The 2025 Chronicle

LINDIWE JOYCE NXUMALO

game – stop, pass, score.” Furthermore, she coached junior squash and led the prestigious Toastmasters Society. Her photographs of the Balgowan valley cap ture the mood of the Midlands and reflect her love of nature and of the outdoors. Mary’s legacy is not just with the thou sands of students she has taught, but also with the many teachers she has men tored and guided. Jonathan Smith com pared her to the great literary figures she loves: she has a Shakespearean love for poetry; she is a Dickens of great stories; she keeps a satirical wit that would make Austen proud; her ability to identify the realism of life is Plath-like; and yet she is always tempered with an Angelou capac ity for hope. Pete Huntley wrote that her subject knowledge and willingness to help any scholar or colleague with a challeng ing English conundrum were hallmarks of her approach to teaching. The most apt, perhaps, were the words of Pete Denny son borrowed from Alan Paton: “There was a brightness about her.” As she retires, after decades of unwaver ing service, we recognise that Mary has given Michaelhouse more than time; she has given it soul. She has given those whom she taught more than words; she has given them meaning. We wish Mary and Richard all the best in their well-deserved retirement. The window is starless still; the clock ticks, The page is printed. Written by Tanith von Mayer

From there she moved on to clean offic es, showing dedication and commitment in every role that she took on. In 2004, Bongi transitioned to Baines, where she has worked faithfully ever since. Over the years Bongi has become more than just a colleague. Her warm personal ity, infectious laughter and endless jokes brought joy to all those around her. Her presence truly lit up the workplace. Bon gi will be dearly missed by everyone. We thank her for her years of service, her hard work and the positive energy she brought into every space she entered. Wishing you all the best, Bongi – your Michaelhouse family will always remember you. Written by Happy Nzima

Reflecting on my five years so far as a San Sis ter, each morning walk ing through the Sanatorium doors felt like coming home.

FLORIAN XOLANI NDLOVU

Xolani joined the Michael house staff in 2002, dedi cating 23 years of incred

I say thank you to every single person who made this place special, especially Sis Joyce, as I fondly call her. From her infectious laughter during tea breaks to her random jokes lightening up tough days, Sis Joyce brought joy to my work days. Lindiwe Joyce Nxumalo started her em ployment at Michaelhouse on 1 Decem ber 1988 under Rector John Pluke. She worked with sisters Collen and McGee under the then San manager, Sister Bal limore. As the years went by, more San sisters came on board, including Sister Joann McMillan, the late Sister Lauren Richmond and Sister Avis Coxon. In to tal, Joyce has worked under six Rectors: Pluke, Forde, Pearson, Theron, Fleis chack and Clark. Saying goodbye to a co-worker brings mixed emotions. These professional relationships often grow into meaning ful friendships through shared experi ences, challenges and victories. Sis Joyce was always there for us, playing a role much bigger than keeping the San neat and tidy. She became a mother, shielding us from unpleasant interac tions with outsiders. She often remind ed us that she had decades of experi ence working in the San, and if anyone dared make us cry, or took advantage, she wholeheartedly intervened (much to our delight). Her relationship with the boys was ob served to be firm, yet incredibly caring. She always advocated for them when they came out of San times, or want

ible service to the school.

BONGIWE MSIMANGO

He started his career in the gardens de partment, working closely with Heather Cook for two years. He then joined the Estates team where he worked in the grounds division. The grounds team are responsible for the preparation and marking of all rugby, soccer and crick et fields as well as the measuring and marking out of the athletics track. Xolani led and guided this team incredibly well over the years. We are going to miss his experience and calm nature, but we are really confident about the skills and work ethic he has instilled in his team. We would like to thank Xolani for all the incredible contributions he has made to the school. Xolani, we wish you all the very best for your retirement. Enjoy the rest – you deserve it. Written by Graeme Nothard

Bongi began her journey with Michaelhouse in the year 2000, starting her

work at the Rector’s garden.

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