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Interview with Peter Scott- 1970
Peter came to St David’s in 1969 as a day boy having moved up from Durban where he had
attended Northlands Boys’ High and had been streamed to study Maths.
Peter had an interview with Br Anthony who made a place for him. Peter’s father was employed
by Barclays Bank as was Angus Band’s father and Peter spent a week’s holiday with Angus
before starting at Marist Inanda. It was quite a change coming from a government school into a
private one, he was no longer just a number, everyone knew you and Peter enjoyed the
friendship and the smaller classes; for Biology there only 8 of them in a class.
Peter recalled that Br Anthony was a wonderful man whom he respected, he was strict but fair.
He had a saying that all roads lead to Damelin and as a form of discipline every time a boy
committed a misdemeanour he would first add their name to a transfer card. Next would come
the address and so on until the card was complete and the boy was then out of St David’s.
Br Timothy taught Biology in a didactic manner; Br Bosco (Mario) Science, he was a great
teacher who gave classes after school for the more advanced pupils. Br Patrick – English; Br
Andrew (Drac) who was very strict; Br Michael – Maths and Mr Kalifi, an electrical engineer
turned teacher who taught Maths and Applied Maths. Lex Fernhead was the Biology teacher in
standard 9 and taught the boys as if they were at university level. He gained a Phd, ran the
Durban aquarium and then started the Two Oceans in Cape Town.
Fellow pupils were Kevin McPherson who became an architect, was very good at drawing
caricatures and drew one of Br Mario on the blackboard. Peter Elliot, Alec Chemaly (both
cyclists); Keith Shaw who was head boy, now living in Cape Town and involved in tv work
having done an excellent series for the BBC on Mandela. Kim Small, a good ruby player is now
farming in KwaZulu Natal. Peter often works together with another MOB, Greg Boyes-Varley
and Francis Gibbons and he were best man at each other’s wedding and still keep in touch
today.
Peter wore his hair as long as he could, the maximum allowed, which led Br Anthony to
comment at a prize giving – “grow it, you might lose it one day!” In those days the prize giving
was held under the trees on the south side of the school.
Socially the boys would meet up with the girls from Rosebank Convent and Parktown Convent
with the girls coming to the rugby matches. There was also a coffee club on Friday nights at the
Rosebank Catholic church for teenagers aged 14 to 16 with dancing and socialising but no
alcohol. Peter got quite involved with this and used to organise the music until he was in his
second year at university.
On the sporting front Peter was a runner together with John Williams, his best being the 400m,
however Willy Castle was a better runner. He was a member of the 5th team rugby in standard 9
and in the 3rd team in matric. There was a good spirit and Peter enjoyed the rugby, playing
against CBC Boksburg and CBC Springs which was quite a journey taking two or more hours in
the school buses. Peter remembered a controversial match against St John’s, where everyone
believed that the referee was biased and the Marist boys chased the St John’s team up to the
bell tower. St David’s didn’t play against St John’s for a number of years after that incident.
Peter was also a student officer in the cadets. The drill team came second in the
championships. Mrs Moni organised all the uniforms and the boys had to travel standing up so
as not to crease them before the competition.
Peter recalled a weekend in Henley on Klip for school leavers prior to their matric study week.
They were allowed to drink beer and John Moni was rather bleary eyed on the bus trip home.
There was a three week marine biology trip to Chidenguele, Mozambique where the boys had
an amazing time.
Peter participated in the “Business Game” with his team doing well coming second that year
when Michaelhouse won. Other members of the team Kevin Ryan and Richard Collier went to
do well in business.
The matric dance had the theme of Venice and was catered by Fattis and Monis with the after
party held at John Moni’s home.
Academically, Peter did well and achieved 3 distinctions for his JMB matric. He walked away
with all the prizes with the exception of Afrikaans.
After matriculating Peter went to Wits university to study Medicine, delaying his stint in the army
when he did his two years military service as a doctor on the Angolan border and in mission
hospitals in Natal. He studied Medicine and a BSc Hons in Bio Chemistry simultaneously,
graduating in 1978 doing his housemanship at the Johannesburg hospital. He lectured in
Anatomy for a year with Philip Tobias then started his career and did 6 months as a senior
house officer in plastic surgery and then specialised in general surgery and plastic surgery up
until 1986 when he graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. He then
underwent 2 years as a consultant at the Johannesburg hospital and began his own private
practice in 1988. He is still heavily involved with teaching and is on the executive committee of
the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa and is a member of the
world body of plastic surgeons which involves a lot of travelling and teaching.
On a personal level he is interested in archaeology as a result of his friendship with Philip
Tobias and is a keen cyclist. Peter is married with three children, two daughters and a son who
went to St John’s – his wife, who is a teacher chose the schools and Peter selected the doctors!
One of his daughters is likely to follow him into the field of Medicine.
JLE April 2013

