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Interview with James Oberholzer
James came to St David’s in grade O and, with 20 other boys, was a pupil up until he matriculated in 2003.
James remembers all his primary school teachers who made a big impact on his life in particular Mrs
Norton, Mrs Schaafsma, Mrs Ansell and Mrs Kirkenhofer. He recalled being “jacked” by Mr Castle which he
deserved and was almost grateful for. He used to go to after care, was very involved with sports and
academics, was a member of the choir and was awarded a major closed scholarship to the high school.
During his tenure the school went through a huge transformation with the building of high and prep school
pavilions, the swimming pool, tennis courts, Champagne hall, library and the parking lot and the main
entrance. The original entrance was not even tarred initially.
James has good memories of the teachers in high school and the relationship they had with the boys,
specifically Mr Buys, Mr Fry, Mrs Nagy who was his tutor, Mr Gaffney, Br Anthony, Father Brewer and
Reverend Bruce who was a fantastic teacher and really made you think.
James was involved with cricket, soccer, tennis and swimming but was particularly focused on his golf and
from standard 8. He played golf at provincial, level from standard 6 until matric and represented South
Africa at the Junior World Championships in San Diego, USA but was not awarded a Springbok blazer. He
did well academically but only learnt to really work when he went to university. He enjoyed debating but
preferred participating from the floor. He was also a member of high school parliament.
James enjoyed all the tours both sporting and cultural but didn’t go overseas. He misses the sport, the
rivalry and competiveness with other schools. The biggest rivals (on and off the field) were St John’s and St
Stithian’s but, on leaving school the boys became great friends with pupils from those schools.
In standard 9 he did a series of aptitude and career tests which indicated he should excel as a landscape
architect or stockbroker which is what he is now and he loves what he is doing.
James was a prefect and deputy head boy with Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, head boy. He was head of house
Benedict, vice captain hockey and captain of the golf team. He was awarded an honours blazer for golf and
scrolls for academics, leadership and hockey.
James has Italian citizenship and, to avoid the compulsory army service had to show proof of registration at
university.
After matriculating, James went on to UCT to study Business Science but eventually graduated with a
BComm Economics and Finance and graduated with Honours in Economics in 2008. He had a gap year
where he worked as an underwriter in the short term corporate insurance industry before going back to
finish his degree. He learnt that one had to be focused and motivated and was no longer spoon fed as one
was at school.
James is currently employed as a stockbroker, specialising as a research analyst for the mining industry for
Macquarie, a global investment bank headquartered in Sydney, Australia, its strengths being commodities
and infrastructure.
Although James hasn’t maintained contact with many of his contemporaries at St David’s he enjoyed the
reunion in November. Whilst at university, living away from home he established strong friendships with
other students.
If he was blessed with sons James would want to send them to St David’s and is a member of MOBS.
JLE December 2013