As we approach the close of this year, it gives me immense pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our esteemed Old Boys who have achieved remarkable milestones in their academic pursuits. Your dedication and hard work in attaining undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications at various universities across the country are commendable. We wish you every success in your future endeavors.
Reunions
Reflecting on our recent events, the Senior Old Boys’ lunch held on Friday, 10th November 2023, at Markötter Sport Complex was yet another resounding success. Amidst the camaraderie and joyous moments, Pieter-Jan Bestbier, our OBU treasurer from the class of 1986, masterfully conducted the proceedings. Rector André van Staden provided an insightful overview of the school’s developments in 2023. The event featured a thrilling lucky draw where the winner, upon calling out “maroon,” received the sponsored book, ‘Craven Stories’ by African Sun Media. Furthermore, as a token of our gratitude, a special book was presented to Frans van Niekerk in recognition of his dedicated service to the OBU. Frans will be retiring in the coming year.
Membership
On Thursday, 19 October 2023, the Old Boys Union warmly welcomed our latest members who were the grade 12 learners that had signed up for memberships (97 life members and 26 three-year members). At this event the new Old Boys were addressed on the value and importance of the Union by Chris Albertyn (2019 and Head Boy).
In Memoriam
Sadly, we bid farewell to several cherished members who took leave and moved off to the long room in the sky. We honour the memory of Dirk Wouter Olivier (2008), Danie Claasen (1973), Bennie Pieterse (1975), Danie Claasen (1973), Craig Jones (1989) and Gerhard Wilhelm Claassen (1976). Gerhard Claasen was one of few plain clothes policemen that volunteered to provide protection services to President Nelson Mandela on his release from the Victor Verster Prison. We also said goodbye to artist and musician Vernon Swart (1977).
Aviation
There is an old saying that ‘the road to hell is paved with good intentions’. The Old Boys Union was approached by Grant Davies (1986) to consider setting up a WhatsApp group for aviators. This was done and we now have over 30-members on the group. We were remiss to not mention this in the previous Newsletter and we want to thank Grant for the initiative. Please contact the office if you have ideas for other groups where we can network Old Boys and share information.
Arts and Culture
On the literary front, Etienne van Heerden (1972) has released his latest novel, Gebeente (October 2023), which is a story about Magistrate Imker Goedeman arriving at a small town on the Vergete Grootpad north of Sutherland. The environment has been rocked by a sensational farm murder, but an even more complex case must be investigated! The book launch was supported by a Johannesburg event hosted by Jean Meiring (1991) at which well-known literature critic Jo Prins (1987) was present.
Business
Congratulations to Daniel du Toit for starting his new role as the Acting CEO at Pepkor Specialty. Andrew Rogers (1986) has accepted a role as the Chief Executive Officer at Vogo Hospitality in Abu Dhabi, and we hope that he will connect with the Old Boys in the UAE. The Old Boys Union has also taken note of the interesting article written by Moneyweb Editor, Ryk van Niekerk (1992) who interviewed lawyer and Director at Norton Rose Fulbright, André Vos (1988).
With regards to the legal profession, the Old Boy Union has also published The Law List 2024 which is a summary of Old Boys in the legal field. It is not only our aim to showcase the diverse practices of our members in the legal field, but we wish this to serve as a directory for future referrals and appointment to legal briefs. We hope that it provides an opportunity for powerful connections and collaborations.
Sport
Our pride swells witnessing the sporting achievements of our Old Boys raging from hockey, triathlons, rugby, golf, and beyond. The hockey legacy at PRG continues to grow and it was great to see Rueben Sendzul (2000) being called up for the Western Province Men’s hockey team that played against the Chinese team at the WPCC. Meanwhile, Hans Neethling (2020) was called up to the South African Men’s Indoor Hockey team that played in the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup against Namibia and the USA.
Sian Maart (2022) and Hans were also selected for the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup that took place in Kuala Lampur in December. Andrew Hobson (2016) won the Man of the Match award in South African Men’s Hockey against Egypt where they won 2-1. The team has now qualified for the Olympics to be held in Paris and we wish Andrew all the best for the future.
Hats off to Nicholas Quenet (2015) who excelled and managed to finish 3rd in the grueling Mossel Bay Ironman 2023 competition in a time of 01:16:21!
On the golfing front, Oliver Bekker (2002) and Jean Hugo (1994) continue to ply their wares on the Sunshine Tour. Both golfers recently took part in the SA Open Championship (one of five DP World Tour-sanctioned tournaments) and is also the second oldest National Open after The Open Championship. The SA Open was held at the Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate at which Steven van Gruenen (1984) is the general manager. Steve was quite a handy tennis player in his day and took time out to meet with Jean and Oliver. We also wish Justin Harding (2004) and Garrick Higgo (2017) speedy recoveries with their injuries and look forward to seeing them on the fairways very soon.
On the home golf courses Jacques Potgieter (2014) won the PRG OBU Masters and is now the current holder of the famous maroon jacket having taken this over from Neil Roode OBU vice Chairman and 2010).
A few personnel changes on the professional rugby front! Willie le Roux (2007) and Andries Bekker (2001) have taken up playing and coaching jobs at the Blue Bulls, respectively. Francois Hougaard (2006) follows in the steps of two other Springbok rugby Old Boys and has joined the Sharks in Durban.
Congratulations to Tiaan Pretorius (2019) on his call up to the illustrious Blitz Bokke and his role in deepening the Paul Roos Gymnasium involvement in national rugby. He was the only new player in the Springbok squad that took part in the HSBC SVNS tournament in Cape Town.
Congratulations Willie le Roux (2007), Damian Willemse (2016) & Steven Kitshoff (2010) for the thrilling Rugby World Cup 2023 in France and the outstanding victory in the final. You guys have written so much history for the school and we are proud of your hard work on and off the field.
Other
At the recent 2023 Radio Awards’ Station of the Year Award, Nic de Jager (1958) was one of six people to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their indelible contribution to radio over the thirty years. I would like to confess that I am a big fan of his Sunday radio show on RSG.
At 75, Philip Erasmus (1966) has for a second time undertaken to raise funds for CANSA (Cancer Society of South Africa) by attempting to ‘push’ his iron horse from Beit Bridge to Bloubergstrand. We wish him all the best on these endeavours and ask Old Boys to support his efforts.
Acknowledging the unwavering support of our sponsors and the collective strength of our Old Boys, I extend heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering commitment and contributions to the success of events such as the PRG Rugby Golf Day and the annual braai hosted by the Klub 1000 members and Friends of Paul Roos. Your generosity and support serve as the cornerstone of our continued endeavors, enabling us to nurture and enhance our programs for the betterment of our cherished community.
Please remember to save the date for the Mass reunion which will be held on the weekend of the 19-20 April 2024.
In closing, we extend heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and joyous Christmas to all our cherished Old Boys who are celebrating this religious period. May this festive season be adorned with tranquility and showered with abundant blessings from above.
Kind regards
Chairman, Old Boys’ Union
Nils Flaatten (1987)
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