1964 St David's Marist Inanda Yearbook
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1964 St David's Marist Inanda Yearbook
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St David's Marist Inanda Yearbook 1966
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Record of the school's activities 1966
St David's Marist Inanda
1970 St David's Marist Inanda Yearbook
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St David's Marist Inanda Yearbook 2017 Part 1 Pages 1 - 168 High School
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1940 - 1974 Headmasters, Headmistresses and Principals of St David's - Photographs
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Digitsed copies of official photographs of the various heads, etc. of the school
St David's Marist Inanda
1983 - 1984 GHL Frielick - Headmaster
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St David's Marist Inanda
1989 - 1994 Headmasters, Headmistresses and Principals of St David's - Photographs
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St David's Marist Inanda
1989 -1995 Greg Royce - Prep School Headmaster
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1993 - 2013 Willy Castle - Prep School Deputy Headmaster
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2006 -2013 Malcolm Williams, - High School Headmaster
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St David's Marist Inanda
1996 -2013 Rick Wilson - Prep School Headmaster
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2014 - 2022 Headmasters, Headmistresses and Principals of St David's - Photographs
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Digitsed copies of official photographs of the various heads, etc. of the school
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2014 -- 2022 Mike Thiel - Headmaster and Executive Head Whole School from 2016
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St David's Marist Inanda
Interview with Brian Austin 1962
Interview with Brian Austin - 1962
St David’s Inanda: some recollections before the Beatles
Brian Austin (1958 – 1962)
In those days it wasn’t called St David’s, though his name was there in the small print.
We all knew it as ‘Inanda’, to distinguish it from ‘Obs’: those other guys who wore the
same funny stripey blazer. But many people around Joburg called both schools ‘Maritz’,
for obviously South African reasons but clearly without much appreciation of who these
Marist Brothers were. And, to distinguish us from them at Obs, ‘Inanda’ was always
regarded as the posh school where you went if you didn’t sound (or want to sound) like
Al Debbo (now there’s a name from the dark ages!).
I went to ‘Inanda’ (I’ll stick with that name) in 1958. My prep school years were spent at
the little Catholic school in Maryvale, St Paul’s Parochial School, that’d been founded by
the remarkable Fr Philip Erasme OMI in 1943. I’d been head boy there but was small fry
when I arrived at Inanda. Most of the guys in standard 6 had been together at the junior
school of Inanda and so they all knew each other and also who was king. New blokes
from other places – and there were a handful of us – had to slot into the established
social order. And Inanda had boarders and the boarders were the really important guys,
not day boys who still lived with their mothers. I was a day boy.
There was only one lay teacher in the whole senior school at that time. He was Mr
Bishop and he taught us English. Mr Bishop stood out for never having a hair out place
and he always wore impeccable suits. He used to read to us occasionally from a book
wrapped in brown paper. It was a war story and some said it was his autobiography,
hence the wrapping. In those days we got ‘lashed’ with the cane for various
misdemeanours usually to do with homework that wasn’t done. Old Bish could lash all
right. So could Br Andrew who was our official class teacher. He was a French Canadian
and always said ‘bon’, when you got something right. He taught us Maths and Latin. And
Br Benedict was the principal (I think that’s what he was called in those days. Later we
had a headmaster, but maybe not). Benedict was tall and gaunt. He was known as Beak
(or maybe Beek) and commanded respect. He could lash too.
The standard 6 classroom was stuck away down below the boarders’ dining room.
Remember that in those days the school didn’t extend north beyond the road that ran
down from the second gate (not the main gate) off Rudd Road. That property northwards
was a farm. And our classroom was alongside that road that ended up in the bicycle
shed. It also went past the swimming bath, which I see is now much bigger (according to
Google Earth) and somewhere else altogether. We had swimming as part of the
morning’s lessons one day a week in the summer, of course. I’d never dived into a pool
before then; I learnt to dive very quickly on the first swimming day. I was also known as
‘milk bottle’ because of my fair skin. Boys’ schools are very gentle and genteel places,
as we all know.
I played cricket because I loved the game. Rugby we all played whether we liked it or
not. In those days the school even had a professional cricket coach (a Mr Bannister)
who came out from England, believe it or not, to coach at various schools around
Joburg. He was a great coach and we didn’t have a bad U13 side as a result. The
captain was Roy Chisholm, a left-hander who bowled good in-swingers. I opened the
batting with Mike Ness who went to England the following year. So did Terry Coughlin,
the wicket-keeper. In those days, apparently, there was much traffic between some
South African ‘Private Schools’ and English ‘Public Schools’, such as Stoneyhurst in
Lancashire run by the Jesuits. In this context private and public meant the same thing
which would confuse anyone today not versed in such details.
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I remember Chisholm and I once ‘made a stand’ against Athone U13. He got into the
sixties and I made 53, precisely. Br Anthony (much more about him later) was umpiring.
The Athlone captain was a little squat fellow called Sammy. He placed himself at silly
mid-on (it gets technical here), just a few years to my left, and I was facing their offspinner
who bowled a gift of a full toss. I played a mean on-drive in those days and duly
caned the ball. It hit Sammy on the forehead and nearly decapitated him. He certainly
took off backwards and landed on his bum. Br Anthony, standing at the bowler’s wicket,
sauntered up the pitch to see if Sammy was still alive and then said to me: ‘that
should’ve been four”. Exactly what I thought too.
Standard 7 was a tough year. Our class teacher was a very young Irish brother whose
name now escapes me. He clearly felt challenged by pimply-faced, testosterone fuelled
fourteen-year olds with attitude. As a result he didn’t cope well and lashed us often,
clearly his only defence. A fellow called Ralph van Oppen would openly challenge
anyone who so much as dared look at him to a fight – and he always won. He once
organised a strike by terrorising the whole class who, at his say so, didn’t dare return
after lunch break. We just sat on the lawn. Somehow it was resolved (I don’t now
remember how) and we weren’t even lashed but van Oppen disappeared from the
school. A word, no doubt, was dropped into his father’s ear, though if the son was
anything to go by, Van Oppen senior must’ve been quite something. Perhaps he’d got
away before the allies captured Berlin? That was the year we started ‘Science’ as a
subject and I immediately discovered my métier. English too wasn’t far behind.
Standard 8, or ‘J.C.’ (Junior Certificate) in those days, was a nondescript class and an
uninspiring time. It was 1960 and the time of Sharpeville but our pent-up anger
throughout they year had much more to do with yet more testosterone, I’m sure. Girls
now entered our spheres of interest but most seemed totally disdainful of us. Rosebank
Convent provided much that was attractive but it never reciprocated our awkward
posturing. And we produced a lousy rugby team, but smoking on the bottom field
improved markedly as the year went by. Br Walter, our class teacher, seemed older than
Noah by at least a generation. He was the most gentle of men. Seemingly near-blind
behind very thick lenses, and always somewhat befuddled, he taught us Maths and
Christian Doctrine. Sometimes there was so much fervour involved in both that it was
difficult to tell them apart. As a result, if one had any mathematical flair it was likely to be
kindled by Walter and mine certainly was. Others discovered they had ‘vocations’ and
talked of becoming brothers themselves. At the end of the year, having gained a ‘firstclass
J.C.’, I remember writing Br Walter a letter thanking him for making ‘the minutiae of
the subject’ (Maths) so amazingly clear. His flair with figures, equations and abstruse
geometry undoubtedly helped because I’ve used a fair bit of the subject ever since. On
the matter of our execrable rugby performance that year, I remember our being thrashed
by Jeppe 103- nil. How we dared arrive at school the next day remains one of those
mysteries on one’s educational life. The ignominy must’ve been indescribable.
Junior matric followed and another figure - in black (not white then) cassock, white bib,
rope around his waist and swinging crucifix - strode into our lives in very sharp focus.
Brother Anthony was the new principal and his Scots accent became part of our lives.
He was always known as ‘Ornge’ or ‘Ornges’ from the way he said ‘orange’. He also
caused much mirth when he spoke after the annual athletics sports day each
September. After thanking everyone for attending and making the occasion the success
it usually was, he’d then announce, into the microphone, that all were very welcome to
attend the ‘bry flies’ afterwards. Most did, if only to hear Ornge say it again.
Ornge was a phenomenal headmaster. I’d go as far as saying that he really made the
school into what it is now. Every morning at assembly he spoke from the upper balcony,
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looking down (but only metaphorically) on all of us standing in our rows, per class, in the
‘quad’. The prefects prowled around in between. I still vividly remember hearing one of
them, Martin Funston the nephew of Ken Funston the Springbok cricketer, tell a fellow
who happened to have a shock of red hair, and who was talking, to ‘shut up, copper
knob’. That actually occurred in 1958 but such things happened in 1961 too and just had
to be mentioned because the reaction of all within earshot was excruciatingly funny.
The matric class in ’61 (a year ahead of me) were a brilliant bunch and Ornge was very
proud of them. Dudley Mandy,with much swagger and I suppose what we’d call
charisma these days, was headboy. I think he also subsequently became a brother. The
cleverest bloke was Doug Hawkins, now a professor of Statistics in the states. ‘Dougie’
(but pronounced, as you’d expect, by Ornge as Doogie), was at least 6 foot 3 and gangly
too. Though clearly designed for the second row of the scrum, or at least the line-outs,
he didn’t appear on the rugby field. Having brains helped some escape. He was a
mathematical genius – a fact often mentioned by Ornge – and he also started the
Science club. His plan was that ‘Inanda’ should follow the Americans into the space
race; remember sputnik was launched by the Russians in 1957 and ever since the
Americans had been trying to catch up. Anything we could do to help would no doubt be
appreciated. Doogie wanted to design, build and launch a rocket and Ornge backed him
to the hilt. So, one morning at assembly, after he’d addressed us from the balcony,
Ornge called on Doogie to join him up there and tell us his plans for interplanetary travel
or whatever he had in mind. I was enthralled and when the great man asked for
volunteers to join in I was there.
By then I was rather interested in radio. Not Springbok Radio but making radios and I’d
already made a few. Doogie said we needed radio communications, especially radio
telemetry, on our rocket. It would at least tell us where it was when it came down –
possibly in someone’s swimming pool. We agreed to meet at his house over the
weekend to discuss strategy and try to make a radio small enough to fit inside a (rather
small) tube that would be packed with explosives and after ignition would lift the missile
into space. It sounded fantastic and I was bursting to make my contribution. Doogie and
I, in his father’s garage the following Saturday afternoon, soldered and squashed
electronic bits and pieces together into the tube but never a peep came out of it. His
mother brought us tea and enquired how we were getting on. We said we were at ‘T
minus something and counting’ (that’s what they always said from Cape Canaveral just
before lift-off) but had hit a snag. She said she was sure we’d sort if out and then asked
us to try not to drop solder on the carpet.
I don’t remember the rocket ever being launched. Something about Pretoria and laws
against making missiles, if I remember correctly, but it was great fun and Doogie was
impressively tall. Others in that class who excelled cerebrally were Richard Hartdegan,
later a dermatologist in Joburg, Rodney Leigh (known as ‘Gripper’ for some reason),
another medical doctor, and Steven Fine, a dentist to be. And Emil Iglauer, built like the
proverbial brick toilet, hence he propped the 1st XV scrum with Darko Vidas (in my year),
became an electronics engineer, as I did too a while later.
In 1962 I entered matric. There were only 17 of us in the class and, of course, only one
matric class in those days. Our classroom was right at the end upstairs. Next door were
the junior matrics and next door to them was the Science lab which always stank of H2S,
but then so did some boys even though they never went near the place. I never earned
my colours blazer. You needed three ‘scrolls’ for that and despite being bananas about
cricket I never made enough runs to get that most prized (in my mind) of scrolls. I was a
prefect for which you also needed the ‘merit’ scroll. Presumably it meant what it said but
we didn’t know how they measured that. They just watched us, I suppose. We also
never had a head boy that year. The ‘watchers’ clearly decided that no one really stood
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out. Roy Chisholm was no longer captain of the 1st cricket XI because Rob Fiore had
arrived from St Henry’s (in Durban) accompanied by accolades about his sporting
prowess. So he captained both the first teams: cricket and rugby. I still opened the
batting and, in fact, had played in the ‘Firsts’ the previous year too.
Before that, in the 2nds, our captain was Bill Oliver (also lavatorially-shaped and so
another ‘Firsts’ prop) opened the bowling. For sheer spirit (if not stunning talent) that
2nds side was fantastic – and Bill was the reason. He was inspirational, not least
because most of the team were in classes below him and were at least 50lbs lighter than
he was. Bill had his own form of ball-tampering long before the term was ever used at
test match level. Before opening the attack with the new ball he would rub part of it
vigorously on the concrete wall alongside the main cricket field – the main rugby field too
– immediately on the right of the driveway into the school from the main gates. This
gouging of the leather near the seam gave Bill the purchase he needed when bowling
his assortment of deliveries, mostly short-pitched that reared up at pace, to all who faced
him from our neighbouring schools. He hated them all – a good sign in a fast bowler –
and he inspired us.
In 1961 I went with the 1st XI to Marist Brothers, Walmer (in P.E.) for the Marist Cricket
Week. Every year each Marist school in the country sent its first team to play against all
the others at one or another school. We didn’t do too well; as you might expect given the
fanfare that surrounded Fiore’s arrival from Durban a while before, St Henry’s walked
over everyone else. But Rob himself was picked to play for ‘S.A. Marists’ – as a bowler.
Until then he’d been a top-order batsman and occasional wicket keeper too. But in P.E.
our captain (Mike McGurk) told him to bowl medium pace, which he did, and he took a
mountain of wickets. Needless to say, this was yet more Fiore sporting magic.
My cricket in matric was obsessional. Alf Smith (who didn’t play at all but was a cricket
nut like me) and I used to ‘talk cricket’ at every break and often in between too. I still
opened the batting, usually with Renzo Brocco of the year below. He was also fullback
for the firsts at rugby (I was fullback for the ‘Thirds’). We had a few decent opening
stands when he scored most of the runs. I was just too dogged and Jackie McGlew-like
in that I stuck out my backside, gripped the bat too low down and lost the on-drive that
had nearly murdered the Athlone boy some years before. In the St David’s Magazine
that year (I think it was, by then, known as St David’s) the matric class had pen pictures
and photos. Alongside were our nicknames and any special idiosyncrasies, foibles etc.
As was seemingly the custom in those days, we were also described by a current pop
tune. Mine was ‘Transistor Sister’ because I was also, by then, a confirmed radio (in the
electronics sense) nut as well. My cricketing prowess was, as I remember it, described in
equally unflattering terms too!
In matric, Br Anthony (‘Ornge’) taught us Maths, and very well too; Br Robert, an
extremely short Australian, taught us Science in a very methodical way, and Br Gerard
taught us English, quite inspirationally. He even made (some of) us appreciate poetry.
Best of all, he spoke impeccable English with much emphasis on correct ‘received’
pronunciation. For example, the list he put on the board included such words as
Wednesdee, ‘vittles’ (food to the rest of us), and ‘contriversey’, with the emphasis on the
first syllable and a delicate ee sounding of the second. And he could lash too, especially
when one hadn’t learnt the complete ‘To be or not to be’ soliloquy from Hamlet, our
setwork of the year. If I remember correctly, Alan’s Paton’s ‘Cry the Beloved Country’
was another, as was Thomas Hardy’s ‘Return of the Native’ which allegedly caused
some consternation within the state censor’s office until it was pointed out that influx
controls were not being breached.
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Sportswise, the cricket coach of note was little Br Dennis or ‘Tickey’, as we knew him.
He taught Latin and History too. And, on the rugby field there was ‘Bodo’: Brother
Bonaventure, big, dark and almost brooding. He too wielded the cane with precision
while teaching us Afrikaans. Both he and Tickey, evidently, never stayed the course and
left the brotherhood some years later. Now, of course, there are no brothers left and old
Ornge is, so I hear, still doing a fantastic job out in the sticks tending to those whose
needs are far greater than ours, as very privileged white youths, ever were.
I was an active member of the Science club in 1962. I proposed a club project to Ornge,
which he accepted, and the school funded. S.A. Philips, the Dutch electronics company,
had recently published a remarkable book, written by its engineers in Joburg, called
‘Transistors for the Home Constructor’. It contained all sorts of circuits for various
electronic gadgets and I wanted to build the radio transmitter. Ornge forked out the
money and my father bought the bits and pieces. Then, two or three of us, set about
building the transmitter. It took a bit of fiddling but eventually we got it working and we
could walk all around the school grounds transmitting our voices to a good old fashioned
‘wireless’ set up in the science lab. And that was long before cell phones. My mates
thought I’d clearly become what I suppose we’d now call a ‘geek’ or a ‘nerd’. They felt I
needed to spend more time with girls.
I left ‘Inanda’ at the end of 1962 and spent nine months in the army before going to Wits
to do electrical engineering. Graduating, after a few hiccups along the way, with B.Sc
(Eng) degree launched me on a career that became my life, first in Joburg at the
Chamber of Mines Research labs, and then at Wits as an academic in my old
department and for the last twenty years, before I retired five years ago, at the University
of Liverpool. As a side interest, I also wrote the biography of Sir Basil Schonland, a
noted South African scientist who amongst many other things founded the CSIR, was
scientific adviser to Field Marshal Montgomery and ultimately, was director of Harwell,
the atomic energy research establishment in England. It was published in 2001. St
David’s (‘Inanda’) provided me with lots of good guidance, both academic and spiritual,
great company amongst one’s fellow pupils and, especially, a sense of pride in a
wonderful institution that thrived throughout my time there under an inspirational
headmaster always known to us as ‘Ornge’.
B.A. (Brian) Austin
West Kirby
Wirral
UK
(May 2010)
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Brother Aidan 1963 - 1984
Brother Aidan 1963- 1984
Br Aidan attended St Aidan’s School where he matriculated in 1953 and then attended Wits University in 1954.
As Br Aidan’s main ambition was to teach he joined the Marist Brothers in Pietermaritzburg. He then went to
Australia to complete his novitiate and eventually returned to Port Elizabeth’s Walmer School to teachAt the
end of 1962 he received a letter from the Bishop in Johannesburg to take up the post as bursar at Observatory.
Br Michael, the incumbent bursar at St David’s, met Br Aidan at the train station and, when they arrived at St
David’s Br Michael informed him that the position had changed from Observatory to St David’s as he, Br
Michael, had been appointed Provincial and therefore had to vacate the position. The job had included looking
after the boaders and their food etc. Br Michael had looked after the tuckshop, worked only for the boarders
and had to supervise that every afternoon and evening. The job also covered the ground staff. With Piet the
cook for the boarders, the catering turned out to be quite easy, Charles was the brothers cook and second IC
in the kitchen. Apart from being ther bursar, Br Aidan had 4 periods of teaching Monday to Thursday after
break and on a Friday afternoon he had to do the shopping which was a heavy load.Br Aidan was very
reluctant re taking this position as he really wanted to teach. Before the Bishop sent the letter to Br Aidan the
Marist Brothers had spoken to Br Aidan’s father who was a bank manager and asked if he thought his son
would be able to cope with the job. All his father stated was that he was not in favour of his son joining the
bank!
The brothers at this stage moved into the admin block from the house near the swimming pool but the
configuration of the new ‘house’ was not really suitable as offices and living areas. Br Aidan had installed a
safe in the office but there were only two burglaries in all the years he was bursar and each time nothing of
value was taken. Br Anthony had a secretary, the first ever – Mrs Macfarlane? Br Aidan remembered Phineas
Selima who worked with him.
