The 2025 Chronicle

LAW SOCIETY

depth and a wealth of practical experience.

Staff Member in Charge: Mr William Koopman Chairman: Brent Tayengwa

Addressing the school community, he spoke with clarity and conviction on the theme of “Law as a Profession” and the legal concept of genocide under international law. His reflections on his own professional journey offered valuable insight into the demands and rewards of a legal career, while his discussion of genocide illuminated the complexity of defining and prosecut ing such crimes within the framework of international law. Par ticularly compelling was his exploration of the tension between legal principle and political reality, and the responsibility borne by the global community to act with both justice and foresight. The address was followed by a vigorous question-and-answer session, during which members of the society distinguished themselves through the quality and thoughtfulness of their en gagement. The discussion was lively and purposeful, reflecting both the interest of the boys and the success of the society in fostering a culture of inquiry. The establishment of the society has already enriched the in tellectual landscape of the school. It has provided a platform for boys to engage seriously with ideas, to encounter leaders in the field, and to consider their own place in a complex and demanding world. In its first year, the Michaelhouse Law Society has demonstrat ed both purpose and promise. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when initiative is matched with commitment, and it is to be hoped that it will continue to grow in stature and influence in the years to come. Applied learning extended to the Coronation Top Investor Challenge, where the Michaelhouse team turned R1m in virtual capital into over R4m, placing 14th nationally out of 155 teams. This competition strengthened understanding of markets, risk and portfolio management in dynamic global conditions. The society launched a pupil-curated podcast featuring inter views with leaders, including Jason McCormick. Supported by the Makan Innovation Centre, the podcast fosters youth-led journalism, critical inquiry and storytelling, providing a platform for boys to bridge theory and practice. The year culminated with a three-day work experience pro gramme at MultiChoice and Investec for some of the soci ety’s B Block boys. At MultiChoice the boys explored spon sorships, commercial sports rights and sports data, and received a behind-the-scenes look at broadcast production at SuperSport Schools. At Investec they engaged with exec utives across the business, gaining insight into branding, marketing, organisational culture, technology, wealth man agement and client advisory services. They also had the opportunity to spend time with Abey Mokgwatsane, Chief Marketing Officer and Old Boy. These experiences provided a

The Michaelhouse Law Society came into being at the beginning of 2025, marking a welcome addition to the intellectual and

cultural life of the school.

With a membership of 70 boys, the society set out with a clear and purposeful vision: to provide meaningful exposure to the world of law, whether as a future field of study, a profession or an area of general interest. From its inception the society has sought to cultivate curiosity, disciplined thought and an awareness of the role of law in shaping both national and in ternational communities. The programme for the year was both ambitious and well re ceived. Central to the society’s activities were presentations by legal practitioners across a range of fields, alongside brief informal forums addressing contemporary legal issues. These engagements encouraged boys to think critically and to articu late their ideas with clarity and confidence, qualities essential not only in the legal profession but in all spheres of leadership. A highlight of the year was the visit of Mr Jaymion Hendricks, a distinguished legal scholar and practitioner in the field of inter national law. Currently serving as a legal adviser on internation al law at the Department of International Relations and Cooper ation, Mr Hendricks brought to Michaelhouse both intellectual

MICHAELHOUSE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, LEADERSHIP & NETWORKING SOCIETY

Staff Member in Charge: Mr Michael Sevenoaks Chairman: Takudzwa Ngorima

Committee Members: Tebogo Mogashoa, Aras Apteker, Tlangalani Mashaba, Ethan Chiimba, Khashane Maenetje

This year saw the launch of the Michael house Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Net working Society, providing boys with excep tional opportunities to engage directly with business leaders, Old Boys and industry experts. The society accelerates learning through practical experiences in leadership, strategy and innovation. The boys hosted high-profile guests – such as Jacques Burger, CEO of The Up&Up Group; Jason McCormick, CEO of Exemplar REITail; Charles Russon, Interim CEO of ABSA Group; and Peter Hayward-Butt, CEO of Brait Capital – gaining insights into busi ness strategy, investment, leadership and creativity. Old Boys Teddy Khuzwayo and Sean Lumley also joined the boys in class, offering perspectives, challenging ideas and enriching discus sions with professional and personal insights.

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