The 2025 Chronicle

leaders-in-the-making, strengthening the warmth and stability of the House with their steady influence. C Block is a rite of passage from the moment the boys begin to sense their emergence as seniors, when the expectations placed on them deepen. This transformation was visible in every one of them, especially after completing the C Block Journey, a hike known for testing character more than physical strength. They returned from the mountains not only stronger but noticeably more confident, more grounded and more united in purpose. This new maturity translated naturally into leadership within the House. They stepped up with enthusiasm, guiding younger boys, maintaining standards and taking their responsibilities serious ly. Their achievements reflect this development. Wonga Mlonzi earned a spot in the U16 KZN Inland cricket team, demon strating poise and skill. Noah Holl, who distinguished himself through leadership and resilience, received the C Block Journey Award and represented the school on exchange at Rugby School in the UK. Meanwhile, Kganya Mondlane made his mark in the KZN U16A soccer team, showing athletic promise. And through their international exchanges, Shail Rajkumar (Argentina) and Slade Bartel (Australia) represented the House abroad with ma turity and cultural curiosity. The C Block have stepped fully into their identities as emerging seniors: grounded, responsible and ready for the leadership ahead. B Block is often the year when boys discover their true capacity as leaders, teammates, scholars and young men. This group embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. They balanced the pressures of academics, sport and growing House responsi bilities with remarkable poise, becoming one of the strongest and most balanced Blocks that Mackenzie has seen in recent years. Their unity, humility and work ethic have anchored the House throughout the year. This Block’s provincial and cultural achievements speak for themselves, but their character speaks even louder. Uyanda Magudulela handled the demands of both KZN Inland U19C hockey and making the KZN athletics squad for the 3000m. Liam O’Dwyer, with cricket honours and rep resentation for KZN Inland U19A cricket, led by example as a disciplined sportsman. Preston Greene showcased dual-sport excellence through KZN Inland hockey and the Zimbabwe Padel Invitational Squad. Culturally, Wandile Madida and Ben Viljoen strengthened the House’s artistic identity through mu sic colours and music honours, respectively. In aquatics, Tane Greene’s exceptional year in the water polo pool – earning a red cap for 50 first-team caps, KZN U19B water polo selection and water polo colours – was complemented by Luke Viljoen’s provincial recognition as a KZN U19 non-travelling reserve, demonstrating our depth in water polo talent. The B Block have proven themselves capable of balancing commitment with leadership, and competitiveness with humility. They are ready to fully and confidently carry the senior torch next year. As the A Block approached the end of their Michaelhouse jour ney, they did so with gratitude, determination and a strong de sire to leave the House better than they found it. Despite the ac ademic and emotional weight of their final year, they remained deeply connected to the life of the House by guiding and sup porting younger boys, participating in interhouse events and contributing meaningfully to Mackenzie’s culture. Academically, Luke Sidebottom and Dillon Lahaye continued their impressive consistency, with Luke finishing sixth in the grade in term one, seventh in term two and sixth in term three, while Dillon placed tenth in the grade for terms one, two and three. Tristan Atkin son’s commitment and talent with regard to water polo were

recognised when he received the Whitaker Trophy for the most improved water polo player from E to A Block. He has repre sented the first water polo team since C Block. On the sports field, Musumbandila Tshivhase carried the pride of the House into every match while playing first-team football, going on to be selected for the KZN U19 soccer team; he also contributed culturally as vice-captain of the Competition Marimba Band. Supporting him in cultural leadership, Louis Ayo, as captain of the Competition Marimba Band, brought structure, creativity and heart to every performance. The A Block can leave knowing they have shaped the identity, spirit and warmth of Mackenzie during their time here. As I prepare to leave Mackenzie after five years, I am struck by how deeply this House has shaped me. It has been far more than a place to live, it has been a community that taught me compas sion, responsibility, humility and brotherhood. Serving as Head of House has been both an honour and a privilege. It has allowed me to give back to the place that has given me so much, and to play a role in supporting the boys who make this House exceptional. I leave knowing that Mackenzie will be in the hands of a capable and caring leader: Thomas Pakendorf, who is a young man of in tegrity, calm strength and genuine kindness. He leads not with ego but with purpose, and his Deputy Head of House (Nicholas Purdy) and prefects (Stefano Benassi, Preston Greene, Tane Greene, Uy anda Magudulela, Luke Viljoen and Ben Viljoen) will support him in carrying the values and traditions of Mackenzie forward. Togeth er, they will guide the House with fairness, unity and heart. The future is looking extremely bright for Mackenzie, its having made tremendous strides forward each and every year. The un wavering dedication of Mr Jeffrey, whose enthusiasm and pas sion continues to propel us in the right direction, is the very foun dation of this advancement. In addition to that, Ms Cornelius has been providing consistent guidance and care in her position as Assistant Housemaster, as have our tutors, who have played a crucial role in establishing the sense of comfort and support that helps Mackenzie feel like a family. In addition we would like to express our deep gratitude to Ms Judith Fikile, whose thoughtful dedication has made certain that the boys had the pleasure of spending time in a space that was not only well maintained but also inviting and comfortable, like a home. As a result of the con tributions made by all of these people, Mackenzie has become more than just a House; it has become a home. After five unforgettable years at Mackenzie, I leave with friend ships, memories and lessons that will stay with me for life. Serv ing as Head of House this year has been an honour, allowing me to give back to the community that has shaped me. Mackenzie has been more than a boarding house, it has been a family, and a place of growth. I depart extremely grateful, proud and confident that the House will continue to shine brightly in the years ahead. SALVETE: Keegan Bezuidenhout, Cameron Cahill, Max Franz, Cosmo Friedman, Zimile Mhlongo, Jordan Murray, Sisanda Ncamani, Nate Ndolo, Minenhle Shinga, Matt Swan, Kuhle Tshabalala, Ryan Turner, Tristan Mills (C Block), Phatsimo Molifi (D Block) VALETE: Tristan Atkinson, Louis Ayo, Rhys Barry, Cesar Burgos, Nathan Forte, Mark Kuhn, Dillon Lahaye, Mojalefa Lekoana, Jinhua Li, Phiko Madlanga, Danniel Nel, Josh Ngcobo, Lerotholi Seeiso, Luke Sidebottom, Sumbi Tshivhase

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