The first year was tough but the second year was even worse. The accounting system that was used came from
France as they had to report to the Mother House each year. In 1965 the Provincial moved him to Pietermaritzburg
and then on to Walmer, PE from 1966 to 1967 where he taught and looked after the boarders.
Br Ephrem, the new Provincial, recalled Br Aidan to pick up the pieces and he stayed at St David’s from 1968 to 1984.
Piet was the first cook in the kitchen,then the school had a series of cooks including a Scottish couple with the wife in
the kitchen and the husband as groundsman. This didn’t last long and they were followed by Mr and Mrs Erdis. Once
they left there was a gap of many years before Willem van der Merwe was appointed. To begin with there was conflict
between the work force and Willem. The ground staff were really left to their own devices because Brother was far too
busy with other matters. The problem was solved and they have become a cohesive unit now.
Br Anthony appointed some parents to form an advisory committee (first mentioned in 1968), they were the
forerunners to the board of governors. Messers N Herber, P Paizes and T Marneweck were the first parents selected.
The Marist Provincial Council took the decision that each school should be governed by an appointed board
comprising people of varying expertise due to the declining numbers of Brothers. The old boys, especially Alf Smit
were very involved and wanted St David’s to continue.
As time went on Br Aidan found that it was increasingly difficult to keep the books. He was not proficient in double
entry bookkeeping and therefore suggested that the books should be outsourced. This was done and Mr Viera came
in once a week but this process was too slow so his services were terminated. Towards the end of the 1970’s Mrs
Audrey Williams, a school secretary, was employed as a bookkeeper.
In the early 1980’s the Marist Provincial Council felt that employing a brother to be act as a bursar was counterproductive.
Mrs Anne Evans, the bookkeeping teacher, took over as bursar in 1984 with Br Aidan taking the year to
hand over the reins.
The financial position was not good as the fees were not very high. The Science lab had been built as well as the new
swimming pool. The board were not happy with the way in which the brothers allowed some children to attend the
school without paying. The brothers didn’t give cash bursaries only book entries.
A huge financial boost to the school finances was the expropriation of the land adjoining Rivonia Road. The money
from this should have gone to the Marist Brothers as they owned the land but instead Br Anthony used the money to
pay for the building of the Science lab (Opened in 1972 together with the Br Urban auditorium).
Br Ephrem moved into Maryknoll once Mrs McGill Love went to a retirement home.(The property was purchased in
1963) The McGill family were hoping that the will could be revoked and that they would get the land back. This of
course did not happen and the superiors put pressure on the school to sell some of the land as they felt the school
would have no need for it.
An embarrassing moment was when the school started accepting black children. Br Aidan was so used to seeing
people waiting in the passage applying for work so this one day he greeted this gentleman and asked him what job he
was being interviewed for only to be told that he was there to enroll his son in the school!
On another occasion Heather Joseph and Carol Ansell were talking outside Br Aidan’s office window not thinking that
their conversation could be overheard. It was just after the holidays and Heather was bringing Carol up to date with
the holiday. Heather had been to Port Alfred and said the surf was great but on one occasion she had lost her bikini
top in the surf and had to run back to the beach. Br Aidan decided to use this episode and told Heather that a lady had
arrived at school with a green bikini top which she felt belonged to someone on the staff. Of course this wasn’t true but
caused Heather much embarrassment.
After Br Aidan left St David’s he was sent to Holy Cross in Soweto run by the Holy Cross Sisters in 1986. Here he
taught which he thoroughly enjoyed, however the year was very disruptive due to the 10th anniversary of the Soweto
riots. The sisters felt that their work was not being done and they decided to close the school and the Bishop decided
that the diocese would take over the school. The opening in 1987 was slightly delayed but the school finally opened
with over 700 pupils and very few suitably trained teachers. Br Aidan wasis still at Holy Cross at the time of this
conversation and was slowly handing over to lay staff but unfortunately once they are suitably trained they leave for
greener pastures.
In conclusion Br Aidan felt that all the effort that was put into the school in the 60’s and 70’s has been worthwhile. The
area around the school and the catchment area changed dramatically but he felt very proud when he returned to the
school.
November 2010
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Darko Vidas 1962
Interview with Darko Vidas 1962
Darko joined St David’s in 1960 after living in Namibia. His mother had died and eventually his
father decided to move to Johannesburg hoping for a better life for his children. Darko was a
boarder and found the first year to be very hard; it was difficult to get acquainted with everyone
and everything, plus the fact that he went overseas for two months to Europe and Croatia to
meet his family there.
Darko was quite a rebellious child and initially found the discipline at St David’s to be a difficult
change from life as he knew it. Brother Anthony had just been appointed headmaster and he
began by reading the boys the riot act as he was determined to change the ethos of the school
and behaviour of the boys. Darko thought he would get thrown out of the school!
His first day was quite horrific. Getting organised, classrooms, teachers and books he needed. It
was a very different environment from Namibia where he went to a much poorer, dual medium –
English and Afrikaans school and discipline was a big issue. His English was never very good
as he had been brought up in his mother tongue of Croatian until he went to school and he
battled with the language.
He now speaks Croatian, English, Afrikaans, German and a little Zulu and firmly believes in
introducing other languages to children as it gives them a greater vista and an advantage.
He also remembers serving at mass in Namibia, if you did this the nuns gave you breakfast
which included delicious rye bread and polony.
He really enjoyed his time at St David’s, making good friends, with whom he really bonded.
They shared everything, which was a great experience; he mixed with boys from different walks
of life – richer and poorer than himself – having compassion for one another. The brothers
showed love and compassion even though they were disciplinarians. As far as he was
concerned there were no cons to boarding school life at St David’s, for him it became his home
and haven as he no longer had a mother at home. He also remembered that the food was very
good.
Some of the Old Boys he is still in touch with and some he remembers:
Alec Quail Steven Muller
Doug Wickins Mike von Guilleaume
John Daly Rugani - deceased
Alf Smith Tonetti - deceased
The last day he can’t remember which exam he wrote. He remembers that he wasn’t happy
about leaving and knew he would always be back. It was the end of an era and he was sad
about it.
The boys were made to play sport and he played 1st team rugby and was vice –captain of 1st
rugby team, although he had never played before. He was also a good athlete. His record with
cricket was rather ignominious as, during net practice he disgraced himself and managed to
injure one of the school’s best batsmen. Needless to say he wasn’t encouraged to continue. He
was nicknamed “Bull”, was rugby prop and was injured in a match against KES. Whilst he was
in hospital, Br Anthony told the boys to go to church and pray for Bulls recovery.
His class was the smallest matric class ever, just 17 of them, but they played against all the top
schools and beat Observatory for the first time in 1961 away (3-0) 1962 at home (6-8).
As teachers, he didn’t think the brothers were particularly good but they were certainly always
encouraging and supportive. The brothers at the time were Br Anthony, Br. Gerard, Br Liam, Br
Dennis who coached rugby and Br Ignatius and there were some lay teachers in the junior
school. Br Gerard was kind, compassionate and a dedicated teacher who helped him a lot with
his English and gave him extra lessons at no charge. He put up a stage production of “Hamlet”.
All the boys had to learn the roles and not only learn the words but understand and interpret the
meaning. He was also the senior master for the boarders and used to feed them extra food in
the form of cakes from the brother’s fridge.
The brothers were a family in themselves and motivated all the pupils and taught them to be
innovative and to think laterally. They taught them to understand what they were trying to do
and not just to learn another formula.
He remembers that he and some of the other boys built a stage for a production of “Swan Lake”.
They took Gertie, the school bus to collect wood from some of the boys. However that didn’t
come to anything and eventually the wood was donated. When it was finished it had to be
transported from the wood workshop to the school hall (now the library) and all the boarders
mucked in and helped.
Alex Quail and Darko shared a big trunk in which they kept their books and punishment for
some of the younger boarders was to carry this trunk from their classroom back to the study.
Once, a couple of boys dropped the trunk, which then went sliding down the stairs nearly wiping
out Brother Anthony. The poor boys even got caned, an additional punishment however Brother
Anthony didn’t cane hard as he really didn’t believe in caning.
Another time the boarders went on strike protesting about the food and one boy even sang a
ditty
“Sausage in the morning, sausage in the evening sausage at super time”. Brother Gerard who
was in charge of the boarders had a soft heart and often used to open the brothers fridge and
hand out some food.
An incident, where he got into trouble after complaining about an English test, led him to be
disciplined by Br Anthony. He was not allowed to wear his honours blazer for 3 months. It was
very hard for him but he learnt the true meaning of the school motto “Comfortare esto vir - Take
courage and be a man”. Br Anthony was the cornerstone of his life, always there to listen and
offer advice and was a guest at Darko’s wedding.
Darko was vice captain of Osmond house and a prefect.
Darko’s first girlfriend, who was with him at his matric dance, much to his horror, became a nun,
however they kept in touch until she died.
When he left school he went into the navy. He volunteered together with Doug Wickins.
Afterwards he started an apprenticeship with Eskom as an electrician but he decided this
wouldn’t get him very far and studied electrical engineering at night at the Wits technikon. When
qualified he joined Siemens where he stayed for 41 years until he retired.
He brought his future wife to St David’s and remembers telling her that any sons of his would be
pupils at the school. He continued to be an active member of the school community and served
several terms on the PTA from and on the board of governors as a well as on the old boys
committee and the old boy’s bursary fund, but hastened to add that many of his compatriots did
likewise. Darko was also good friends with the now infamous headmaster John Murphy. Darko
being a boxer had something in common with him. Darko was at that time chairman of MOBS
and was on the board of governors. He was distressed to here of Murphy’s wrestling exploits
but agreed he had to go when his falsification of qualifications also came to light.
JE May 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Bart Dorrestein 1966
Interview with Bart Dorrestein – 1966
At the very beginning of his school career, Bart remembers going to the school outfitters,
Markhams to get his new blazer; Cuthberts for the shoes and books from Hurleys in town. His
mother would then cover the books in brown paper!
Bart thinks of St David’s as having been a fantastic and incredible school and really enjoyed his
time there. He lived in Hurlingham, there were only about 3 houses then just off the Nicol
Highway. He would get a lift to school with the Vonk family and they would travel via a dirt road
past Tara.
The routine was good and he remembers it was exciting waiting for the report card to arrive,
especially in the lower classes. Checking the notice board to see who had been selected for
various teams.
The headmasters during his time were Br Benedict and Br Anthony. He recalled Mrs Brick his
grade 1 teacher, she wore sandals, had bunions and he was dead scared of her. She had a big
ruler with which she smacked the table. He was a left hander and had difficulty with writing and
found her to be a frightening character. The matron was Mrs Buckley-Jones and her son was
head boy for Bart’s matric year.
Other teachers were Mr Martin, grade 2, Mrs Kempster, standard 1, Mrs Humphries standard 2,
Mrs Janusch standard 3, she was a great teacher who also had a son at the school. There was
an incident with Mrs Humphries when she was mistakenly tackled by the boys. The boys used
to stand by the door and tackle other boys as they came in and one day they mistakenly tackled
Mrs Humphries!
Br Vincent taught standard 5 and was a great teacher, sportsman and coach. Br Declan taught
Latin. Br Andrew “Drac” was Maths teacher and soccer coach, a superb man. Bart was the
captain of the U10 soccer team and (Peter Gerard was the goalie). Br Andrew gave them a
good grounding and discipline in Maths and in the manner in which he taught theorems. He
gave Bart a high level of help and appreciation of Maths. He also moulded the boys into a super
soccer team. He took them to Vereeniging in the school bus “Gertie” for a match in a stadium
which they won. He recalls that they used to drive down Loch Avenue at a rate of knots. Br
Mario was a fantastic Science teacher, nicknamed “Boeing” because of his large ears, he nearly
convinced Bart to become a brother. Br Dennis, who used to insist that the boys kept their
hands above their blankets, and would check the boys during the night, he was a great teacher,
sportsman and coach for standard 5. Br Terence Boyle and Br Sean were given bicycles to
enable them to visit families; they both eventually left the order.
Bart received the academic prize in standard 5 and received a cup. Later, he had a good
Afrikaans teacher, Mrs Elsabe Pretorius and was a member of the debating team together with
Patrick Noble. The English pupils had to speak in Afrikaans and vice versa. Jannie Steyn, a
tennis player and Bart, who had Dutch parents spoke about love and won the competition.
During a woodworking class he and Mike Smith made crucifixes which didn’t quite work until
they swopped pieces and then their crucifixes fitted perfectly.
In Science classes they would, as a dare, fill up water bottles which had a pipe, someone would
distract a Brother and the other would squirt water down the side of the cassock where the cane
was kept.
The boys used to time each other when they went into the confessional. Bart was an altar boy
for two masses and was then thrown out, together with Strauss and De Matthaus as they were
caught laughing during the service. It was infectious one would start and everyone else would
join in involuntarily. Father Peter Haskins came to say mass on the first Friday on the month,
Bart managed to put the cloth in the water and when it came to communion he smacked
everyone on the Adams apple with the plate which didn’t go down too well.
Bart was a swimmer, vice-captain of the swimming team, together with Peter Moni, Mike
Beaumont, Alan Curtin, Peter Gerard (Frances’s brother). Leigh McGregor was a Springbok
swimmer and came from a dynasty of top rowers, his son Hank was a Springbok for rowing and
surf ski. Mrs McGregor was one of the mothers who manned the tea and cake stand after the
galas, together with Mrs Moni both of whom were both considered good looking. Bart took her
daughter to the matric dance.
Bart played 3rd team rugby, and participated in athletics. He was also in the U10 cricket team
together with Mike Smith and Mike Beaumont. He opened the batting and got 75 although the
ball was dropped 11 times! Sadly his coach wasn’t watching at the time.
He remembers entering the U12 race for the 220 yards and being placed in the A race and was
given the first lane. He was in the lead, then fell and collapsed onto the cinder track. He cried as
he had tried so hard and he remembers a guy called Milne who carried him off the track.
Chris Terreblanche (deceased) who matriculated in 1964) held the school 100 yard record and
ran against Paul Nash.
There was a very near tragic incident involving a player in the 1st rugby team, when the tackling
machine collapsed on his head. He had to have brain surgery but recovered and became a
doctor.
There was a big scoreboard on the cricket pitch and during the holidays the boys used to try to
get inside and use it as a club house.
He remembers school colleagues such as Peter Gerard, Olaf Winkler (Omnia Fertilisers),
Frances Gerard, Brian Jarvis, second best friend Derek Schoombie. Boys above him – Rob
Fiore, Ellis, Slabbert, Hartman, Rudell, Nobbs, Ricki Valenti
After leaving school with a first class matric, Bart went to Wits studied for a BSc and went into
business. He is now the chairman of the Legacy Group. His late son also attended St David’s
from grade 1 until standard 5 and, as the school was going through a bad patch went onto St
Johns’ where he became a Junior Springbok water polo player.
Bart says that St David’s was a standard school with no airs and graces and gave the boys a
missionary zeal which is reflected in the boys of that time. It was a school that gave opportunity,
religious education and ethos. He feels that it is this that inspired him and the Legacy Group to
build the “Candle of Hope” which stands outside the Da Vinci hotel and is the beginning of
things to come.
JE November 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview Alf Smith – 1962
082 441 7227 011 782 -7376 (Home) alfredsmith@iafrica.com
Boundary Rd was a dirt road next to the golf course and Sandton consisted of small holdings
with lots of fruit trees. The boundary of the school was the old farm. Br Pius who taught his
father at Koch St, resided in a cottage in the school grounds and maintained the beautiful
gardens where the administration block was built. The prep playing fields consisted of sand
fields, an oval with grass and a cinder track for athletics. There were three fields below the
existing swimming pool which comprised a small soccer pitch and rugby fields. The acquisition
of additional grounds for the school was a big moment.
Alf started in grade 2 in 1952 and lived in the Wynberg/Bramley area. His first day at school was
not an easy one as, in grade 1 he had initially gone to St Paul’s, the school attached to
Maryvale Parish. He was very unhappy at St Paul’s and was taken out after 6 months. He then
had private teaching from one of the sisters from Alexander Convent. His first teacher at St
David’s was Miss Brick, grade 1, who was a very kind person. He was in her class for two
weeks and then Br Anthony advised his parents that he should be moved into grade 2. Miss
Martin was his teacher, a very good teacher.
Alf was a day boy and at the time the ratio of day boys to boarders was about 50/50.Because of
the boarding, boys came from far afield. His recollections were phenomenal in that he received
a good education. His father was a Marist old boy who went to Koch St in the late 1920’s and
then onto Observatory until the beginning of WW2.
He had a strong relationship, bond with the brothers themselves. It was a very religious school
but accommodated non-Catholics, although it was predominantly Catholic. Then brothers were
very dedicated and an enormous emphasis was placed on the Catholic faith. The first period on
Mondays was Catholicism and bible study for the non-Catholics. So the boys got a very solid
foundation in the Catholic faith. Retreats were a serious issue lasting a week and during school
work there were dedicated slots in the furtherance of the Catholic faith and teaching. He
remembered the impact Vatican 2, October 1962 had on the boys and the changes in mass
from Latin to the vernacular which was very significant to the pupils at the time. He wanted his
son Paul (matric 1999) to share the same experience but it wasn’t the same, the school was
battling and no longer had the brothers. However he still had a good education, developed a
love for his father’s school and made good friends. He started in grade O with Mrs Kerschoff
and completed 13 years until his matric in 1999. It was a sacrifice to send ones children to
private schools in the beginning and especially now. Not everyone was affluent, but the brothers
accommodated this and must have helped a lot of families. Alf’s family has always had a strong
bond with the Marist movement.
Alf cannot over emphasize the role the brothers played, there were a few gaps as some of the
brothers weren’t up to standard. There were women teachers in the grades including one of the
best, Mrs Kempster, grade 4, then from std 6 onwards only the brothers taught. The brothers
were teachers but more than that, they gave so much extra. The principals were Br Edwin (a
McGurk), who became Br Provincial, Br Benedict followed by Br Anthony for his last five years,
he thought Br Anthony was a wonderful man.
It was truly one school in those days with only 400 pupils. All white children, as segregation was
a big issue. Observatory had a few Chinese children. The brothers wrestled with these problems
and more is expected of children these days.
There was an influx of boys in standard 6 with plus/minus 60 boys, some left in standardd 7 and
by standard 10, matric there were only 17 boys left.
Alf regarded himself as an average pupil, but said the brothers identified potential in a boy and
encouraged that. He was a quiet, reserved pupil but achieved so much as the brothers gave him
every opportunity to blossom.
Alf played 1st team rugby and was a member of the team that beat Obs 8-6 in 1962. The full
school attended that match at Observatory. There was a lot of emphasis on athletics. There
were four terms, during the first they swam, played cricket, second term they played rugby and
the third term was devoted to athletics and the school competed in a lot of inter-school meets.
Debating also played an important role at the school. This was run by Br Gerard the English
teacher. Alf was persuaded to prepare a speech on the family business and he remembers
Doug Wickins being an excellent speaker. This was an important aspect of extra mural
activities. There was theatre and plays with a period of music once a week with MrDrummond-
Bell. They produced many Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Darko was a very hands on pupil.
Their social life was more focused on the school, with families and parents being more
spontaneous without any expectations of the brothers. The inter-highs were invariably followed
by braais.
The worst thing a boy could probably do was to get caught trying to smoke a cigarette!
Sadly, Alf together with Alec Quail and Brian Austin didn’t get a 3rd scroll and therefore their
colours blazer in their final year.
His last day was a sad day for him; the last term was a panicked, stressful term. He wrote Italian
as his mother was Italian and had to wait another 10 days after all the others had finished their
matric. He had enjoyed his time and on leaving was sad that his school days had ended.
