is commendable. Jess Webber made an impressive debut, representing the first team water polo in just C Block. Skyler Nienaber had an exceptional year on the athletics track, medalling in the SA Champs relay. His achievement made us incredibly proud. Rendani Nonge, Andrew Beckerman and David Readman excelled on the cricket field, with Rendani earning a spot in the second team and David and Andrew securing places in the third team. Chase Dormehl, Emmanuel Leondidis and Joel Reinhardt added value to both the basketball and rugby teams, demonstrating their ability and dedication. Our B Block boys truly excelled in all areas of the school. Kyle Indeche played for the second team in basketball, as did Tebogo Mogashoa, who also excelled in debating, earning spots on both the second and first teams. Roelof Rossouw managed some outstanding academic achievements, finishing in the top 100 for the SA Maths Olympiad and the top ten for the SA Programming Olympiad, and regularly placing in the top two of his grade. Luvuyo Tsibani finished in the top ten, placing third in term three. He also earned half colours for his dedication to music. Tlangelani Mashaba made the first team athletics and achieved an 80% aggregate. Mark Conway made the second team for hockey, joined the chapel choir, and played for the third team in soccer. Jack Hulley, a talented musician, contributed greatly to the jazz band, performing numerous solos, and even recording songs in the studio. Joe Gilson made the competition marimba band and completed Grade 6 drums. Brunton Bigalke made the first team for hockey and finished in the top ten academically. Kholahano Mokutu made the second team for soccer, and David Hepburn enjoyed a successful year on the sports field. Boitumelo Motsepe excelled academically and culturally. Jacques le Vieux earned half colours for his outstanding efforts in art. I would also like to congratulate the