The Chronicle 2022

The E Block embarked on a new chapter of their lives, as we welcomed them with open arms and high expectations for their high school journey. This was the beginning of creating men of excellence, slowly educating them on the values that the Michaelhouse community sets out for every boy. The fifteen new boys learned to work with and help one another tackle whatever challenge faced them. I am beyond proud of the energy and growth that the E Blockers have shown considering the expectations which come with boarding school. Tane Greene, Preston Greene and Luke Viljoen showcased their water polo talents making their respective A teams. Nicholas Purdy played U14A rugby and football alongside Liam O’Dwyer. Zaran Patel showed great dedication towards the canoeing team and deserves credit for his excellence on the water. Collectively, the E Block were a joy to work with and mentor and we wish them the best of luck for the years which will follow. The D Block boys have represented themselves very well and have demonstrated tremendous character throughout 2022. They have bonded with the E Block boys, becoming mentors and helping them where needed. This integration has helped create a strong brotherhood between the boys. The D Blockers have always made their presence known, representing the House in multiple inter-House events, supporting one another, and giving maximum effort wherever needed. They have shown good signs of leadership and were able to carry out all the commitments which the school demands, at an impressive level. As they enter their senior phase, I am hopeful that they will continue to grow the high standard of morals and values which were instilled in them. Lerotholi Seeiso and Sumbi Tshivhase represented the U15A football squad and Rhys Barry played U15A rugby. Mojalefa Lekoana was happy to assist the chapel tech service team throughout the year. Tristan Atkinson proved his excellence with the swimming and water polo teams. C Block is always challenging, considering the increase in work ethic necessary in all spheres as boys begin their senior phase. I am pleased to say that the C Block boys have been excellent throughout the year. They have shown maturity and dedicated themselves to their academics, sporting commitments, and cultural involvement. New addition Kevin Khombisa settled in swiftly, becoming a great addition to the Mackenzie family. These boys stuck together in trying times, such as the challenge of the C Block Journey in the third quarter. Completing the two-week journey is a massive achievement, considering the conditions faced and the challenges it provides. The C Block has also been outstanding in various events, making their presence felt within the school. Damian Watson and Seth Segal were exceptional in the debating sphere, both achieving high level accolades throughout the year. Damian Watson has also demonstrated his talents on the athletics track and Seth Segal made the NIDPSC Top 20 for public speaking in South Africa. Elijah Kangueehi and Luthando Jonas represented the Midlands Youth Choir. Additionally, Elijah obtained half colours for Music. Civil Rugbar made the U16A cricket side. Mark Kuhn achieved a merit award in the English Olympiad and Carlyle Hawkins was the captain of the U16A rugby team. The B Block boys have handled this year well, showing their leadership skills, and proving that the House is in safe hands for 2023. Despite the increase in workload and expectations on the sports field, they have continued to excel in all spheres. Thomas

Lahaye achieved full colours for Academics. John Yeadon represented the first hockey and cricket XIs, and the first tennis team. Aeden Turner has been integral to the school’s community service and achieved half colours for his dedication towards this role. Jude Njeru has continued to show his intelligence and talents in the debating sphere. Wandile Mlaba represented the first rugby and basketball teams and was selected to represent the South African Schools A side for rugby, an incredible achievement. Wandile also earned honours for his rugby talents. I have the utmost faith and respect for this group of boys and wish to see them hold the Mackenzie flag high in their last year at Michaelhouse. The A Block have been nothing but a joy to be with throughout 2022. These Mackenzie men have continued to show the brotherhood Mackenzie represents and have grown together over the past five years. We have all felt like brothers in our time here and the memories that we have shared will never be forgotten. I know that each of us will hold the lessons learnt at Michaelhouse close to our hearts in our endeavours beyond high school. Ben Turner was named head of the orchestra for 2022 and achieved full colours in Academics. Ayanda Nongauza’s incredible singing talent resulted in his being awarded honours for Music. Marc Sidebottom also achieved full colours for Music. Ayabonga Zakwe was vice-captain of the first XV, and he was awarded full colours for rugby. Along with being an outstanding rugby player, Kevin Smith achieved honours for his selection for the KwaZulu Natal A soccer team. Kevin represented the first football XI as the top goal scorer. He also won player of the tournament during the KZN Big Ten Tournament. Tomi Femi–Kayode achieved full colours for his service in the chapel. Lazola Mayekiso played for and captained the first soccer XI, leading the team to their win in the KZN Big Ten Tournament. He achieved full colours for soccer. Lazola was also involved in the 2022 war-cry committee. For the second year in a row, Mackenzie was the winner of the senior inter-House soccer tournament. During Cultural week, we obtained high placings in the music sphere, achieving second for three separate music pieces and we also placed second in the junior tug of war. Wandile Mlaba was voted in as the Head of House for 2023 and I have no doubt that with the leadership skills he possesses, he will lead with integrity and courage. He will be a suitable role model for all within the Mackenzie group. I am certain that he and the four elected prefects; Thomas Lahaye, Thomas Kuhn, John Yeadon, and Abdul Mulla, will lead with authority, holding the good name of Mackenzie to a high standard. Mackenzie would not be the House it is without the work that the staff put in. A huge debt of thanks is owed to Ms Judith Fikile, ensuring that the House is always looked after, and the boys always have a beautiful house to come back to. Another thank you is owed to Mr Jeffrey for always looking after the welfare of the boys, tirelessly making an effort to assist where possible and making Mackenzie the special environment it is. Mrs Ngwenya, our new House Mother of 2022, her work has been nothing short of amazing, always providing a helping hand where possible and we are grateful for her efforts behind the scenes. Finally, we are grateful to the tutors, who also add to what makes this House special, we would not be the young men we are today without their assistance and guidance along our journey at Michaelhouse.

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