Incidentally, Willy Castle was age under 10 when Alf matriculated.
He then went to Wits University and studied for a BA Economics. Afterwards he went overseas
to England and the south of France working in floriculture. His family business is marketed
under the name E.C. Smith and is located in Hartebeespoort on the Hennops river. They
propagate cuttings and supply the flower markets. They have also supplied flowers to St David’s
and the Catholic church in Rivonia for many years. Neither his son or daughter got involved in
the business,with his daughter at Citibank and Paul at Investec and another company and is
now involved in a cleaning business with his brother-in-law.
Alf’s parents were on the PTA whilst he and his brother were at St David’s, and his mother was
on the original ladies catering committee.
He felt that Br Timothy struggled to fill the gap after Br Anthony left and felt that Paul Edey was
the first principal, after Br Anthony who brought stability, vision and structure to the school.
He remembers a tragic incident when Paul Barrenbrug, who came from a Dutch family and was
in the same class as Alf, grade 2 1952. The boys always used to wait for parents by the junior
block, by the little wall and the fountain. There was an ice cream seller by the main gate and a
car ploughed into the ice cream bicycle and cart, Paul was thrown into the road and killed
outright. It was an enormous shock to the whole school and especially the boys in his class. It
left a mark on Alf and some of the other boys.
Alf still keeps in touch with Darko, Alex and Doug, but married much later than the others, so his
children didn’t really get to know theirs. He did quite a bit of work for the old boys in the early
years. They were driven by the bond they had for each other and the school.
Alf is very interested in the book and the 75th anniversary and would like to be kept informed. He
doesn’t attend evening events because of his location. He did attend the opening of the new
chapel. His brother pupil Robert Smith, from 1956 – 1966,involved with old boys, also had a
son at St David’s, a good sportsman – cricket and rugby – matriculated in 2005? and became a
civil engineer like his father.
JE July 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Phineas Selima 1958 - 2010 Staff
Interview with Phineas Selima – 14 June 2010
Phineas started work at St David’s whilst he was still at school, his brother worked in
Balmoral and moved to St David’s in 1958 to do temporary work and Phineas joined him.
Initially he worked as a gardener, cutting grass etc. He didn’t stay on the property but lived in
Alexandra. He had been brought up by his grandparents and uncles as his father had died
and his mother was disabled. Brother Anthony was the school headmaster at the time. In
1962, Phineas matriculated and also became a permanent member of staff, cleaning
classrooms and assisting Brother Aidan
Brother Paul signed his ID in 1960 and Brother Leonard in 1961. He was obliged to pay £1
per year in tax from which he was exempted once he was at St David’s.
When he started working at St David’s in 1958, the current library was the hall and the
kitchen was much bigger. The boarders were accommodated upstairs in what is now the
senior prep.
The heating was by coal, the kitchen had a large oven and a cook called Julius. The present
committee room was the brothers’ dining room.
Teaching was undertaken mainly by the brothers with just a few female teachers who helped
out. Mrs Kempster was in charge of the primary school and left at the end of 1974, as did
Brother Anthony. Mrs Schaafsma then took over. Phineas also remembers Mrs Kenesovitch
and Buchan.
When he worked with Brother Aidan, everything was done manually. Each boy had a card
on which Brother Aidan typed all the details, envelopes were addressed to each parent and
receipts were written out by hand. Phineas used the roneo Gestetner machine, everything
was done by hand and put onto stencils, and then Phineas would roll them off, exam papers
from the lower grades through to matric. The current photocopying room was Father’s dining
room and Brother Mario was responsible for all the photocopying in the early days. Where
the bursar’s department and Laureen Schafer and Diane Clark’s offices are, were formerly
the brother’s dining room where Phineas often helped out as a waiter. He also helped out
with washing dishes in the kitchen, laundry dispatch and receipt.
Phineas was happy working and earning some money of his own with his wife living in Louis
Trichardt. His first born in 1968 was a girl and in 1967- 68 he used to go from St David’s to
Park station then on to Zone 8 Meadowlands and then home. He fathered 7 children, 3 girls
and 4 boys; the second born son was sadly killed in a car accident.
Phineas remembered some of the brothers, Br Andrew (Dracula), Br Timothy, head after Br
Anthony with Br Aidan staying the longest until the 80’s, none of the other brothers stayed
that long.
Phineas recalled Mr Murphy leaving and Br Anthony returning and Willy Castle left and went
to St Stithians for 3 terms. Mr Davies was a good but strict headmaster.
Phineas said that Willy Castle was a naughty boy, fighting other boys, hasn’t changed
much!!!!
Phineas is retiring after 57 years but will miss all the staff as everyone is so kind and the
school has been like home to him. He will be involved with family back home with selling
fruit, vegetables and groceries with which his wife is already busy and his brother doing the
gardening. His children all passed matric – the first born is a nurse and has 3 children, the
second child had a diploma in marketing and died whilst working for Denel. The third went to
Univ. Pretoria and acquired a degree in investment science, then honours and masters and
is now working for SARS. She is married with 2 children and her husband is an electrician.
The fourth has a diploma in tourism but couldn’t find a job and worked at SARS, the fifth is
also working at SARS finishing a BCom through Unisa. The sixth daughter is studying
electrical engineering and the seventh is at Tswane University doing graphic design.
Phineas and his wife encouraged them all to write matric.
As a child in grade 1, Phineas had a slate and chalks, with no shoes going barefoot to
school. He had to work to get some money to get into form 1 and went to Lemana College
near Elim Hospital, Louis Trichardt. The Elim Hospital was owned by a Swiss mission, he
found a Swiss teacher who let him stay with him to do form 1 and eventually went through to
form 5 and then St David’s where he finished his matric. He applied for the Univ. Of the
North but had no money for further education, which is the reason why he was so
determined that his children should be better educated. He started to live on the property at
St David’s as soon as he started working and was registered there and shared a room, going
home every month. In the 1990’s Paul Edey began to upgrade the rooms so that their wives
could come and stay with them.
In 2004, Mike Forder wrote a letter to Enoch and Phineas telling them that they had to retire
and then changed his mind so Phineas finally had to retire in 2010.
Phineas was not keen on Murphy. Davies he got on with the most because of his philosophy
of getting the job done. The bursars were always good to him and the photocopying
machines were always changing, he thought Minolta was the best.
Phineas worked t St David’s for over half a century!
JLE 2010
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Karl Shoemaker 1980
Interview with Karl Schoemaker - 1980
Karl came to St David’s from Hong Kong in 1974, standard 1. On his first day, everything was
new and overwhelming and he recalls that his shoes were very uncomfortable and that when he
saw his art teacher he thinks he may have fallen in love. Funnily enough she eventually married
one of his classmates. On his last day he was just glad to be out of there. The school was not
what it used to be and was overrun by tyrants and bullies. He is so glad to see the school as it is
today, a world class institution of education, with a name he can be proud of.
He enjoyed primary school the most, the teachers were really great (except for Mrs Knesovitch
–shudder and nipple twister Mr Knotze). Mr Habberton made a good impression on him and he
used to visit at his house near the cricket oval for tea, he was cool. He also liked Miss Joseph.
Karl had quite a close relationship with Br Bernard and is most probably a professional
photographer today due to his influence. In hindsight he thought he should have been a bit more
careful when he accepted photo shoots with him. All innocent, but one never knows?
He remembered that when the new pool was built the old pool was drained and the boys used
to sneak in and play in the empty carcass.
He didn’t enjoy high school as much, the staff turnover was high, the teaching staff were riddled
with sadists, and bullies were given the freedom of the school, it was for him a very miserable
time in his life. He recalls Br Timothy shouting “hands” at every boy trying to keep them warm in
their pockets during the icy winters and “Simon” his cane!
He was friends with and is still in contact with Johnathan and Simon Clegg.
On the sporting front, Karl played 3rd team rugby and swam.
On leaving St David’s, Karl went to St John’s as a boarder, then onto Rhodes University where
he competed his honours degree in Fine Arts. He is currently working as a commercial and
industrial photographer.
Karl has not visited the school for a number of years.
2010
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Christopher Emmanuel 1994
Interview with Christopher Emmanuel - 1994
Chris feels that school was the best and worst time of his life. He left St David’s as rather
insecure. The one thing that St David’s did not do is discover his singing talent - he is about to
release his first disc. He feels the brothers did well in introducing children of colour into the
school. He enjoyed having black children in his class from grade 0.
St David’s has helped him to where he is today and he feels that the boys leaving school now
are far more emancipated, more free, than his class was when they left St David’s. He feels that
the reunions are an excellent idea and it is a good way of integrating the older old boys with
those who have just left.
Chris was a prefect and head of The Bishops in Matric. On teachers through the years:
Mr Kotze – very strict and used to use the ruler often.
Mrs Schaafsma – he will never forget her
Ms Henning – she was inspirational and a wonderful person
Mr Rankin – Maths corporal
Mr Girdwood – was a brilliant English teacher
Mr Lambe – The Bishops housemaster
Mrs Marais – a lovely person
Mr Norton – the best teacher he had at school
Interview: 13 October 2010 GA
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Mike Beaumont 1966
Interview with Mike Beaumont – 1966
Mike was a day boy from grade 0 to matric. His class had a large proportion of boys who went
right through and are still friendly to this day. The bulk of the boys in 1966, including the head
prefect were day boys. Mike walked to school and absolutely loved it including times spent there
during the holidays.
He remembers his first day at school and being introduced to Mike Smith who had an older
brother. His teacher was Mrs Brick who looked ancient but who was a kind and nurturing figure.
There are not many old boys of his era who sent their sons to St David’s. Brother Benedict who
took over from Brother Edwin, was eventually fired and Brother Anthony became headmaster.
He was a good head but there was an academic blight during Brother Benedict’s time and in
1958 three quarters of the matric group failed. St David’s has improved enormously and with
hindsight he perhaps should have sent his son to St David’s and not to St Stithians in the mid
90’s .
Mike was swimming captain, was selected for Transvall schools swimming and played most
sport. He was disappointed as he played 1st team rugby until standard 9 when he was replaced
by a bigger boy and was relegated to the 2nd team. In 1966 the school became a swimming
force behind KES beating Parktown and Jeppe. They actually beat KES in 1965 as their team
was weakened as the main swimmers went instead to see “My Fair Lady”. Leigh McGregor was
a strong swimmer and became a triple Springbok.
Mike and Eric Ambrosioni started the cadets and were first officers. He was a soldality
committee member together with Mike Smith. Their applications were initially turned down and
they were told to improve their act!
Academically the boys were taught using fear tactics and were streamed into clever and dumb
classes. Mike was in the clever class for Maths, Add Maths, Chemistry and Physics however he
is much more of a people person and History and Geography would have been better subject
choices for him. In his year all of them passed with university entrance passes but his matric
results were dreadful. The best teacher was Brother Vincent, his class teacher in standard 5, a
lovely guy who eventually left the Brotherhood. Mike Dunleavy who now lives in Durban was
well liked by all the boys. Inspectors used to some from time to time and sit in on lessons. On
one such occasion, in a Chemistry lesson with Brother Bosco (now Mario) Mike had to conduct
an experiment, pouring some liquid into a receptacle, he was so nervous his hands shook.
He organised a matric dance which was spectacular with an underwater-neptune theme. The
band “Staccatos” were the main band in Johannesburg at the time.
In 1966 the head prefect was John Buckley-Jones who was awarded his provincial blazer, he is
now living in Zimbali. Johan Steyn had seven scrolls.
Theatre productions were unsophisticated and in about standard 4 Mike participated in a play
with three witches. He was a witch but he main witch was Chris Parker, nicknamed miniature.
The props were only available on the first night, one prop being a throne for the main witch. The
throne was too high and Chris had to jump and try to sit on it. There were talent contests and
Clive Bergman had a great band. Mike played guitar and sang a duet with Mike Ford and during
their performance the mikes kept going on and off.
School was his life and living next door he spent most of his holidays playing bicycle polo on the
fields. He enjoyed it and the friends he made. They had their fair share of peculiar brothers and
one at least who was sadistic, some were borderline abusive but the boys dealt with that and he
was very involved with the school as were his parents.
The boys generally had a developed sense of social conscience and were conservative rather
than liberal in their thinking. They were unaware of what was happening politically and of
apartheid. Even the brothers weren’t aware until the mid 60’s when anti SA sentiment became
more prevalent. Mike was called up into the army after leaving school and eventually became
an officer, they were very much fed the belief in the communist onslaught. He remembers Patric
Noble questioning the status quo,he is now living in the USA. Robert Amato (MOB) Rhodes
scholar came and talked to the boys about the situation in the country. Mike’s father used to get
translations of the Afrikaans press reports and said that most of what they were saying was
untrue.
Mike’s parents served on the PTA.
His last day he recalls as being rather an anticlimax, they had a matric picnic at Little Falls, John
Mulaneu from Gaborones took photos and made a super 8 film of the event. After school he
went into the army, then onto university and studied for a BA Psychology at UCT, he then went
to PE and joined Ford Motor Company, then SAB, Sperry Univac, was a director of an IT
company and has been consulting in the HR field for the last 20 years.
He would be interested in supporting the publication of the book and in fact he and Kevin Peel
have been considering for sometime the possibility of getting old boys from their year to set up a
bursary.
The last time Mike was at St David’s was in 2006 for the 40th anniversary but when in
Johannesburg on business often drives past.
JE October 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Harry Distin Curtis 1972
Interview with Harry Distin Curtis, Matric 1972 (Last year of Boarders)
Harry was born in 1954 in the town of Ndola in the former British colony of Northern
Rhodesia. Concerned about the quality of education in Zambia his parents sent him in 1967,
grade 7 to St David’s. Having bought uniforms etc he and his father had a brief look at the
school over the weekend. On the sunday afternoon they arrived at the school and met the
headmaster, Brother Anthony after which he went to the dormitory and locker room where he
would spend the next 6 years boarding. This would be his second home and the Marist
Brothers his foster parents, his first evening boarding was 23 January 1967.
Harry did not enjoy boarding from day one but had the comfort of knowing he would be
seeing his father the coming weekend. He was however a keen cricketer and athlete in his
early years and really only started playing rugby from grade 11. In his matric year he played
for the 1st rugby and cricket teams, and shared the athletic Victor Laudorum having excelled
in shot-put, discus and high jump. He was awarded his honours blazer in 1972 on receiving
his prefect, merit and athletic scrolls. Being appointed prefect and then the awarding of an
honours blazer were his most memorable achievements.
He only had grade 11 and 12 in which to learn Afrikaans for matric, he wasn’t required to
have it as a subject before.
Although the camaraderie and friendships that were built as a boarder were valuable, he
would have preferred to have been a day boy in Zambia enjoying life with his parents. He
was only able to be with them for a total of 2 ½ months a year during the mid year and year
end holidays. His father was only able to watch one of the games of sport he played during
his entire 6 years, a cricket match in grade 11. He had very fond memories of his holidays.
Harry felt that boarding school was harsh, not easy to adjust to coming from a loving
environment and experiencing the freedom of farm life. There was no longer any love,
privacy and freedom to dream. Bullying was rife and the Marist Brothers were certainly not
the caring people you would expect of those having received the religious habit.
In the St David’s Review Album, 1967 he found a photograph of the school choir. There he
was, the only picture relating to his past singing ability. The school also had a brass band
that performed at numerous functions. Sadly the choir and band activities came to an end.
As boarders the boys had no cultural activities, sport was the only release for their energy.
Harry felt that his musical talents were repressed at St David’s. The education was good
although, in those days, learning was mainly by rote. 1972 was a bad year academically but
conversely a very good sporting year and many records made then, he believes are still
unbroken.
Some memories:
In standard 5 he had Br. Patrick who was wonderful. Mrs Kempster was a dragon and lethal
with the cane – Kenisovitch.
The boarding was closed in 1972 as the Brothers could not control the boys anymore.
He loved matron Buckley-Jones who was a surrogate mother to him.
Br Michael ran the horse riding.
He remembers the dorm and Brother but not his name but he had a beautiful voice and was
only there for a year (not after 1968).
The last musical event was in 1968.
He had a good relationship with Br Aidan who loved playing table tennis.
Br Timothy he liked, he took them once to a soccer match as a special outing and they
regularly went to Wanderers.
Br Mario (Bosco) was a star, even though he gave him 6 of the best, caning in his last year.
He loathed Br Andrew – Dracula who nearly got him expelled after an incident with Br
Bernard.
Peter Stringer, cricket coach, not very good, rather lazy but a nice guy.
He enjoyed Br Anthony and recalled an incident when a group of boys went to the local
restaurant , Beefeaters now Giovanni’s. One of the boys had two gorgeous sisters
(Madeleine became Wickens) who worked there. They got their beers and burgers and
afterwards started the trek back to school. Jamie Curtis lay in the road trying to hitch a lift
when round the corner comes a white VW Beetle – Br Anthony’s car! Unaware that it was Br
Anthony one of the boys went up to the window, cigarette in hand. Needless to say
cigarettes were extinguished rapidly! Br Anthony got them all in his car, took them back and
all he said was he didn’t mind them having a good time but “Why in St David’s tracksuits?”.
The favourite smoking place was by the scoreboard.He enjoyed the cricket tours especially
to St Stithians and was there when the Oval was opened. He alsoenjoyed the swimming
galas.
Boys he remembers:
John Jacobs, Charles Rolandson, Hugh Flynn – has been in touch with them.
Terence van Heerden (best friend) vice head boy.
Terry Lavery (Springbok) in his first year athletics.
Mc Gregor swimmer also a Springbok.
Head Boy was Alf Ghodes.
Nigel Mayer rewrote matric and organised a couple of ladies for his matric dance which was
held in the dining room.
Iglier, Spalding, Simon and Hamish Gilbert (twins)
Strong in CT – Lavery, Agianos, McGurk, Patrick’s brother is a priest.
JLE October 2010
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Steve Muller 1952
Interview with Steve Muller 1953
Steve came to St David’s in 1941 even though there was no grade 0 in those days, and was
effectively in grade 0 until 1943. His mother said he talked too much and obviously thought
school would do him good, especially as his older brother was there too. He thinks he is the only
old boy to attend St David’s from 1941 until 1952 – check photo taken on steps by what is now
Malcolm William’s office. All three of his sons attended St David’s and his youngest son, Gavin
(87) was the first to complete 13 years, the other sons Graham and Brian completed matric in
1982 and 1980 respectively. His wife was the granddaughter of the first Marist pupil – Peter
Busschau.
The Brothers lived in a farm cottage, the land was all originally part of a Portuguese vegetable
farm. Steve can still remember the brothers walking across the veldt to school.
He was a boarder from standard 5. The senior school and boarding opened at the same time
(1948?)
The teachers, Mrs Kempster ran standard 4 and taught the boys how to write. Mrs Lidstone
owned the ‘Hudson Terror plane’ and used to pick up boys in Rosebank, corner Tyrwhitt and
Oxford where there was a Greek shop. The boys would travel with her along the then sand
roads at a rate of knots. A number of boys used to hang onto the strap at the back.
Brophy and Stirton taught the grades, Hoare standard 3, Kempster standard 4 and the Brothers
taught from standard 5 up. Brother Paul was blind.
He remembers Darko Vidas – a naughty boy. Mike von Guillieaume matriculated the same year
as Steve, Vito used to call him ‘Baron’ as his family originally German and had a castle.
Steve was not a great sportsman but participated in 1st team rugby. He was a good swimmer
and joined in the field events for athletics but never got colours for sport however he achieved
academic studies (60% in standard 9) and was a prefect. He was good at Mathematics and
received the Br Paul medal for Maths which he still has. Steve questions the high number of
distinctions pupils now achieve and remarked that a particularly bright boy, Anthony Radziwill
only achieved 5 distinctions in the JMB matric.
St David’s was always a big part of his life and still is. He enjoyed boarding, thinks it was the
best part of his life and feels very passionately about the school. He remembers his father
saying it was cheaper to send the boys to boarding school than keeping them at home, where
they would have eaten them out of house and home!
When he left St David’s he studied optometry at Wits University. He was an optometrist in
Rosebank for 40 years and in town for 10 years before that and worked until he was 70. He had
3 sons and a daughter. The daughter went to Rosebank convent.
Steve was chairman of the board of governors when, in 1981 Steve’s son was elected head
boy, although Steve knew this he kept it as a secret from his son at the time as he wanted it to
be a surprise. The board at the time was run by Vito, a farmer and Steve and optometrist. Steve
was still chairman 1982 when Br Timothy left and the first lay teacher became headmaster. It
was a difficult time, with both the parent body and many of the staff not being accepting of this
change. Tim Marnewick was vice-chairman and kept in touch with Mr Murphy, who was
originally interviewed by Br Timothy and Br Jude together with Steve. It was a tough time for the
school and many pupils left. A combined staff room for the prep and the high school was
introduced by Murphy, which proved to be an unpopular move with some of the staff.
Mr Manolios, the then prep headmaster was fired, without consultation, by Murphy for
inappropriate behaviour with mothers and a female member of staff. Murphy was also fired
when he appeared as a wrestler on TV. Br Anthony went off to Cape Town to investigate. It also
came to light later that Murphy was not as qualified as he had claimed.
At the end of 1986 when things were more settled, Steve handed over to Kevin Brewer who was
really good and has done a lot for the college.
JE June 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Anthony Stanley 1968
Interview with Anthony Stanley – 1968
Anthony was a boarder at St David’s from 1963, standard 6. He initially went to Bryanston
Primary and found it strange as a new boy jostling for position with boys who had known each
other for some time. After the first couple of weeks he really enjoyed it. He loved the boarding
even though the family home wasn’t far away in Shepherd Avenue, Bryanston. One thing that
really stands out in his memory was the early morning mass and going to the courtyard
afterwards for coffee and a slice of bread and butter with his breath steaming in the cold air.
Anthony participated in the sporting activities swimming, athletics, cross country, tennis and
hockey where the boys played against some girls schools! He was also in the 1st rugby and
cricket teams and also played chess. He played flank in the 1st team in 1968 and recalls there
was a photo in the “Southern Cross”. The matches against Observatory and Parktown Boys
were always great; there was a lot of competition between the schools which generated a lot of
enthusiasm. Anthony really enjoyed the rugby games in which his younger brother Tim played,
he was a full back and kicked well. He now lives in Australia. Anthony remembered how, in his
matric year he was so sick with a cold but was determined to play in the last rugby game
against Parktown Boys. Other members of the team were Demata and Stravino.
Anthony recalled the trips to matches in the old school bus and going over the humps at St
Stithians which threw the boys out of their seats. He was a prompt for a play which took place at
the Sandown Hall.
There was talent contest in which Curtin was the drummer and Tony Riviera played guitar.
Brother Anthony was quite a character and used to tell the boys that he would show them how
to kick and would demonstrate by hitching up his cassock and kicking the rugby ball soundly.
There were other brothers such as Br Andrew (Drac), Br Michael who left a year after Anthony,
Br Liam who used to get the boys to warm themselves up by jumping up and down and
thrashing their arms about in the freezing classroom. Br Edwin, who was very old, was still at
the school but no longer teaching. Mrs Janusch was a tyrant and used to hit the boys’ fingertips
with her cane. Mrs Pretorius was gorgeous and taught Afrikaans, he remembers her saying to
him “Stanley, I don’t know what you are going to do because you cannot speak Afrikaans”. The
brothers were not trained teachers but weren’t too bad and in particular Br Mario – Science,
made things interesting. Some boys built the first computer in the school during Anthony’s time
in his class.
The discipline was good and the boys respected the necessity for it and there was no bullying.
Academically Anthony did reasonable well, there was a carefree attitude in the JMB class but he
achieved his matric. Willy Castle was in his matric year but in the Transvaal matric class and
was an incredible sportsman.
He took Alex Le Vieux, Pierre’s sister to the matric dance and had a great evening in the
boarder’s dining room.
After leaving St David’s Anthony studied for a BSc and BSc Hons at Wits University and had
started his Masters when he decided to study Medicine. He then had to do his military service at
a mission hospital in Nongoma, Zululand and also did 6 months on the border. He was then a
registrar qualifying as a physician in 1984 and then went on to become a cardiologist in 1988
and is currently practising at Sunninghill Hospital. He has two stepsons who were already pupils
at St Stithians when he met his wife. His daughter is a psychologist and his son went to Hilton
and is studying neurology at UCT.
He remembers Frank Cattich and is still in touch with Joe Stravino and Patrick Quarmby.
JE October 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Nigel Sloane 1980
Nigel Sloane Gr 1 1969 to matric 1980
Nigel began his school career in 1969 at St David’s in Mrs Schaafsma’s grade 1 class of 36 boys. He admits
that he was petrified of his teacher as well as the headmistress, Mrs Kempster. Other teachers who Nigel
remembers are Mrs Hildyard in standard 1, Mrs Napier in standard 2, Mrs Geddes in standard 3, Mrs
Barenbrug in standard 4 and finally Mrs Knezovich in standard 5 to complete his prep school teachers.
Nigel enjoyed his prep school years mainly because of the sport which he loved. When he was in grade 2 he
was selected to play for the U/10 cricket team. This was unheard of, a 7/8 year old playing with boys turning
10! One aspect which he did not like was when incense was used as this made him faint. He fondly
remembers Matron Buckley-Jones looking after him when he was not feeling well.
Nigel continued to enjoy his sport in the high school and in matric he was appointed captain of the 1st cricket
team. Here Nigel clashed with Br Timothy, the headmaster, as he asked if the 1st cricket team’s gear could be
blessed as was done for the 1st rugby team. Br Timothy refused. Just before the matric exams Br Timothy
would not allow Nigel to captain or play in the cricket team stating that he should be at home studying for the
exams. Br Timothy finally relented as Mrs Sloane intimated that there might be no tea provided for the match!!
Mrs Sloane as the captain’s mother was in charge of the teas.
Nigel did not enjoy high school as he was continually compared to his older brother, Christopher, who was
academically minded and achieved excellent results. Most of the staff thought that Nigel should follow in his
brother’s footsteps. This has left a lasting impression on Nigel and he is always very conscious of not
comparing the siblings he teaches.
While Mrs Sloane was very active with the catering committee, Mr Sloane sat on the PTA for a number of
years and was very involved in the design and building of the swimming pool as he was an engineer. Nigel
remembers Brs Anthony and Aquinas coming to the house for dinner.
Nigel wrote matric in 1980 and went off to the army. He returned for the prize giving in March 1981 to receive
the cricketer of the year award. Once the army was behind him he went to Rhodes where he achieved a BA
honours and teaching diploma. His first teaching post was at Redhill for one term before leaving for England
where he was head of sport at Downs School near Bristol. On his return to South Africa he decided to try the
corporate world. He worked for Woolworths for a short period but loathed the corporate life and decided to
return to teaching, his first love.
He taught at St David’s from 1994 to 1997. Here he taught Zulu, of which he knew very little, amongst a
variety of subjects. He was promoted to head of department senior primary by Mr Spence in 1996. Nigel was
introduced to his future wife Monica by Pat Milne who also taught at St David’s. Nigel and Monica left for
Uplands Prep where Nigel was deputy head for 7 years from 1998 to 2004.
Nigel then moved to Thomas More College as headmaster of the prep school from 2005 to 2008. In 2009
Nigel took up the post as prep headmaster of St Peter’s Prep with Greg Royce as the rector.
Nigel is still in contact with Brian Muller who lives in Australia and he, Monica and the children are happy living
at Pecanwood primary where Nigel is the current headmaster.
January 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Andy Simaan 1972 Standard 9
Interview with Andy Simaan – 1972 Std 9
Andy really enjoyed being at St David’s and wanted to write his matric here but, due to a
disagreement between his father and Brother Anthony, he was transferred to Marist Brothers
Observatory. He hated it there and was bullied by both boys and teachers. There was great
rivalry between the two schools and they hated each other. The dispute between Brother
Anthony and his father concerned a boy who was initially denied his colours and scroll for rugby
but was eventually awarded both. This taught Andy not to interfere with his children’s schooling.
Andy would have loved to have continued at St David’s and knew he would have become a
prefect and would have been awarded his honours blazer, however, maybe he would not have
met his wife who was also a pupil at Rand Tutorial.
Andy began his time at St David’s in grade 2 coming from St Paul’s. His first teacher was Mrs
Scaafsma, Brother Anthony was headmaster, and Brother Andrew vice-principal, who was
Spanish.
He believes he was fortunate to have had the brothers who were very dedicated and the
boarders who brought a special spirit to the school. He was very sad when the boarding was
closed down as he felt that the boarders held the school together. It was great to be brought up
a Catholic in a Catholic school, the boys were exposed to other religions and other cultures,
boys both rich and poor which made them much more tolerant. The boys were passionate about
the school.
Andy and his brothers used to have to milk the cows in the morning and bottle the milk which
they then delivered on the way to school. They lived on a farm in Buccleuch and times were
hard.
Andy was no academic but loved his sport. Andy’s father coached 1st team rugby. Andy was
selected for Craven rugby and was also a good tennis player.
The boys used to challenge each other at the end of the year as to how many cuts of the cane
they had received during the year. They used to line up for caning. He and John Jacob were
caned by Brother Andrew with his chain and they both bled. However he feels they were
brought up as gentlemen and had the right upbringing at school but were very naughty.
He missed 7 months of school, and eventually went to Rand Tutorial College for two years
where he wrote matric and became head boy. On leaving school, he went into the army in 1975
and 1976 which he loved because of the sport. Then he started working in a motor spares shop
and at the age of 27, married with two children, he decided to work for himself and opened up
Retail Management Services. He has been in the business for 30 years and now employs 1000
people; his company represents 12% of the total non-food business throughout South Africa
and neighbouring states. He opened an office in Dubai 4 years ago, is involved in property
development, game lodges and hotels. Another not so happy event was the jailing, 7 to 8 years
ago of another former St David’s pupil Gordon Ramsey who embezzled him out of R16 million.
Instead of giving clients gifts at Christmas he and his wife used that money to open an
orphanage catering for 30 children and adopted a little boy when he was 3 weeks old. He is now
7 and has brought a lot of joy into their lives. He has two other children and three grandchildren,
his daughter Samantha taught at St David’s for a year and his son Gareth runs his own hotel
group.
Gareth was also a pupil at St David’s and Paul Edey supported him and because of that he
became a prefect. Paul saw in him what his parents did and Gareth idolised him. There is an
amusing story about him. He was the first Marist boy to win the Rotary award which he very
reluctantly accepted at a school assembly. He was reluctant as, on one occasion at the age of
16 whilst his parents were away, he “borrowed” his father’s Porche and, with a group of 4 other
boys, was caught in a police road block. They were locked up, some teachers bailed them out
and negotiated on their behalf, hence they were allowed to do community service instead of
being jailed, which is how he got the Rotary award. As he was the leader,he got all his mates to
help him and the other four to finish some of their projects. He didn’t want to admit to this and
only told his father much later when he was 21.
Another story which Andy told was very moving and occurred during the time when he and his
wife were recently married with no children and staying in a block of flats in Highlands North
Corner, Johannesburg. A cafe owned by Uncle Harry Nicolau was below the block of flats. At
the end of every month Uncle Harry noticed that Andy and his wife did not buy their usual loaf of
bread and bottle of milk. He then sent his young son, Stavros upstairs to deliver bread and milk
to them at no charge, at the end of each month. Andy questioned Uncle Harry on the first
occasion and said it was not needed. Harry knew that Sandy and his wife could not afford the
bread and milk and insisted that he wasn’t prepared to listen to any excuses and that young
Stavros would be bringing up bread and milk at no cost. Harry knew that one day Andy would
pay for it.
When Andy and his wife moved out of the flat it always bothered him that he had not thanked
Uncle Harry appropriately and made a mental note to do something for him to show his
appreciation. The bread and milk had been important to him and his wife when they had very
little else to eat. However, when he did go back to the cafe to see Harry it was to find out that he
had recently died.
During his later years in business, he and his brother interviewed many people for the position
of marketing director for their pharmaceutical company. Andy was adamant that an
inexperienced young man that they had interviewed was the only choice. Without knowing him
and recognising him they employed him and he proved to be a great success in their business.
One night at a conference, Andy related the story of Uncle Harry to his directors and clients and
made the point that everyone should ensure that they always thanked someone for assisting
them, no matter how small or large the contribution was and, that he had regretted all his life
that he was unable to thank Uncle Harry for the kindness he had shown towards his wife and
himself. He would never be able to pay him back as he had already passed away. The young
man they had employed responded and said that was not correct as he had paid him back, he
had employed his son. The young man’s name was Stavros Nicolau!
JE January 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with John Mills 1959
Interview with John Mills – 1959
John attended St David’s from standard 1 until matric. He was a day boy as he lived nearby in
Jellico Road, Rosebank and rode his bicycle to school. Due to being disabled by polio, John
didn’t participate in sport and on the academic front he failed matric with dismal marks for
Maths. He went to Damelin the following year and passed with flying colours. One of the
reasons for this may have been that he went overseas for 3 months in 1957 to represent the
boy scout troop and missed a lot of schooling. He recalls that they wrote matric together with the
girls from Redhill, it wasn’t very well organised with boys talking and copying and the Brother on
duty wasn’t very vigilant.
He remembers Brother Anthony – “Oranges” and Brother Benedict – “Beak”, all the teachers
were Brothers with the exception of the prep school where there were lay teachers. He had
great respect for Brother Edwin “Jack” the principal. A teacher that stood out in the prep was
Mrs Kempster, she was strict but fair and got good results. Mr Bishop, standard 5 rather weak,
Mrs Brophy grade 1, Mrs Keen standard 1 and Mrs Batten was a battleaxe. The boys used to
get caned or rapped over the knuckles and John’s older brother used to have the blackboard
rubber thrown at him by Brother Gerald. He was outspoken and not popular with Brother
Anthony.
John does not have much contact with old boys but he remembers that the head boy in his
matric year was Brian Nicol, an unexpected choice but he was Brother Edwin’s nephew. He
recalled Bill Bolsdon who lives opposite the college, George Poole an attorney living in Kenton,
Dennis Adams who is in Flo Bird’s office, Clive Knobbs, a director of Rand Mines, Ugo Riviera
whose brother Francisco had just died’ Max Liepoldt living in Hermanus, David Jacobsen who
was a director of Altech living in Boksburg, Leon Kadish who he thinks lives in Australia and
Basil Dakes whose father ran a hotel in the middle of town.
On completing his matric, John wrote his articles for accountancy but didn’t qualify but went into
business soon afterwards. He ran a Mercedes dealership on the East Rand, then Bill Lynch
approached him and he then sold his business to the Imperial Group. He started another
business and volunteered his services to the diocese.
John’s son Alan was a pupil of St David’s all his school life and matriculated in 2000. He recalls
that the classes expanded form one to two classes as the school roll increased. The main
sports were rugby and soccer, the latter brought parents together. The boys would go by train
and the parents would then fly down. It was good teambuilding.
John was a member of the board in the mid 90’s, his role being fundraising for the pavilion at
the time. Paul Edey approached him with regard to the Foundation and he was on the board at
the outset. Brother Anthony and Brother Jude were also involved. He currently runs the finances
for the Catholic Schools Office and diocese. He belongs to the Victory Park parish and is also
involved the Hope Home and Girls and Boys Town.
JE September 2011
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Alan Reeves 1977
Interview with Alan Reeves – 1977
Alan began his career, as a day boy at St David’s in standard 1 (grade 3) in 1968. It was a
completely new school for him and he was very excited on his first day even though he really
didn’t know what to expect. He quickly made friends and remained friendly with the same guys
throughout his school career.
He remembers that as a day boy that it was good to go home each day but that a lot of time was
wasted travelling especially when school or sports functions finished late. The boarders created
a deep rooted spirit and tradition in the school and Alan felt it was a real shame when the
boarding school closed as that all vanished.
Alan really enjoyed being around friends every day, the sport, the spirit.
Some negative aspects were classes with Br Bernard who taught Latin and made all the boys
hate the language. Some amusing situations were in the class of Mr Sherman who was a
temporary History teacher. He had absolutely no control over the class, the boys initially gave
him some nonsense names. He was a disaster and, at the end of term when the parents met
the teachers there was always a long queue outside his classroom., He spent hours writing out
notes on the board and the boys would come into the class early and wipe them off. Colin
Anderson (vice head boy), who didn’t even take History shot a movie in the classroom hidden at
the back under all the blazers and Mr Sherman didn’t even notice.
Teachers he remembers well and who left a lasting impression on him were Br Timothy, who
showed him the meaning of leadership and empowerment as he guided him but let him make
his own decisions as head boy. Ken Lipschitz used very progressive teaching methods and Alan
thought that both he and Br Timothy changed a lot of aspects at the school in a subtle way to
more modern educational processes.
Alan remembers Nassey Simaan and his wife Agnes. Nassey was the rugby coach and
coached the 1972 rugby team which only lost one game..Agnes was a very kind person and all
the boys would go to her if they had problems.
Angelo Haggiyannis, head boy 1974 and Alan were both in the Wanderers Club athletics team
and used to take part in athletics competitons. Alan said that Angelo was a brilliant athlete and
they are still friends.
Alan enjoyed the leadership courses and in particular the one held at Queen’s College in 1977.
There was also a leadership course held at Hibberdene where, on the last night the boys put on
a show which included taking off the teachers!!
His most memorable moment at St David’s was when he was told he had been elected as head
boy for 1977, this was in the October 1976 and the day he was also informed he was to receive
the Marist Provincial Award. At his first matric dance in his grade 11 year he was partnered by
his girlfriend who is now his wife.
Academically Alan received a study scroll. He was part of the band playing guitar at the interhouse
plays held at Rosebank Convent.The press attended and a good write up followed. Alan
loved sport and was in the rugby 1st XV team, A team swimming, A team water polo and in the
athletics team. He represented the SA invitation team in the pentathlon and SA Defence in
pentathlon in 1981.Alan was head boy in his matric year. On his last day Alan recalled feeling
very sad as friends were going to different universities, military service and emigrating.
He went on to study for a BComm at Wits University. He has always owned his own businesses
together with his brother Mark and owned Foto First and Beyond IT for 25 years, sold out in
2004 and started DIY Depot in 2007.
JLE 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Braydon Aab 1985
Interview with Braydon Aab – 1985
Braydon joined St David’s in 1981, standard 6 when the family moved from Germiston. Initially
he found the transition difficult but through sport he soon became integrated.
He really enjoyed his time at the school and felt it was the best time of his life.
Braydon felt that the education he received was ordinary and influenced greatly by the transition
the school was going through with the brothers leaving and the subsequent turnover in
headmasters at the time. Br Timothy was his first headmaster followed by Mr Murphy who was a
complete disciplinarian and ruled by fear. After his demise, Br Anthony returned for a short
period followed by Mr Freilick, then Mr Boswell who was an Afrikaans teacher. Braydon felt that
Mr Freilick was the best of the bunch.
Of the teachers, Braydon remembered Mrs Elliott, an unbelievable character who taught
English, and was passionate about everything that she did. Tom Macfaden, who taught History
was a character of note who knew his subject well. St David’s was a much wealthier school than
Observatory although the teachers were poorly paid and the general feeling was that St David’s
subsidised Obs.
Braydon enjoyed the sport and focused on partying and on getting into varsity. Sport was really
important to most of the boys and St David’s, although a very small school compared with the
likes of St Stithians and didn’t have the numbers, there were only 60 boys in matric, they still
managed to beat St John’s and a couple of the boys were selected to play in provincial cricket
teams.
Braydon played 1st team tennis in standard 6, 1st team cricket in standard 10, was captain of the
U14 rugby team and played 1st team rugby in standard 9 and 10 and never missed a game.
Braydon recalled the tours which the parents funded; the best was the U14A rugby tour with
their last game playing at Hilton. In standard 9 he went to Europe, saw the passion play at
Oberammergau and he remembered that the group was welcomed by one of the cardinals at
the Vatican. The tour was a tremendous experience and made a big impact on Braydon.
An aspect of school discipline at the time was the institution of the prefects tea. If you had done
anything wrong you were told to go to the prefect’s tea which was held in the old hall during
break. The punishments meted out were nothing too serious or harsh other than perhaps
pushing a biscuit along the floor with your nose, however the discipline was effective.
He recalled one of his worst moments during his time at St David’s. To get an honours blazer
you needed three scrolls and Braydon had a scroll for merit, being a prefect and was waiting for
his rugby scroll. A retreat was organised, supervised by two of the teachers. Braydon and some
other boys went on to a friend’s yacht and had a couple of beers. The teachers noticed that
some of the boys had had alcohol and back at school Mr Boswell asked those boys to come
forward and apologise. All of them that were prefects lost their badges and Braydon was among
the boys whose honours blazers were withdrawn.
Academically Braydon did well enough to get a university pass for matric and went on to study a
BSc in Building Science Faculty at Wits University. Whilst at university he started a construction
company and has been in the construction and commercial property business ever since. He is
currently employed by Broll in the industrial division.
Braydon is married with two daughters and a younger son who attend St Stithians. Although he
doesn’t have any current connection with St David’s he would be interested in participating in
the 2016 celebrations and would purchase a copy of the book when published.
Braydon is still in touch with many of his contemporaries such as Jason Goodall who was
deputy head boy, Nicholas Pruim, Adrian and Jeremy Franklin, Mark and George Wurr. George
lives in Jhb. He remembered the Hartman brothers Roland, Ronald and Reinhart (Hartman &
Keppler).
JLE July 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Harry Rosmarin 1960
Interview with Harry Rosmarin – 1960
Harry’s family attended Marist Brothers from 1912 until 1964 when his cousin left, both Harry,
his brother and cousin John were all at Inanda. He remembers Piet the cook who also cooked
for his father at Marist Brothers, Koch Street.
Harry started at St David’s in 1952 as a boarder. There were 44 boys in the dormitories; it was
an open house with absolutely no privacy. There was great discipline and lights were out by
9.00pm each evening. Being a boarder was quite an adventure at times, if you needed to go to
the doctor or dentist or to go into town, you first had to walk to Oxford Road or Corlett Drive and
get a bus to get into town. Transport to sporting events was on the back of the school truck and
all the boys got soaked when it rained.
He enjoyed it, found it to be great fun and is still in contact a number of old boys from that time –
Dave Phillips, Chris Bischoff who now lives in London and is the Ruperts financial advisor, Mike
Lakovsky. All the boys in the matric photo of that year have done well individually.There is no
photo on display in the hall as with all the other matric classes as they didn’t have an official
photo. There were 26 boys in matric and 180 boarders. There were no vacancies and there
were waiting lists for the school, 40% of which were boarders.
In 1957, Harry’s father’s farm in Standerton went downhill and the family had to move to
Johannesburg. Parents didn’t discuss such issues with their children and Harry only found out
when he and his father had an appointment with Br Edwin. Harry was surprised to hear that the
family farm was in liquidation and that his father could no longer afford to keep him at Marist
Brothers. Br Edwin’s response to this was that the farm was Mr Rosmarin’s business but Harry
was his and therefore Harry would continue as a pupil at St David’s.
Harry was involved with sport, played cricket continuing until he was 50. In matric he captained
the cricket team, he also played 1st team tennis, 1st team rugby and started a hockey section.
He used to play tennis on fridays at Ellis Park and a pupil from King David’s asked why they
didn’t play hockey which is how it all started. The Marist Cricket week began whilst he was at
Inanda. He remembers the boarders were often taken out over a weekend, sometimes to
Wanderers to watch rugby and cricket at the old Maristonian Club which was in the Eastgate
area of Wynberg.
Harry did well academically in the high school, was in the debating team, gained top spot in his
matric year and was the dux for 1960 narrowly beating Les Berman. There were seven Jewish
boys in matric that year, the only contenders for head boy being two Jewish boys. Harry was
eventually appointed head boy.
He recalled the matric dance, all the boys were in uniform and it was held in the dining room.
His date was Carol Dakes who’s brother Basil matriculated in 1959. He is still in touch with her
today.
Brother Anthony was a teacher at Inanda in 1958, left for PE and returned as principal in 1960.
He saw him again at the memorial service for Robert Amato.
Br Dennis was the best English and History teacher, he was young and outstanding; Br
Benedict was a disciplinarian; Br Lawrence his standard 6 class teacher and he had a great
respect for Br Edwin.
Robert Bailey matriculated in 1961 and he believes he became a priest.
Harry thought that his school years were the best of his life although he was sometimes a bit
homesick but he was always happy to be back at school and made life-long friends with a group
that gets together regularly. At one of their get-togethers in 1999 he managed to get Br Anthony
to join them, unaware that it was an informal reunion. They lunched at La Rustica and he joked
with Br Anthony saying that he seemed to work in places so dry that the dogs ran after the
trees. Br Anthony was an absolute gentleman with a wicked sense of humour which failed him
sometimes.
Late one morning when everyone was tired and sleepy, Norman Schwab was holding a fire
cracker which accidentally exploded in his hand, entirely an accident, none the less Br Anthony
was furious and from then on Norman became the scapegoat.
On leaving school, the final day being tinged with sadness with a party at David Butler’s home,
he went on to Wits to study accountancy. At university he joined Highlands North Old Boys
playing cricket and hockey as Marist old boys ceased to exist. He is a CA by profession but only
practised for a year after qualifying and then went into the family steel business.
He didn’t send his two sons to St David’s, society was different and they went to Highlands
North. He also has a daughter, a doctor working in London.
Currently semi-retired Harry has a business together with his eldest son selling food hampers,
corporate gifts, and clothing.
JE January 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Frank Cattich 1969
Interview with Frank Cattich – 1969
Frank came as a boarder to St David’s in standard 8, 1966. He had previously been a pupil at St
Aidan’s in Grahamstown and had a bond with Br Aidan having been a pupil of his. St Aidan’s
was Jesuit and extremely strict so it was a relief to appreciate that St David’s was not quite so
rigid and more relaxed. It was also great to be closer to home as his parents lived in
Bedfordview.
Frank’s mother was an orphan who grew up with nuns in Rome and Frank remembers staying
in the grounds of the Vatican as a child. His mother sought out her mother in South Africa as
she wanted to know why she had abandoned her. Unfortunately this didn’t have a happy ending
as her mother a widow, her husband having been the owner of Valenti Construction, didn’t want
to know her daughter. She established that her father was an Italian prisoner of war and
eventually got to know Margo Moni and others with whom she lived together in the youth hostel.
He recalls his first encounter with Anthony Stanley was with a punch up on the rugby field and
they have been firm friends ever since. Mike Denopolius built the castle at Kyalami, now lives in
Marbella and his daughter recently married Chemaly’s son
Trevor Corie was a boarder who slept near Frank and about twice a month they would stuff their
beds with cushions, climb out the window onto the roof and through a chapel window en route to
the kitchen. They would raid the kitchen and, after midnight bring back the loot, cases of cool
drink, biscuits and sweets. There were a couple of dobermans that roamed around the school
but they never barked at them and Br Bosco used to patrol the dorms with his torch but never
caught them out. On one occasion they were in the kitchen, heard footsteps, one of the Brothers
had come down to make a cup of tea, all the lights went on and the boys hid behind the stove.
Trevor started to giggle and Frank’s heart stopped, thinking they were going to be caught, it
seemed like an eternity but they got away with it. Later the brothers put a padlock on the fridge
but undeterred the boys removed the pins from the hinges and still got in. During these raids the
boys accumulated hundreds of empty bottles which they stacked on the roof and only years
later were they found.
The boarders were used to plant the fields on the McGill- Love farm at the weekends.
Br Mario was unique and always seemed to be in conflict with the boys behaving rather like a
prison warden. He wasn’t unfair but the boys just didn’t like him. He once ordered Frank and
Trevor to bend over and Trevor refused, they weren’t guilty on this occasion. Br Mario just didn’t
know how to deal with them. Br Andrew “Drac”was very hard and Frank recalls being lashed on
his first day at lunchtime following a fist fight. One of the boys, Simon had been tormenting the
new boy Frank, shooting at him with a peashooter, Frank identified the culprit and let him have it
on the landing, unfortunately witnessed by Br Andrew. Br Michael was the rugby coach. Br
Anthony had a short memory and awarded Frank his honours blazer, which he never received
as his father refused to pay for it. He was awarded scrolls for athletics, rugby and merit; three
scrolls were required for honours, three months later Br Anthony, obviously wondering why
Frank wasn’t wearing an honours blazer re-awarded him his scrolls.
Frank played rugby and was 1st team captain in 1969 and recalls there was a blood feud
between Observatory and St David’s and there were some tough games. On one occasion he
remembers a painful experience playing against Jeppe when he was about to score, was ankle
tackled and fell a metre short of the line. Frank didn’t board for his last year but rode to and from
school on his motorcycle. He remembered that his brother had an operation to reconstruct his
nose which cost R10 000. Being fair his father offered him the same option but Frank decided to
keep his nose and save the money.
Frank was a November child and he believes that this contributed to him repeating his matric
year in 1969, together with Willy Castle. However, Frank was not good academically, was
motivated by material things and didn’t achieve a university pass. On leaving school Frank went
into the army and afterwards went to Europe where he met a German girl, a dental assistant. He
stayed with the family for four years before returning to South Africa and joined his father’s
company dealing in civil construction, earthworks and pipelines. He was an apprentice for 6 -7
years. His father didn’t believe in spoiling his children and Frank was the black sheep of the
family, with his brother and sister going on to university .Frank speaks fluent German and Italian
and has always been in business for himself spending 7 years in Switzerland and then he got
involved with a contract in Iraq which was a huge and exciting challenge. He was established in
Cyprus and all was going well until 9/11 when, due to sanctions nothing was allowed in or out of
Iraq. Following this disaster, Frank came back to South Africa and together with Investec Bank
launched Velocity, a company with technology imported from the UK to upgrade and maintain
the deteriorating roads in South Africa.
He is married to Sheena and is the father of three children, a son Maximillian, a pupil at St
David’s in grade 0 and twins a boy and girl.
Frank is an active member of MOBS.
JLE October 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Charles Rowlinson 1972
Interview with Charles Rowlinson – 1972
Charles was a day boy and one of four children, his two younger brothers attending Marist and an elder sister
attending Parktown Convent, with a mother who was involved with catholics all her life. Charles’ mother joined
the Holy Convent Sisters as a young graduate teacher and ended up as headmistress of Parktown Convent.
Charles actually attended grade 1 and 2 at Parktown Convent before starting standard 1 at St David’s, Marist
Inanda.
Some teachers he recalled from prep school days were Mrs Scaafsma - standard 2, Mrs Janusch -standard 4,
Mrs Kenesovitch – standard 5 and high school, Andre Malan – Afrikaans in standard 7 -8, Bob Blyth – Maths,
Mr. Zach from Eastern Europe who taught History and was a great character and Mauve Hartman who taught
English.
Charles got on well with the Brothers – Anthony, Mario, Aidan, Andrew, Vincent, and Timothy, most of whom
also taught him at some stage in his 10 years at Inanda.
Charles recalls how he and his younger brothers, Greg and Anthony cycled to school from Craighall Park. He
states that many of the boys cycled to school and Charles remembered the bicycle shed which housed around
500 bicycles. Parents didn’t play such a big role in the school in those days and the boys were in fact very
independent and self-reliant. Charles and his brothers got to school very early each day playing soccer before
school. He recalls always busy with some sport or other during breaks. There was a very good and healthy
school ethic.
Charles thoroughly enjoyed Inanda and participated in most sports, rugby, playing in the 2nd and 3rd team,
tennis – 2nd’s and athletics he ran the 800m and long distance events. He recalled that 1972, his matric year
was actually a great year for the school, it was a top rugby school winning every game but one when they drew
with KES. He recalls the game very well, as the sun was setting. George Nichas, an outstanding rugby player
missed a rather simple kick to put Marist in the lead and win this game. The school also did very well in
swimming, athletics and tennis. Besides being well recognised as a very strong sporting school in this era, it
also produced outstanding academic results.
Having a boarding school meant than many boys came from the far reaches of South Africa and from
neighbouring countries.
Charles said it was great watching the 1st team rugby play and other special events. Nolan Springer was a
great sprinter, one of the greatest in Marist history. He was outstanding and broke every record.
Academically Charles was usually in the top ten. Charles feels that he was very privileged to have attended
such a school and is pleased that it is still today such a great school.
After acquiring a JMB matric, Charles went to Wits University on a part-time basis while doing his articles at
Ernst & Young, to study accountancy and after qualifying as a chartered accountant, undertook an MBA.
Charles’ own children 3 sons and a daughter didn’t attend St David’s as the school was going through a tough
patch at the time his eldest son was ready for school in the post Br Anthony period, so his sons went to St
John’s, Hilton and St Stithian’s. Charles was a long serving member of the St.Stithian’s council and became
chairman of the inaugural St Stithian’s foundation. He was very close to David Wilde the schools headmaster
and later school rector. He had contact with Paul Edey when he was setting up the St David’s foundation.
Charles has a background as an entrepreneur and is currently executive chairman of WIZZIT Bank, banking
for the unbanked which led to the creation of the globally recognised WIZZIT model which utilises cell phone
banking in reaching unbanked markets. Formerly he built up his own group from the age of 29, Renwick
Group, which became part of the listed group EDUCOR, where Charles was CEO and chairman. When
Charles left, after the group delisted in the early 2000’s he felt that he wanted to put something back and
wearing a social entrepreneurs hat, together with his partner, formed WIZZIT. He has also been C
chairman of the Rosebank Catholic church finance committee for the past 32 years and a member of the
archdiocese finance committee advising the Archbishop on financial, administrative and property matters for
the past 20 years.
Charles is a member of MOBS but is not as involved as he would have been had he been a parent at the
school, however he has been actively involved in organising reunions for 10, 20, 25, 30 years and now 40
years. He is pleased that 30 boys will be attending with 6 coming from overseas.
JLE October 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Brother Andrew 1960 - 1974 (via email)
Interview with Brother Andrew – 1960 – 1974 (correspondence by email)
Br Andrew was a member of the staff of St David’s from January 1960 to 1974. This period covered Br
Anthony’s headship; a period in which Br Andrew said he had the honour to be the vice-head. It was the
beginning of the boom of the college of which the main highlights were the acquisition of forty acres of land
where the cricket oval and four different levels for rugby fields were laid thanks to the generosity of Mr
McGregor of Dowson and Dobson. In addition the administration block, the wood work block, the Art block,
the Science block and many other things were added to the school campus during that time.
In about 1962-63, Br Andrew was in charge of C dormitory with 44 boys about ten, eleven and twelve years
old. It was a Saturday morning, suddenly, at about seven o’clock; Br Andrew heard a kind of revolution
among the boys, running barefoot, jumping on the beds, climbing on the windows etc. He gave them
enough time to return to their beds placing the key in the lock making as much noise as possible and took
his time to open the door but, unfortunately he still caught several of them up on the windows. He punished
them without asking for any explanation and sent them back to bed. Br Andrew never forgot his senseless
attitude as the poor boys had never seen snow and he did not realise that that was the reason for their
excitement. He then made them dress and allowed them to enjoy half an hour playing in the snow before
showering for breakfast. Br Andrew has never forgiven himself for being so strict with them and believes
that Willy Castle was in the group.
Around about 1970 there was another snowfall but this time on a week day. Classes were due to begin at
8.30am and from 8.00 to 8.30 the quadrangle was a real battlefield with pupils and staff throwing snowballs
in all directions. Five minutes before the bell rang for the morning assembly, at 8.30am “Op die Kop”, Br
Andrew blew the whistle for line up and the morning prayer. Br Bosco and Br Andrew went up to the
veranda on the first floor and Br Andrew placed himself in front of the microphone when suddenly the boys
began to throw snowballs at them both, some on target, others off target until they had no other choice but
to take shelter in the nearest classroom. Snowballs were continuously striking against the window panes
but none broke. The fun came to a sudden end and they left their shelter to see Br Anthony strolling
peacefully amongst the boys. He was the only one who could control the situation so successfully, with his
mere presence and pleasant smile.
Br Andrew taught Maths and Geography to matric students (standard 10). It was in 1966 when John
Buckley-Jones and Mike Smith were in the group. When Br Andrew entered the classroom he saw that all
the desks had been turned around, facing the back wall and the teacher’s desk and chair had disappeared
but in their place was a toilet seat in all its glory. Br Andrew left his books on the platform and began the
explanation of the lesson as if nothing had happened. The explanation lasted 35 minutes and when one of
the pupils turned to follow the explanation he seriously commanded them to look in front of them, obviously
to the back wall. All of the boys could hear clearly but none of them could see the blackboard which Br
Andrew filled with infinite numbers and formulae. When he had finished he then erased all and stood in
front of the boys at the back of the classroom and assigned them the homework which consisted of a heap
of exercises which, the best of the class would take more than two hours to complete. The following day,
the classroom had been restored to its normal aspect and Br Andrew revised, one by one, the homework
asking them the time they had taken. The best student had required two and half hours but none of them
had left the homework undone or partly done. He supposed that they felt guilty. Then Br Andrew stood up
in front of them and, with the smile and satisfaction of a winner, asked them “Don’t you know that yesterday
was April fool’s day?” There was tremendous laughter and exclamations in response and Buckley-Jones
told him later that he had won the challenge and asked what he would have done if they had refused to do
the homework. Br Andrew’s reply was “I never expected you to do it, how could I know that you ignored the
fact that it was April fool’s day?”
Br Andrew also wrote two poems in French – “La Nuit” and “L’Automme” which appear in the Yearbook,
1971 p54.
JLE July 2012 – Br Andrew’s sight was then fading and he could no longer communicate via emails.
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Chris Daras 1976
Chris Daras – 1976
Chris was a boarder at St David’s from standard 1 in 1967. In standard 6, 1972 the boarding
was closed down completely. Chris’s brother George was already a day boy and their parents
lived on the corner of Bompas Road and Jan Smuts Avenue.
Chris hated boarding, only being allowed home for one weekend a month so he was quite
pleased to become a day boy. Whilst he was a boarder he was fortunate to have a friend,
Andrew McCartney who used to invite him for Sunday breakfast. Andrew’s father was one of the
first ophthalmologists in South Africa and took Chris to work with him, it was then that Chris
decided on ophthalmology as a career.
Because of the boarding facility there were many boys from the Congo, Mozambique and other
parts of Southern Africa but when it closed many of those boys went to St John’s College and
boarded there.
Chris recalled the dining room and the kitchen where the tuck shop is now and remembers that
they were given an avocado once a week at breakfast.
On his first day Chris made friends with Neil Jacobs, now a cardiologist in Sydney; Les Pullman
who is chief financial officer for Nandos, with whom he is still in touch, the Lebos brothers,
Martin Gill, Roberto Berti, Mark Otto qualified as a dentist and then became a professional wind
surfer, John Lawrenson – professor of paediatric cardiology, Children’s Hospital C.T., John
Hazkins and Tim Parr who formed a band called “Elemental”, he was good at English and once
someone upset him in class and he just stood on a desk and kicked him. There was a golfer,
Fulton Allem who was a friend of the Kouries and Lebos families, he used to practise on the
rugby fields and ended up winning the Million Dollar Golf at Sun City. All in Chris’s group did
pretty well but some sadly have since passed away - Mark Meyer, Basil Sopas and Nick
Georgidos
The school has changed enormously. The pool was built during Chris’s time and the boys used
to play war games where the tennis courts are now. A sculptor, Baldinelli or Villa lived in the
house nearby and used to scream at the boys to be quiet and they retaliated by throwing stones
at the metal sculptures.
Of the teachers he remembers Bill Karoo who taught Biology in the high school and Chris went
with him and Heather Joseph on a trip to Europe, George Maritz, a ducktail with brylcreamed
hair and pointed shoes.
Brother Anthony was the initial headmaster followed by Br. Timothy. The dormitories were
above what is now Willy Castle’s office and Chris can remember listening to the radio broadcast
of the first landing on the moon one Sunday. He recalls Br Mario and Br Aidan and saw Br
Bernard carve the statue that now stands outside the chapel. The brothers used to make the
boarders weed the playing fields on a Saturday to keep them busy. The school did well with
horse riding with the paddocks where the grade 00 block now stands. The team won the
national schools jumping competition at Hickstead in England. Bishop Tutu came to speak to
the boys in the auditorium and began by saying he wasn’t there to make a political speech and
then proceeded to do just that. He made a big impact on many of the boys
Chris’s matric year was the year that one of the brothers took the boys out to a movie followed
by supper.
There was a rumour in his matric year that there were going to be attacks on white schools and
unbeknown to the teachers, many of the boys took guns to school. Chris was a prefect, vicecaptain
of College house and was awarded his honours blazer for studies, merit and athletics.
Chris was a runner, played rugby and sometimes captained the 2nd rugby team and was a
member of the B swimming team..
Although many of the boys didn’t realise it at the time, St David’s carried a lot of prestige with
the institutions of higher learning. St David’s also went against what the government of the day
stood for and school was important for that reason. The first black children were admitted as
pupils in 1975. That ethos came through and with many of the old boys that thinking has not
changed.
Chris didn’t do well academically but passed matric and went on to Wits University where he
studied for 5 degrees – Initially a BSc Hons in neuro-chemistry for 6 years followed by yeast
technology at Stellenbosch and then eventually he went into ophthalmology. Whilst at Wits he
joined a student march and met Philip Tobias. Chris had some money and decided to study until
the money ran out; also it was a way of avoiding the army. If you registered for under-graduate
courses you were not called up. However, in 1989 the army caught up with him and he ended
up as serving for a year as an eye doctor stationed in Pretoria with an office next door to Wouter
Basson.
Chris has two sons who are currently pupils at St David’s and he is a member of MOBS.
JLE June 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with David Braun 1972
Interview with David Braun – 1972
David attended St David’s from 1967 to 1972 and his brother Jamie until 1974 and some of the
track records he set were unbroken for several years after he left. His father, Max Braun was
chairman of the PTA at one time.
David was a day boy apart from a stint at boarding in 1970. He remembers brothers such as Br
Patrick his class teacher in standard 5, Br Andrew who taught him Maths, Br Ezekiel also
Maths, Br Bosco\Mario – Science, Br Timothy – Biology and Catholic Doctrine, Br Bernard –
housemaster, Br Anthony – headmaster, Br Aidan – Latin and bursar. David was grateful for the
education he received at St David’s, especially the Brothers, but also some amazing lay
teachers. Br Timothy’s Biology classes inspired him to become very interested in the natural
world and he subsequently has ended up doing working for National Geographic.
He appreciated the liberal aspects of his education, especially from the brothers and other
teachers who openly questioned the morality of separate development and who taught the boys
to understand and appreciate History, Geography and Science all of which has served him well.
He regarded himself as having received a strong education at St David’s and various South
Africa universities.
David was not much of an athlete at school, he tried swimming in his earlier years and the last
rugby match he played was for the U15 C team and vividly remembered a match played against
St John’s as being particularly dirty in the scrum. He was a prop and received several injuries in
that game, including a bite and a very hard blow to the groin. It was only after he left school that
he found enjoyment in running and completed 12 marathons including the Two Oceans twice.
He recalls other boys and in particular Robert Tine who left to attend a fashionable school in
Swaziland and became a famous novelist of stories based on popular movies. David and Robert
were members of their own secret society in 1969, complete with covert awards and medals
which they used to wear on the underside of their blazer lapels. The society’s only function was
to mock the more obnoxious teachers and prefects. It was an amusement during the breaks.
On leaving school, David did his national service with a couple of Marist boys at 3SAI in
Potchefstroom and then was transferred to the military police in Wonderboom and
Voortrekkerhoogte and didn’t do any camps after basic training. He then enrolled at RAU for a
BA in Political Science and International Politics,doing his studies in Afrikaans, his second
language. He completed two years then dropped out to become a journalist. He later completed
his BA via Unisa. He added a post-graduate diploma in strategic marketing from Unisa and
some credits for an MBA at the Wits Business School.
David’s student career was marked by political activism, first as a member of the Young South
Africans of the United Party then as a young Prog chairman and deputy chairman of the
Southern Witwatersrand region of the Young Progs. He also served on the federal executive of
the Young Progs under the chairmanship of Bobby Godsell who later on became chairman of
the SA Chamber of Mines and CEO of AngloGold.
In 1976 he joined Argus Newspapers as a cadet journalist on Pretoria News and worked for
some 17 years for the newspaper group now Independent Newspapers, becoming political
correspondent of The Star when he was 29 and Washington bureau chief when he was 34. He
returned to SA as an executive editor on a couple of Durban newspapers and then emmigrated
with his family to the US in 1995. He has been with National Geographic for more than 15 years,
the last 5 of which he has been VP editor in chief for National Geographic digital media.
David is a dual citizen of the United States and South Africa and is married to Caroline Melhliss,
also a journalist on the Pretoria News. They have a daughter, a psychologist and a son who
works on web development for the army small business unit at the Pentagon.
David has travelled widely in his career and privately but notably he travelled with four SA
Presidents, P W Botha to Zaire, Ivory Coast and several countries in Europe; De Klerk to the
US, Mandela on his North American tour and Mbeki to the UN in New York. He also travelled
with President Clinton to four African countries and Mexico a few years before he left office. He
has been to more than 80 countries, more than 50 as a working journalist. He has taught
journalism in South Africa, the U.S. and Russia. He has published two books and has solid
plans for three more and intends to be very active in his retirement.
JLE November 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Gareth Beaver 1987
Interview with Gareth Beaver – 1987
Gareth only joined St David’s in 1985 coming from Jeppe Boys where he was a boarder. When
his family moved to Johannesburg they decided that he no longer needed to board and it would
be better for Gareth to attend St David’s. Gareth was a keen cricketer and sportsman and
enjoyed Jeppe where the focus was very much on sporting activities. When he first arrived at St
David’s, Gareth floundered academically as there was a better balance at St David’s between
academics and sport. The classes were smaller with 2 classes of 21 boys compared to 6
classes of 30 boys at Jeppe. However his mother recognised the problem and Gareth had to
endure some extra tuition after school to get him up to par. With hindsight Gareth now realises
that more of his contemporaries at St David’s went to university and now have successful
careers in comparison with his former classmates at Jeppe. St David’s maintained a healthy
balance, it wasn’t top in sport but being such a small school everyone got involved.
At Jeppe, Gareth played rugby and was even a member of the A team but was more involved
with hockey as he found it more skilful. At that time St David’s had no hockey involvement but,
together with Mike McCreedie Gareth initiated hockey at the school. Rugby was compulsory,
however but a senior Geography teacher became involved and they started a hockey team from
all the guys who had “sick notes”, absolving them from rugby. Willy Castle was very supportive
and found them a hockey coach, Craig who was also a member of Hilson Park. Gareth became
team captain and continued after leaving school to coach and started an annual trip to Hilton,
Michaelhouse and took the boys on a few other trips. Gareth was also a very keen golfer
The headmaster of the school at that time was Mr Freilich followed by Mr Boswell and Gareth
remembers that the teachers used to smoke, unheard of today. Mr Macfaden – History used to
smoke Lucky Strike, Mr Moore – Science, smoked John Player Special and smelt terrible. Mrs
Trudie Elliott was also a very heavy smoker. Other teachers he recalled were Cedric Finlayson
who was an ex-Zimbabwean and the Sports master, Mrs De Wet – Afrikaaans and when a new
Geography teacher arrived in 1986 they became an item, Mrs Thomas – Biology who was fresh
from college and the boys used to embarrass her horribly.
Gareth remembers that there were a handful of black children at St David’s but absolutely none
at Jeppe.
One incident that stands out was the “Retreat” for non-catholic boys at Hartbeespoort in 1985
when several boys lost their honours blazers. It was a recipe for disaster with the Doyle brothers
supervising.They had no control and their RE classes used to turn into mayhem. Gareth recalls
that there wasn’t any form of proper control, no programme and the boys were left to just sit
around the camp and pool. One of the senior boys’ parents owned a yacht on the dam and
some of the boys had a driving license and drove their own cars to the venue. Most of the
matrics went and spent the weekend on the boat. When they returned to school Mr Finlayson
and Mr Collier called them to the area where the auditorium now stands and asked the boys to
own up if they drank – most of the boys admitted to this and were caned and subsequently
stripped of their honours and blazers. The feeling was that it hadn’t been well thought through,
was badly organised and the punishment was therefore too severe.
Gareth received a hockey tie in his matric year.
Academically Gareth had to do a big “catch up” arriving in standard 8 and being very much
behind in some of the basics which is why his mother sent him for extra lessons. However he
fared quite well and achieved a university exemption for a JMB matric. He then went on to study
for a BCom at Wits and went on to be a qualified accountant at Ernst and Young as an auditor.
He has been in the insurance industry since 1996 and with Centriq Insurance Holdings for the
past 3 ½ years and is now the CEO.
Gareth avoided doing army service by going to university and then doing his CA and fortunately
for him, compulsory army service ended in 1993 or 4.
Gareth has one son at the school in grade 5 and next year his youngest son will begin in grade
0.
Gareth’s company is involved with Education Africa which contributes towards educating
children at certain designated schools.
Gareth would be very interested in acquiring school yearbooks and would be supportive of an
“Old boys’ home” as there is a definite need for a suitable venue in the Sandton area which
would also accommodate the children. Gareth would also be willing to participate in the matric
rite of passage but would need adequate notice because of his heavy work schedule.
Gareth still sees some of his former classmates on a regular basis – Gavin Muller, Ross Alcock,
Richard Burr, Billy Forsmann and is part of the St David’s network. He feels that as Marist old
boys, there is a common thread of humility or modesty which sets them apart from other
schools.
JE August 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Ian Rogers 1973
Interview with Ian Rogers 1967 – 73
Ian came from Observatory in standard 6 when his parents moved to Athol. Ian didn’t find it too
difficult to integrate because he enjoyed the sport so much. He remembers there being a lot of
jewish boys in his class.
Ian played a lot of sport including cricket and rugby. He played 1st team rugby until he broke his
shoulder and played 1st team cricket from standard 8.He played in the Wilf Isaac’s elevens
playing against an England team with Pete Stringer, Geoff Boycott who lived on the school
property and coached the boys others included Ashley Harvey Walker and Don Wilson. The
boys played against them at the beginning of the season. Peter Stringer organised the match
with top English players who were in SA playing for different clubs. Ian also played Transvaal
provincial golf and is still a keen golfer.
Ian recalled declining his honours blazer which was only offered to him in the September of his
matric year, however he was awarded a scroll for both golf and cricket.
Brothers he remembers include Brother Anthony, Headmaster, Br Bosco who taught Science,
Br Andrew – Maths, Br Timothy.
The matric dance was held in the school hall which was also the boarders’ dining room and the
boys had to wear their school uniforms.
Ian did well academically and was accepted into Dental School at Wits University.
Ian’s son and daughter both attended St Stithians and the last time he had occasion to visit St
David’s was when his son competed at St David’s about 10 years ago.
Some of his contemporaries he remembered were Vince O’Mahoney, Peter Ruzzini, Mike
MacFarlan, Patrick Quarmby, Desmond Schatz – paediatrician in the US, Costa John – head
boy now living in the US, Mike Saad – deputy head boy and rugby captain a pharmacist,
Marshall Walford – dentist, Les Kourie.
JE September 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Christopher Stanley 1973
Interview with Christopher Stanley – 1973
Chris joined St David’s in 1968, standard 6 as a boarder. He remembers his first day vividly with
his mum and dad unpacking his things and making up his bed in the rather large dormitory. It
was quite daunting not knowing anybody other than his four other brothers also joined the
school, with his younger brothers becoming day boys as the boarding closed after 1972.
Some of the teachers and brothers he remembers are Mrs Haines, Mrs Hartman, Br Bosco, Br
Anthony, Br Aidan, Br Timothy, Br Andrew and Br Bernard. They were all good teachers and he
recalled that everyone was terrified of Br Andrew nicknamed “Drac” who was a good Maths
teacher.
Chris enjoyed his time at St David’s and being a boarder meant that he was able to really
participate in the sport playing 2nd team rugby and cricket. He also swam in the inter-house
swimming gala but wasn’t in the team. The boys sometimes used to play golf at the Wanderers
on a Wednesday and one of Chris’s memorable moments was when he beat Fulton Allem.
Discipline was strict but even so some boys used to bunk out regularly. The boy in the next bed,
Mark Agar used to jump out of the window after lights out and returned at about 2am and never
got caught. The boys only got one weekend off a term and had some visiting Sundays. The food
wasn’t too bad but rather predictable. Chris also enjoyed mowing the school lawns with the
tractor.
He remembered doing a skit with some of the boys at the Sandown civic centre.
Academically Chris did very well until standard 8 when he became lazy and as a consequence
didn’t get a very good matric.He initially went into the navy and did his year’s national service
before going to Wits University to study for a BComm. He didn’t complete his degree and got
married in 1977 and went to work in Secunda on the Sasol 2 Project. With hindsight he regrets
not completing his degree. He now runs his own business selling printing, stationery and office
products.
Chris has one child a daughter now aged 15 who attends Fourways high school. He often visits
the St David’s to watch the rugby and has been to several MOBS dinners and will be attending
the 1972 reunion in November this year.
He is still in touch with many of his contemporaries – Billy Cotton , Harry Curtis and Terry van
Heerden who all came from Zambia, George Nichas, Trevor Maher, Ross and Gary Hunter,
Nolan Springer, Trevor Maher, John Williamson, Martin Rumpelt, Mike Mac Farlane and Vince
Mahoney.
JLE October 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Mike Eilertsen 2000
Interview with Mike Eilertsen – 2000
Coming from Rosebank Primary, Mike joined St David’s in 1996 when Paul Edey was
headmaster. He recalled that on the first day standard 6 underwent an induction on the
basketball courts and bullying was the big topic for the day and great emphasis was placed on
the boys being part of the Marist family. Rod Smith had been the victim of bullying in his youth
and was therefore strongly against it.
The teachers he remembers in particular are Mrs Snyman, Mr Fry, Mr McMillan, Mrs Cameron,
Paul Edey and Rod Smith. Debbie Cameron was impressive and once flicked and caught her
high heeled shoe before throwing it across the class when the boys were being particularly
unruly. Mr Cameron had an elastic ball which grew and grew as he confiscated rubber bands
from the boys. Mr McMillan used to squash paper and throw it at the boys, on one occasion
Mike caught it and threw it straight back. “Mac” used to hit the boys with his hand with what was
called a “Pucker”, he wasn’t vicious but made his point and often used to make the class stay in
after school. He had a little Scottie dog which followed him everywhere. Mrs Schumayn the
Afrikaans teacher would get so harassed by the boys that she would order the whole class out
of the classroom. Of course the boys took advantage of this until one day Mr Edey came by and
asked why all the boys were in the quad. There was a Mrs Leenstra who taught Maths and with
whom every boy fell in love. She was a warm person and beautiful on the inside as well as
being very attractive.
Mike was a very good sportsman excelling in athletics, was a good sprinter and received the
Victor Ludorum in 1999 and 2000. He was awarded an honours Blazer for general honours and
specific honours, sport, culturals, merit and leadership. Mike also got involved with school and
house plays, and public speaking which helped in his business career and is key with his
presentations. Academically Mike was in the top class but regarded himself a “B” student.
Mike went on to study a BComm Entrepreneurship at RAU but was unhappy with the content
and programme. He decided to open a business – “Breakfast Boys”, he initiated this and sold
breakfast packs at the corner of Jan Smuts and Conrad Drive for R10. He included pamphlets
about himself and what he was doing and business issues he was experiencing. The business
did well and he had a number of students who did the same thing at various key intersections
with him providing the packs. Someone then asked for coffee with the breakfast pack which led
to Mike buying some backpacks from Nestle and then flying to the US to acquire the rights for
the specialised backpacks. Two months later he took over the below line marketing for Nestle
and SAB and covered all the cricket matches and outdoor events including the World Cup. It
wasn’t long before Nestle and SAB bought him out. Together with Bruce Smith he got involved
with other ventures and now runs an events company, publishing and travel companies under
the umbrella “LiveOutLoud”. The hard cover magazine he publishes is available only to
exceptional people or SA business leaders.
Mike’s company is a finalist in the Sanlam Entrepreneurial Award 2012, the youngest company
to be nominated and in the top 20. The company was placed in the annual Africa SMME Awards
where the best businesses in Africa and the most innovative were identified. Mike’s company
was placed second in the “Most Innovative Category”.
Mike believes that experience is as vital as qualifications and that the courage to go out and get
involved in something makes you stand out.
Mike would be interested in offering internships to boys in grade 10 and up and would be
interested to be involved with the matric rite of passage. He would be interested in the book and
getting involved in 2016 celebrations and MOBS.
JE September 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Keith Farquharson 1952
Interview with Keith Farquharson- 1952
Keith attended St David’s from 1948 until 1952 and was a day boy who boarded for a couple of
terms whilst his parents were overseas.
Keith enjoyed the sport playing rugby and tennis but wasn’t particularly good at swimming or
cricket. His mission was to get his matric and go to university. He enjoyed the tours when the
boys went to play rugby at CBC and St Charles, it was not a regular occurrence and was a treat
to go away. Harry Best was the PE teacher in charge of general sports who introduced boxing
to the school. He didn’t allow fighting but if the boys had an issue they would participate in a
controlled boxing contest. Keith said that Paul Freemantle and Risi had quite a fight. Harry had
a link with a boxing gym in the Johannesburg city centre and when Vic Toweel was contesting
the World Bantamweight Title, Harry organised sparring partners for his opponent Jimmy
Carruthers the current holder of the title. A number of the boys used to go and spar with Jimmy
and were paid five shillings per round. Vic Toweel won the fight.
As a day boy Keith was able to buy cigarettes for the boarders and recalls he charged one
shilling for a box of commandoes. He also supplied the boarders with sandwiches.
Brother Urban was principal but when he died in 1950 Br Edwin was appointed. Br Edward who
was Spanish taught Maths, Br Benedict coached rugby, Br Thomas taught Science and
coached rugby and although he also carried his cane in his cassock, was his favourite brother
who took him to task on a number of occasions and took the class for the first period after the
lunch break. He used to enjoy his tot and was in charge of the B dorm. Once a month on a
Thursday he would have the day off and go shopping and bring home his tipple. He had to walk
from the terminus in Dunkeld and once fell, breaking his arm which meant he couldn’t
administer any form of corporal punishment.
Of his fellow pupils Jeff Truby came from Barberton and would bring back miner’s fuses after
the holidays. The boys used to then make bombs with the Sparklets soda siphon refills and
Hugh Miller, who was a keen chemist blew up the steps by the tuck shop and was put on
probation. Charlie Gilfilllian had a bad stutter and was never asked questions in class. Ray
Gibson and Mike Forrester dropped out. They were notorious for slipping out after late prep and
had girlfriends down the road. The belief was that they were expelled, both of them played 1st
team rugby and were sorely missed. B Cooper came from Hilton where he had refused to do
any fagging for senior prefects and opted out and came to St David’s. Unfortunately boys
coming home for the holidays had a vendetta against him and he often needed a group of St
David’s boys to escort him home. A sad memory is of Peter de Silla vice-captain of the cricket
team whose youngest son had a drug problem and ended up murdering Peter and his wife.
Norman Lazarus had the nickname Oogies where he came from, Paul Freemantle started at St
David’s in 1941 and his brothers Owen and Joe always attended the school. Dan Reeece was
the 1st team rugby captain and is reputed to have set up the biggest Ponzi scheme in South
Africa and attempts are still being made to extradite him from Switzerland. Cornelius Seeling
used to build kites and in August would secure them to the rugby posts on the main rugby field.
Peter Leigh whose father was the school doctor, Brian Stott, Victor Ludorum in 1952 was a
casualty of the lightening strike whilst playing golf at Johannesburg Country Club.
After matriculating Keith went on to Wits university and UCT acquiring financial qualifications
and also became a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. His
career was in the field of financial management working for Deloittes, Cooper and Cooper and
was surveillance manager at the JSE for 10 years until the 90’s when he became the financial
manager for E. W. Balderson. He lost contact with St David’s until 1963 when he and his wife
played hockey for Maristonians and he renewed his association with MOBs. Keith and his wife
Dorothy have a son and two daughters.
JLE November 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Thierry Dalais 1975; St David's Foundation 2006 - 2011
Interview with Thierry Dalais – 1975
Thierry has had a long association with Marist Brothers. His father went to St Charles and he
himself went to St Charles as a boarder in 1973 at the age of 10, he loved the school and, on
moving to Johannesburg was introduced to St David’s in standard 8 whilst Br Anthony was still
headmaster.
On his first day, school had already started and Br Anthony took him to class 8A (Class 8 was
the smarter class!) and the chaps he then met are still his friends to this day.
Thierry was very involved with sport and played everything that he could including rugby,
athletics, swimming and was a good tennis player together with Michael Lipschitz and Victor
Lalieu (now in Brisbane, Australia). He was a member of the 1st tennis and rugby teams. Brother
Timothy coached the 1st rugby team and became headmaster of the school in 1975.
Academically Thierry did well and together with John Wallington achieved the studies scroll
requiring an average of 60%. He came in late to the school but was accepted and eventually
became a prefect.
Thierry remembers Brothers such as Br Timothy, Br Ezekiel, Br Andrew, Mr Sanders and Mrs
Trudy Elliott. His colleagues included boys such as John Wallington, Case Schilperoot, Marshall
Walford, John Swingler and Mike Black. He has fond memories of assemblies, prize giving,
competitions and big events, debating, swimming galas and water polo matches. Champagnat
day was however not such a big event. Of his last day he recalls nothing remarkable, he has
very fond memories of the school and is proud to have been a pupil and sent his sons to St
David’s although they wanted to go to boarding school, being a boy thing, and one son went
initially to St Andrews and then St David’s and the other two went firstly to St David’s and
afterwards to Michaelhouse.
Thierry recalls that there were issues involved with transition in the school with the boarding
closing and other mostly political issues. The Marist Brothers underwent a tough time and
Brother Jude was very involved with the major issues of the time and the accompanying
financial restraints. The brothers were very good at teaching the boys about what was
happening in the country at the time and were rumoured to have given shelter to members of
the ANC. However there were no more brothers coming in to the country and the schools began
to introduce lay headmasters and teachers.
On leaving St David’s Thierry was awarded a bursary by Anglo American and studied
accounting and commerce at Wits University but eventually served articles and worked as an
accountant with Deloittes. He is currently executive chairman and founder of the Metier Group
based in Johannesburg. The company gives investment advice to “Love Life” and runs their
investment programme, the company’s general social responsibility being currently quite strong.
Thierry is a member of MOBS and spent 5 years on the board of St David’s Foundation, was the
first chairman in 2006 and recalls that it was initially tough going. He thinks the school still has
good values and although it may now be run as a business it has good educational principles
and values. The school has close ties to the Vatican which owns the grounds that the school
leases.
Some ideas or projects he would like to see happening within the school:
Perhaps the boys could adopt a year tracing the old boys in that year and get in touch with them
with the idea of putting contemporaries in different decades in touch with each other.
He would like to see the school yearbooks on the school website.
JE February 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Ronnie van t"Hof
Interview with Ronnie van’t Hof 1969
Ronnie spent 12 years at St David’s, starting in grade 1 in 1958. He was a day boarder and only
boarded for a short time whilst his parents were overseas and hated it. He lived in Inanda and
cycled to school every day. Br Benedict was headmaster and Br Anthony a teacher at the
school when he started. Br Anthony was transferred to Walmer in 1959 and returned as
headmaster in 1960.
His first day at school was difficult to say the least as he didn’t speak any English, Dutch being
his home language. He was befriended by Glynn O’Leary and Victor Hamilton (now living in
Texas) and he is still in contact with them. In standard 3 he experienced a really hard time as he
was a left hander using a fountain pen was difficult as he had to push rather then pull the pen,
causing far too many ink splashes which messed up his work much to the displeasure of Mrs
Janusch.
Mrs Brick was his first teacher and he remembers she used to smack all the boys with a ruler. In
grade 2, Mrs Brophy, standard 1, Mrs Legatt, standard 2 Mrs Clay, standard 3 , Mrs Janusch
who was a tyrant and used a strap nicknamed “Oom Jaapie”, standard 4 Mrs Kempster,
standard 5, Mrs Kenesovitch.
In high school he remembered Br Bosco (Br Mario) Science, Br Patrick English, Br Michael
Maths, Br Andrew (Drac) who was also a tyrant, so much so that no-one ever fell asleep in his
class!
Academically he did very well in the prep school but his performance petered out in the high
school. On reflection he feels much of this was to do with the streaming that took place in those
days. Because of his good academic record, he received the trophy for being top of the class in
standard 8, he was placed in the so called “A” stream and studied Physics, Chemistry and
Maths instead of choosing languages and History. The wrong criteria were used in his case, he
lost interest and became demotivated, in addition he broke his leg in matric and was out of
school for 6 months.
His sport was tennis and he participated in the Cramer cup against Observatory at the old
Maristonian club near the Johannesburg drive in near the Lebanese Catholic church.
He remembers receiving a medal in 1961 commemorating the occasion of SA becoming a
republic. Andy Morris’s father was then mayor of Johannesburg and presented all the boys with
a medal and made a short presentation to celebrate.
On his last day at school, he was a prefect but missed out on a lot after breaking his leg in the
May and only returning to school in the September, he was unable to attend the matric dance
and many other events. Ronnie has very good and happy memories of the school and his son
was a pupil until the family relocated to Knysna. He recently met up with the head boy for his
year, Keith Shaw in Cape Town at a tennis tournament. Keith is involved with film-making.
Antoine Simaan was also in his matric year.
On leaving St David’s, he studied law and after completing his degree decided to go into
accounting with Deloittes.
He played the tennis circuit after completing his Law degree, qualified for Wimbledon in 1976
and is currently chairman of SA Vets, was ranked number 1 and played for SA in some events.
He was in New Zealand representing SA in the seniors event at the time of the earthquake.
Some players were actually on court at the time and had a very bad experience.
Ronnie was actively involved with MOBS for a number of years before moving to Knysna, and
organised debates with invited speakers. The main organiser was Stephen Miles who
subsequently moved to the UK. Thierry Dalais who was then an accountant at Deloittes was
instrumental in resurrecting MOBS.
Currently he is involved with his financial services company AQB – a question of balance, the
name of which has Marist origins, he was been involved in tennis development in the 80’s, is on
the board of the SA Tennis Association, is involved with SA Tennis Vets, wants to regenerate
tennis in the townships and feels strongly that sport should be compulsory in all schools.
JE February 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Stephen Eilertsen 1994 - 1997 Staff
Interview - Stephen Eilertson – Staff 1994 -97
Stephen was teaching at Sandown High when Rod Smith, the former headmaster then teaching English at
St David’s, introduced him to the school. Gary Norton who was the then acting headmaster employed
Stephen to implement the building and opening of the first computer centre shared by both the prep and
high schools. Paul Edey was eventually appointed the headmaster with Malcolm Williams as his deputy in
1995.
The IT department was successful and Stephen implemented the first Computer Literacy classes followed
by Computer Science. Computer Science was not taken seriously enough and was only taught as a 7th
subject for matric. The genius of St David’s revolved around its sporting achievements.
Stephen remembers his notable pupils such as Daniel Wright, now with Google who wrote the algorithm for
the programme that handles all advertising for Google (Google adwords). This sophisticated world class
software brings Google 90%of its income. Daniel was one of the top 3 boys that Stephen taught, was an
extreme computer nerd but commanded respect in his own way participating in sport at his own level.
Daniel also wrote a DOS based programme identifying birds in 1996 just for fun. He now lives in Canada
with his family.
Another boy was Rafiq Sarlie, 1996 who headed a team competing in a South African schools competition,
sponsored by Microsoft to see who could make the best website. Stephen felt that Rafiq should possibly
have followed Gladwell’s ideas and become an entrepreneur and not necessarily followed the conventional
route of school, matric and university. He wonders what happened to this extremely talented pupil.
Some of the teaching staff he remembers well , Lesley Henning a focused academic; Mitchel who spent 4
years in jail as a conscientious objector and was tortured, he taught RE and started the “Saint of the Day”
focusing on martyrs of their time. He is now head of a school in Soweto. In 1995, Debbi Cameron and
Stephen organised a tour to Europe for 30 boys. One of the cities visited was Amsterdam where a free
evening was planned. He recalled Adriano Iorio’s leadership skills in averting a crisis when one of the boys
bought some dagga and Adriano and some of the other boys persuaded him to get rid of it. Also Adriano, in
consultation with other boys on the tour, decided it would be wiser to spend the night in the hotel than roam
the streets of Amsterdam.
There was an incident when Stephen’s son Michael was in standard 9 when, prior to a long weekend, he
took his son in full uniform to a world preview of Star Wars during the school day. Malcolm Williams was
absolutely furious and Stephen believes that this incident influenced whether Michael became a prefect or
not.
Stephen is justifiably proud of his son, also a St David’s pupil who recently was awarded second place in
Africa at the annual SMME awards and has been incorporated into a painting of the 100 greatest people,
past, present and future in South Africa.
Stephen left St David’s to head up Ambassador College which was later integrated into Boston City
Campus. He now runs a family business investing in the internet, marketing companies using search terms
and key words and graphic design. He deals with small to larger companies and also runs a course entitled
“Dead Men with White Collars”.
JE October 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with William Forssman 1987
Interview with William Forsmann – 1987
‘Billy’ remembered his first day at St David’s in 1975 in the first grade O class, his teacher was
Miss Jamieson (now Mrs Carol Ansell) and his son who is now in grade 2 is in the same
classroom. Billy was not particularly worried about being at the school as he had a lot of uncles
who were already pupils there. There were about 20 to 25 boys in a class and there was only
one grade O class at the time. Billy is still, after all these years, in contact with some of his
grade 0 classmates. Billy attended St David’s from grade O until standard 10 when he
matriculated. Members of the Forssman family have been pupils at St David’s without
interruption since 1968.
During his time at St David’s, Billy participated in a number of sporting activities, horse riding,
swimming, water polo, soccer and later rugby from standard 4. The horses were initially stabled
in Sandown and then later in Carlswald and the boys used to travel with the school bus for their
riding sessions. Billy’s strongest sport was swimming and water polo and was captain at some
stage. He also played 1st team rugby.
He remembers Mrs Anderson who was his standard 1 teacher but he didn’t ever have a brother
as a class teacher although Br Timothy was headmaster of the high school until 1980 followed
by Mr Murphy, Br Anthony, Mr Frielick and Mr Darryl Boswell. Mrs Trudy Elliott was his English
teacher and he remembers that she produced plays such as “Hamlet” and ran the debating
society, Billy was involved with both. He was also chairman of the matric dance committee in his
standard 9 year. Other teachers he recalls are Mr Moore (Science) and of course Willy Castle,
Mr Macfaden, Miss Glyn Thomas, Ms Joseph, Mr Finlayson, Mr Webster, Mrs de Wet
Father Brewer (College chaplin) is also fondly remembered – as he played a huge role in the
formative years of many St David’s pupils.
Academically Billy did well and achieved a university exemption for matric and went onto study
at the University of Stellenbosch where he was awarded a BCom LLB. On leaving school he
was involved in the family property business before joining RMB Properties, which later became
the Eris Property Group. Billy was also head boy in his standard 5 and matric years.
Former pupils: Tim Forssman’s father Mark 083 600 0721
Jordan Forssman now living in Taiwan +1 408 431 5600 jordanforssman@gmail.com
Gavin Muller whose brother Graham was vice-head boy 082 498 8480
Jan van den Handel
JLE April 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Steven Giuricih 1994
Interview with Steven Giuricich – 1994
Steven began his career at St David’s in Gr0 until he matriculated as head boy in1994. On his
first day he was dropped off by his mother, his teacher was Mrs Walton and he was befriended
by Dale Forssmann.
The teaching was of a good standard and he remembers that Mrs Snyman was an institution at
the school, very strict and a tough cookie. Willy Castle also stands out in his memory, also strict
but many boys respected him and still do to this day. Mr Brownlee taught Geography and was
housemaster for Osmond, Mr Cotze, standard 5 was quite fearsome, Mr Girdwood, English, Mr
Lamb married Antoinette von Guilleaume who taught Afrikaans. Mr Davies was the headmaster
of the high school, was respected and regarded as a good leader. Father Brewer was a great
man always there to talk to and very helpful. He was very involved with the school and the
sporting activities.
Steven enjoyed the sport and participated in swimming, soccer, cricket and athletics. He wasn’t
really much of a sportsman in the prep but came into his own in the high school with rugby,
swimming and water polo and made the 1st rugby team. He went on the swimming and a water
polo tour to St Henry’s followed by Midmar. He also went on rugby tour to St Charles.
Academically he was just above average and was in a small matric class of about 38 – 40 boys.
He enjoyed the drama and was a member of the backstage team. There was no outreach that
he recalls.
The matric dance was held at Oakfields Farm and had a medieval theme but the 1993 matric
dance was held in the old school hall.
After he matriculated he went to study BSc Building Science at Wits University. He then started
his own business in residential housing and renovations but joined the family business in 2008.
He is married with a son Danillo who will start grade 00 in 2013 and a daughter Valentina who
will be going to St Mary’s for grade 000 in 2013.
Steven is a member of MOBS and is still in touch with Kerry Gibson, Clifford Kopstave, Andrew
Harris and Robert Laing.
JLE October 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Willem Van der Merwe 1981 - 2012 Staff
Interview with Willem Van Der Merwe – 1981 – 2012 Staff
Willem joined St David’s as estate manager in 1981 at the time when Br Timothy, the then
headmaster left followed by the first lay headmaster Mr Murphy in 1982. Willem supervised a
staff of 20 including, ground, kitchen and cleaning staff all living on the property. Currently only
10 members of the ground staff live on the property. His foreman was Julius and George
Ndlovu. It was the beginning of the mission in Kuruman and Willem found that helping Br
Anthony was very special in the early 80’s. They couldn’t get tradesman in that part of the
country and Willem did most of the plumbing. Br Anthony was one of the best men he had ever
met in his life and was very approachable.
Paul Edey came in 1995 as college headmaster and got the school going again together with
the new development plan which saw many changes in the building and development of the
school. When Willem first arrived at the school there was no fence around the property allowing
access to all and therefore there was a problem with theft so Willem started to fence the
property in. He also constructed the roof over the terraces of the swimming pool. The PTA
funded it and Willem completed it at a far lower cost than had been quoted by outside
companies. Willem was also very much involved with the school fetes, twenty-twenty cricket and
the fireworks with this year being the best controlled event so far.
Already a paddler and, at the request of Paul Edey, in 1995 Willem initiated canoeing as an
extra-mural activity at the school. Willem has trained seven or so SA paddlers during that time.
They competed all over the country with the Duzi, Fish River in Craddock, Cape Town, the
Breede Marathon, just about every river race there was. The SA Schools was held in a different
province each year and Willem encouraged some of the weaker boys and saw the boys grow.
Alex Roberts was one of the best paddlers and the best team he ever produced was with Adrian
Gebers who was the first ever St David’s paddler to make a B final overseas in the sprints.
Willem is grateful that through St David’s he was able to give his sons Vaughan and Matthew a
good education. Vaughan, the eldest studied for a BSc Hons Anthropolgy at Wits University and
was the first person to go as a Gap student to Campeltown in Australia and now runs his own
recruiting business after trying various other options beforehand. He also has a carwash
business and was married last year. Matthew was awarded a scholarship at Varsity College but
he is now at the Design School in Greenside and doing well.
JLE November 2012
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Adriano Iorio - Matric 1997
1 page A4 transcript in MS Word Pdf file
Interview with Adriano Iorio – 1997
Adriano started his career at St David’s in grade 0 and remembers coming for aptitude tests
with Mrs Kirchner before he was accepted. He was taught by Mrs Scaafsma who was a strict
disciplinarian but a good teacher. Mr Royce was the head of the prep school and was
outstanding and a great History teacher. In standard 5 he remembered someone organised an
event with the Foster brothers talking about their experiences working with the bushmen – the
bushmen believed that all are created different but equal.
Adriano was a general all rounder, was in the prep school soccer team and later went on to play
rugby in the high school from standard 6 until standard 9 and was in the water polo team but
didn’t participate in any sport during his matric year.
In the high school Darryl Boswell never made an impression on Adriano, he was then followed
by Paul Davies but the school turned around with the appointment of Paul Edey as headmaster
of the high school. There were no longer any brothers teaching at the school but teachers such
as Gary Norton made a big impact on him, he was a good leader and deputy head.
Adriano was involved in school plays, debating and public speaking, he directed a play for
College house. He also used to participate in the SMILE programme and made a contribution,
albeit small to the co-workers.
He recalled nothing memorable about either his last day or his matric dance. Adriano enjoyed
the overall ethos and founding principles of Champagnat and the spirit in the classroom and on
the sports field.
Academically Adriano did well receiving the Dux each year and acquired 6 distinctions for
matric, he went on to study engineering at UCT. He was on the Dean’s list and was awarded his
degree, Cum Laude after 4 years. He then worked off his bursary at Mintek, in the mining
industry,he then joined a group of friends starting up a mobile software company. Unfortunately
that folded in 2009 and he is now working for Blue Label Telecomms as an IT/software
specialist, specialising in product development and is also trying to develop a parallel path in the
property and development industry.
Adriano found school quite easy but his impression of first year at university was far more
humbling, away from the insularity of a Marist education, meeting other boys from Hilton,
Kearsney, St Stithians etc. getting a sense of where the bar was actually at. He admired the
boys from the boarding schools as they were generally more independent and adjusted to
university more easily. With hindsight, the internet has changed the landscape and, in an era
without the internet the general exposure to the rest of the world was far less than it is today.
School was insular; however some of his best friendships were made on leadership camps and
with boys from other schools.
Adriano was involved with MOBS when Paul Edey was still around in 2000 until 2003. He is still
in touch with other old boys, Raef Farinha; Craig Chandler; Keith Clover (his mother Mary was
the Librarian); Daniel Wright who is with Google.
Sadly Adriano would probably not send any sons of his to St David’s as it would be too
expensive and he envisages relocating to Cape Town in the future.
JLE May 2012
St David's Marist College
Interview with Gabriel Ally 2010. In addition his speech as Head Boy 2010
Interview with Gabriel Ally – 2010
Gabriel came to St David’s from Sacred Heart in grade 8. He felt that his years from grade 0
to grade7 at Sacred Heart laid the foundation for his success at St David’s and in general.
The emphasis at Sacred Heart was on the Marist education with brothers still living on the
property at the time. Brother Anthony was his headmaster in grade 1 1968 – 9 and he had
an older brother and sister at the school. The primary school went up to grade 6 with a
middle school approach in grade 7 which prepared him for high school. Tony Williams was at
Sacred Heart during this time, was the prep headmaster and also coached soccer
Gabriel initially looked at St John’s and Michaelhouse but eventually decided that St David’s
was the high school for him after meeting Mr Williams. Initially he was rebellious but went
onto the straight and narrow from grade 10. He remembered John Edward Ferreira asking
him who was going to be head boy, and laughing incredulously when Gabriel replied “Me”.
When he first arrived he came with an open shirt and had to borrow a tie from lost property
as Sacred Heart boys didn’t wear ties in summer. After one week at school all the grade 8’s
went on camp with Mr Busscheau, Mr Dugmore, Mr Smith and Mr Williams.
All the boys lobbied for the prefects to also attend the camp and in matric Gabriel organised
that and the prefects went along, got to know the boys and were therefore better able to
profile them selecting appropriate mentors. This was the big success of his year as head
prefect and improved the mentoring system. In his first year all the naughty boys were given
prefects as their mentors and Gabriel’s mentor was Kunda Nyatsaambo, deputy head
prefect 2006 and head of house, College.
Gabriel played 1st team rugby, cricket, some soccer, participated in athletics and inter-house
swimming. He was also a member of the book quiz team in grade 12. He participated in
SMILE and was involved with some projects facilitated by Mr Martins. He enjoyed interhouse
music but didn’t get involved with drama as he didn’t have the courage. However
once he got to university he developed a passion for drama and was involved in two
university productions.
Teachers who made an impact on him were Mrs Roman, his tutor from grade 8 to matric, Mr
Williams especially in his matric year and his favourite teacher was Mrs Khanyile who taught
Zulu.
Gabriel was mayor of the junior city council from 2009 – 2010, this was then the private
organisation separate from the city council. As Mayor he endeavoured to contribute to
society in the areas of environment and welfare as much as possible and worked with other
NPO’s to achieve that goal. Mrs D Webb was the co-ordinator at St David’s and other boys
that participated before him were Sean Jamieson and Antimo Osato.
As head prefect Gabriel instituted a new punishment for boys who failed the new boys test –
they had to write an essay about why they loved St David’s. The results were interesting with
the feeling of brotherhood, brother’s keeper and involvement which emerged. Gabriel
wanted to instil a sense of tradition, discipline and spirit, setting goals in matric.
Gabriel also spoke at Mr Selima’s farewell where all the support staff were invited, saying a
few words in Zulu. He got chatting to Richard Lubisi and became friendly with him and
stayed in contact whilst he was at UCT. When Gabriel started doing some consultancy work
for his brother and needed to go and visit squatter camps, Richard took him to ivory Park
which is the reason that Gabriel now has the job he has. Richard is also now working for
Gabriel’s brother.
Steve Bailey died during Gabriel’s matric year. His death affected every boy in matric and he
was sorely missed.
Gabriel was awarded full colours for academics, service, leadership and general honours. a
Marcellin Champagnat medal and a special award, the Rotary Club Award for service
beyond self. Gabriel recalls the good feeling when Tyson Sithole was awarded an honours
blazer and how supportive all the other boys were.
The matric dance was very special and he remembers the opening song was “Kiss of a
Rose”. Mrs Greensill taught Gabriel and Chad White, deputy head how to waltz.
On leaving school Gabriel went to UCT to study philosophy and economics on an Allan Gray
Orbis Foundation Scholarship for Entrepreneurship and Leadership. After two years he
decided to take a break from his studies and return to Johannesburg to pursue his goal of
becoming a social entrepreneur. He was an apprentice in a small business and gained
valuable experience and knowledge on how to start and run a business in 2013. This
opportunity gave him the courage to start his own recycling and advertising venture. He is
currently working to support this initiative and plans to launch his own in 2014.
Gabriel is still involved with St David’s and is assisting Mrs Voorendyck in Life Orientation in
term three with the matrics and will be guest speaking at the prize giving in January 2014.
JLE September 2013
The Challenge – Final Address – Gabriel Ally - 2010
Good Evening.
“Gabriel enjoys taking part in group activities, he is popular and a leader amongst his peers.
Occasionally he acts impulsively and upsets someone, but these incidents are few and far
between. It has been a pleasure to teach Gabriel, I wish him luck for grade One and I know
he will enjoy the challenge.” ….In 12 years, not much has changed has it?
I still find myself leading and, on occasion, being impulsive. I sure hope I’m still popular and
a pleasure to teach, and I’m sure there are a few people sitting here tonight whom I have
upset along the way. Of all these words however, the biggest truism lies in the observation
that “he will enjoy the challenge”; a challenge that has been riddled with dreams,
responsibility, tears, elation and honour; a challenge that is still in its infancy and one that will
continue unto death. This challenge is life. A challenge that I have had the esteem of sharing
with a brotherhood, a challenge that has been blessed by the presence of family and one
that has been made easier by its path through St David’s.
A year ago I embarked on a challenge set forth by you; the challenge of following in the
footsteps of St Marchelin Champagnat, Michael Carey, Graeme Gallow, Kylo Molefe and
James Rawson. In doing so, I have been humbled by the opportunity to represent this
amazing band of brothers, this family, this way of life that represents far more than an
education. I stand before you today as a product of St David’s, as a man, as a disciple of an
institution that is far greater than any one individual.
As I look out at the boys sitting before me, I am comforted by the knowledge that what we
have achieved as the matric class of 2010 will be forever ingrained in their character. It is
true that it takes a village to raise a child and a community to spawn a man, and I can say
with confidence that when you leave St David’s you can say, “I have the courage to be that
man.” Until that day however, never shy away from the challenge of Confortare-Esto-Vir.
As some of you may have seen, the Marist flag is flying at half-mast today in remembrance
of Brother Anthony who passed away this week. Brother Anthony bid farewell to St David’s
long before our time here, but his affiliation to the Marist Brotherhood never faltered. This is
true of all Marist boys. This is true of our brother Steve Bailey. Tonight we are graced with
his spirit and I know each one of you sitting here, particularly the matrics, will understand the
severity of my words when I say that: “life is too short, to say life is too short”. I thank Mr and
Mrs Bailey for joining us this evening and for blessing the Marist family with a man whose
impact and maturity extended far beyond his 18 years of life. Steve, we miss you and we
love you.
Every oak tree was once an acorn. Now I’m aware that I am well over 6 feet tall, a massive
acorn, but I still have a lot of growth to do, as do we all. There is a common trend that when
Marist boys find their niche in the world, they tend to tower over forests of men with humility,
simplicity and modesty. When I think of a Marist boy who is defined by these traits, I think of
my brother and companion Chaid White. Chaidy, it has been an honour to have served
alongside you. You were never afraid to step aside when I needed to lead, or to step in when
I needed to follow. That applies to the entire prefect group. To Brad, Matt, Trist and Bazza,
our friendships has been cemented by the trials we have overcome on the sports fields and
in the corridors, thank you.
The best part of being able to stand up here tonight is that I have an opportunity to publicly
express my appreciation to the staff of St David’s. I won’t miss Shakespeare or pythagoras,
but I am certain I will miss our loving and supportive teachers. Not only are we blessed with
an exceptional education, but we are blessed with role models and friends. To Mr Van den
Berg, Mr Williams and Mrs Roman, I thank you for your undying support and guidance
throughout my life at St David’s and I applaud you for the work you do behind the scenes to
ensure that every boy sitting here has an opportunity to flourish.
The motherly urge, alongside hunger and thirst, is known to be one of the strongest natural
urges of human beings. Every son and husband sitting here will know that mom is always
right. We are here tonight not only as products of St David’s, but as products of our parents.
I have been blessed with a father who has never faltered in wanting the absolute best for his
son and a mother who has successfully seen three children through matric. Tonight marks
the end of my mother’s 21 year stint of packing lunches, labelling school books, answering
matron’s phone calls and buying enough raffle tickets for 10 people. Mom and Dad, thank
you for guiding me through this challenge with such love and care. We must all acknowledge
that without the support of our parents and the greater St David’s community, our lives would
not be as blessed as they are.
A young lad was auditioning with his classmates for the annual school play. His mother knew
that he had set his heart on being in the play – just like all the other children hoped to - and
she feared how he would react if he wasn’t chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, the
young lad’s mother went to the school gates to collect her son. He rushed up to her, eyes
gleaming with pride and excitement. “Guess what mum!” he shouted, “I have been chosen to
clap and cheer.”
These words provide a lesson to us all. To my successor and his men, who will take on the
challenge of leading this school: Do not be fooled into thinking that leadership is position?
Each one of you has a role to fulfil, a role that will be defined by your attitude and goals for
St David’s. Being a Marist boy is an honour, but beyond that it is a responsibility. You have a
responsibility to maintain the standard set by the generations of men who hang on these
walls, a responsibility to build on the foundation laid before you and a responsibility to
become a solid platform for the boys who will clap and cheer for you along the way.
It has been an honour and a blessing. I thank you all for this challenge.
Gabriel Ally
Head prefect
2010
Egenrieder, Julie
Interview with Terence Lavery 1967
Interview with Terence K. Lavery -1967 aka – T
Years attended Marist Inanda – 1956 -1967 – Matriculated 1967
My oldest brother Rory (1965) and I carpooled from Emerentia Ext. with Kevin & Johnny Peel
from 1956 – 1965. In 1966 & 1967 I boarded at Marist InandaThere really were not any pros to
being a day boy, it was what it was and we didn’t know anything else and I did feel sorry for the
boarders that had to remain at school over the week-ends but sports and activities made the
week-end go by quickly.The cons to being a day boy for the Lavery’s & Peel’s were that we had
to get up rather early to execute the carpool and that we were dropped off early, usually 1 to 1-
1/2 hours before school started (until standard 7, when they implemented a new period that
started @ 7:45am) and we were picked up 5:00pm to go home. This made an extremely long
day, especially in the early years. Special arrangements had to be made when we were let out
of class early and many times we had to wait until 5:00pm to be picked up. The other con was
that we did not get to play or know the children in our neighborhood, since we arrived home so
late.
The pros to being a boarder, especially in standard 9 & matric was the structured day, study
hall, rosary, chapel, meals and bedtime. Boarding (and the military service) taught you to eat
anything and everything otherwise you went hungry. You became better friends to your
boarding classmates.
The cons were the limited access to radio music (a form of broad punishment) and news
papers. In hind sight I missed a lot of music influences in 1966 & 1967 and world and local news
events (Sharpsville riots) that influence and mold teenagers in that age bracket. This really
showed up when I was attending the University of Washington in Seattle, WA 1970-1974.
My 1st day is still a vivid memory, very apprehensive but not like some others that day as I was a
3rd sibling and my oldest brother Rory already attended Marist Inanda. My mother walking me
into the courtyard of the grade school, on the way to Mrs. Bricks classroom when she spotted
another mom and son next to us walking in the same direction, she grabs his arm and asks
“what your name? – Robert Ashby he replies – good, this is Terence Lavery, you are now
friends.” Robert and 11 other boys walking to Mrs. Brick’s classroom that day matriculated
together in 1967.
My last formal day before matric exams began consisted of short time in the classroom followed
by Joe Stravino, Johnny Astrup and I (only 3 matric boys with cars) deciding to race our cars
around the cinder athletic track, NASCAR style early years, sliding around 3 corners (track had
3 legs of cinder and 1 of glass) completing 1 lap and after 2 additional corners finding Br.
Anthony standing squarely in the middle of the track, hands on his hips causing us to come to a
screeching stop. When each of us exited the track onto the road he asked us “What are you
doing? I’m not going to let you take the final exams.” We went to his office to beg for
forgiveness, and permission to be allowed to take the exams.
I cannot remember the theme of the matric dance but I do remember that the standard 9’s had
done an excellent job of decorating the dining hall and that Susan Davey and I had a wonderful
time. I also remember that my sister Trisha, who attended Holy Cross Convent, helped set up
Joe Stravino with Zenda Lutz and Derrick Schoombie with his date for that night and that they
both of them married their dates that night later in life.
I enjoyed the all boys’ school, the uniforms, the small class room sizes, the brothers, the lay
teachers, the discipline, the friendships, ethnic diversity and the athletic fields, the requirement
to participate in a sport every season.
The aspects I least enjoyed were wearing ties on a hot summer day, caning the entire class for
an infraction by one student, competing against larger schools in sports – KES, Parktown Boys
and Marist Obs and getting crushed. But the passage of time, the 46 years, has diminished the
majority of dislikes.
The Marist Centennial celebration in 1966 with 3 bus loads of students travelling down to St
Joseph in Rondebosch, Cape Town was memorable in more ways than one. Best left
unspoken.
The worst moments at school, in my experience, comprised of the strict and severe disciplinary
measures metered out by the brothers. I recall my 1st caning in grade 2 and my last episode 1
week before I matriculated. But the most memorable was a severe dose metered out by Brother
Andrew one morning in 1st period standard 8 because the entire class was were talking and not
studying as instructed. The entire class was marched out single file to an empty class room and
individually brought back for 4 strokes with the cane. When it was my turn Brother Andrew, who
was left handed, seemed to dispense the strokes with extra vigor and on my return to the class
room I felt blood dripping down my buttocks. Being macho and amongst peers you did not show
any sign of pain or crying and were usually laughing out of pain. I let my peers know that I
believe I was bleeding and was called upon to prove it. I dropped my pant to display the
bleeding to all in attendance, only to have Brother Andrew enter the class room to see me with
my pant around my ankles. “Lavery - What are you doing? Do you want 4 more?” When I turned
around to face him he noticed the blood streaming down my leg and his jaw dropped in surprise,
his eyes got bigger and he mumbled “Get dressed!” and left the class room.
As an epilogue to the above story I do not feel that any of the discipline I received was
undeserving or malicious in nature and it never affected me mentally or physically. I never
notified my parents of any incidents because my father was an old Marist Observatory boarder
from grade 1 to matric (1933) and he would have supplemented the punishment. He too was a
strict disciplinarian.Unfortunately time has erased the funny/amusing incidents but I sure if I
were to attend a class reunion my recollections would be rekindled.Once again, unfortunately
time has erased the names and faces of the teachers but the following 3 were clearly influential
in my development. Brother Anthony, Brother Andrew & Brother Timothy come to mind.I was a
prefect but didn’t receive any special awards other than for athletics.
I played all sports at Marist Inanda at that time 1956 1960 swimming, tennis, athletics and
soccer.
1961 1967 – I participated in swimming and water polo team, cricket, tennis, field hockey,
soccer and athletics. We did not attend or have any camps available to us. In all sports I was on
the 1ST Team except cricket which I did not participate in. From 1965 as I was playing baseball
for the Pirates Club and the 1967 1st XV rugby teams as I was training for the Springboks
European tour 1967.I competed for the Southern Transvaal athletics teams from 1964 – 1968 in
all provincial competitions and South African championships and was selected as a Junior
Springbok to compete against Germany 1966 in Bloemfontein, OFS and to tour with the Senior
Springbok team for 4 weeks in Europe July 1967. I still hold 4 South African records in the 100
yards, 220 yards, 220 low hurdles & 440 yards in the U-17 age group.I was selected to attend
the South African Air Force in Valhalla and after my service was completed was given a bursary
to attend Stellenbosch University. I toured with the University of Stellenbosch athletics’ team in
1969 in Rhodesia.
In 1970 at the advice of a mentor, rather than attend the University of Stellenbosch, I applied for
athletics’ scholarships to 14 different USA universities in western or southern states. I accepted
an athletics’ (track) scholarship to the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington State. I
chose to study Business Administration and graduated in December 1974 with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in marketing. In 1975 I attended Wits
University MBA program which I did not complete as I returned to USA in August 1975.
In order to return to the USA on a working permit I was offered a job as an outside Industrial
salesman for a plumbing, commercial and pipe, valves and fittings distribution company in
Seattle, WA. I have been employed there for 38 years and hold the position of national account
manager for The Boeing Company. In this position I administer the support to Boeing for its
ground assembly facilities across the USA, supporting Boeing’s locations in the Puget Sound,
Portland, OR, Southern California, Mesa, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT, St. Louis, MO, El Paso, TX,
San Antonio TX, Philadelphia, PA and Charleston, SC. In 1988 my company Familian
Northwest, Inc was sold to an English company Wolseley, PLC. Which today is the world’s
largest distributor of plumbing, commercial plumbing and pipe, valves and fittings in the world
and USA.
Since I was out of the country I had none of my 3 children attend St. David’s, Marist, Inanda.The
last time I visited St. David’s was in January 2002.
The story I recollect regarding the sports field north (?) of the school is as follows – I believe the
50 acres of property were donated to the school in 1965 +/- and that our students were granted
access to a usually prohibited piece of property for the 1st time. The newly assembled marching
band members use it to practice their bugles and kettle drum music and some members of the
1st VX rugby teams chopped some of the trees down as strength training. Then they started to
bulldoze the lower area for rugby fields and after months of work with large earth moving
equipment the fields had their final shape. I remember that Brother Anthony hire a water
dowsing expert to locate an underground stream or water source and that Brother Andrew, who
maintained the cinder track and cricket pitches, showed us how by using willow branch we
could confirm the location of the water. This is where Mr. Simaan enters the picture, Br. Andrew
was tasked with planting the grass on the newly bull dozed fields, he would allow a selected few
Std 9 & 10 students out during the evening study hall to walk with him as he survey this
monumental task. I’m not sure how this transpired but in short time George Da Matta offered his
father’s flat bed produce truck to Br. Andrew and that a number of us students went over to Mr
Simaans property the following week-end, armed with picks, shovels and pitch forks to harvest
the kikuyu grass that surrounded his property. We returned with a truck load of kikuyu starts that
were subsequently planted in rows starting in the corner closest to the road between the shed
and the property. George Da Matta, Dave Palmer and others that grew up on farms, knew how
to operate the tractor and plow and they hoed perfect rows for us to plant the kikuyu starts. We
did this in the evenings after the african workers had completed their work during the day.
JLE June 2013
Egenrieder, Julie