Interview with Nick Mavrodaris – 1970
Nick was born in Springs and was enrolled as a pupil at St David’s, as a boarder in 1965.
Springs High School was in decline; also Nick’s father had brought 35 children to South
Africa from Greece and wanted a better education for his son.
He remembers his first day arriving and his parents helping him unpack. The pranks the
other boys played on their first day telling the new boys to go to one of the brothers and ask
where the crows were – unbeknown to them the brothers were nicknamed the “Crows”.
Nick was a boarder and loved it; he enjoyed the sport and joined in all the school activities.
The discipline was good and it was only years afterwards he appreciated that aspect of
school life and the influence it had on him. The discipline involved getting up early to study,
then school work, then sport and homework periods at the end of the day. Nick did however
regret missing out on family life especially as his father died when Nick was only 3 years into
adulthood.
He was a member of the U13, U14,U15 A and B rugby teams, in standard 9 was a member
of the 3rd team and in matric the 1st team until he injured his knee and required surgery. He
participated in cricket, tennis although he wasn’t that good, volleyball and diving. He also
went to Cape Town to St Joseph’s to celebrate the Marist’s 100 year anniversary.
The brothers he remembers are Br Anthony, Br Andrew “Drac”, whom he visited when he
went to Barcelona for the soccer world cup in 1982. Br Andrew taught Geography and at his
first lesson he told the boys to study the map of the Transvaal. The next day he brought a
very large map into the classroom and asked the boys the location of various towns etc
which of course they hadn’t learnt. In standard 9 he had a Jewish Maths teacher and James
Harrywyn took advantage of the fact that he didn’t understand what was to happen when the
Angelus bell rang and carried on praying and saying Hail Mary’s for 15 minutes until Br
Anthony walked past the classroom and saw everyone laughing. There was Br Patrick, an
Irishman who said “what do you expect from a pig but a grunt”, he taught English and Nick
remembers the opening lines of “The Tale of Two Cities” “it was the best of times and the
worst of times”. Br Aidan the bursar, Br Bosco “Boeing” who taught matric Science and
finished the syllabus by April. There was another brother from Mexico who didn’t understand
English. The boys nicknamed him “Gringo” and took advantage of him during study periods.
He remembers pupils such as Jonny Stavros, a Greek from Zambia, John Williamson, Alec
Chemaly, Patrick Quarmby, Lee McGregor, a Springbok swimmer and Keith Shaw, head
boy.
The boys were always playing jokes on one another and Nick remembered an occasion
when the priest didn’t turn up for confession and James Harrywyn took it upon himself to
stand in for him. He listened to all the confessions and sent the boys to the chapel to pray for
their sins – all evening!
Mickey Joseph was a walking pantry and carried all sorts of sauces in his blazers’ inside
pockets. The food was monotonous and Nick recalls one evening when the boys were
served spinach. Nick got hold of some olive oil and lemon juice and soon everyone was
tucking in.
The boys were not allowed to have radios at school but, in 1966 Nick acquired a mini radio
which he hid in his blazer and ran the wires for the earphones up his sleeve so that he could
listen to the soccer world cup scores.
Nick also remembers planting grass for the school rugby and cricket fields.
Nick’s father had a grocery store and worked long hours. When Nick went home for the
holidays he had to help as a packer which he hated at the time. His father trained them so
well that he went away on holiday and left his sons to run the business.
Nick recalled that for his matric dance he took a Greek girl from Germiston as his partner as
he really didn’t know many girls at that time.
When Nick left St David’s he joined the commandoes which entailed basic training in the
January and July 1971 and being called up to camps for 3 weeks over 16 years. Nick did 3
months border duty but didn’t see any action. He studied law at Wits University but realised
after 3 ½ years he wasn’t going anywhere. He had been regularly helping out at the grocery
store then got a job with the nearby Elegance Jewellers working every Saturday and during
varsity holidays for R2.50 per day. He had to travel by train to Johannesburg leaving home
at 6.10am to catch the 6.20 train arriving in Johannesburg at 7.30am. In all that time he only
missed 3 lectures. In 1974 he joined Elegance full time and eventually bought a half share
then the full, shares in the business. He had one shop in Springs then expanded further.
This year Nick consolidated the business from 5 stores to 2 and now enjoys some more
quality time with his family.
Nick’s sons didn’t attend St David’s as it was too far to travel from Benoni which has an
excellent high school. Also if they had become boarders they would have missed out on
family life which is very important.
JLE August 2013

Interview with Mark Di Pasquale –2002
Mark came to St David’s in 1998 and being a new kid on the block knew no one which he found
uncomfortable especially with so many of the boys coming up from the prep school. However he
ended up being friends with the prep boys as opposed to those who came from other feeder
schools. Living just down the road meant he could walk to school which was a big plus and he
could attend other extra mural activities outside of school.
Mark enjoyed the sports and all the facilities, was in the 1st team for hockey and A team
swimming and was captain of the swimming and hockey teams. He was selected for the
Gauteng provincial team for swimming and hockey.. He also enjoyed athletics and water polo.
He enjoyed his time at St David’s but didn’t feel it really prepared him for life as a resident at
university with no formal homework sessions that boarders have which mirror tuts at university.
Although programmes in Maths were available he did not take them although he now realises
that this would have been helpful. He felt there wasn’t as much camaraderie as there would
have been at a boarding school.
Mark was a prefect and was awarded specific honours for modern biathlon. His memory of his
last day at St David’s was being excited as the school had provided him with the confidence to
go out and contribute to society and to be recognised as an adult.
After matriculating with a distinction in Accounting,, Mark went on to study at the University of
Johannesburg, B Comm (Hons) Accounting, he then qualified as a CA (Sa) and is a CFA
(Chartered Financial Analyst). He is currently working as the chief financial officer for a listed
property fund.
He is still friends with Steven Cory and is a member of MOBS.
JLE May 2013

Interview with Neville Dent – 1961
Memories of Boarding School, 1952 to 1961 by Neville (Tommy) Dent
Pupils travelled from far and wide to board and attend school at St Davids. Some of my best pals came
from the copper mines in Northern Rhodesia and the Congo. Most of us came from middle class families
and although most of the boys were Catholics a fair number were Protestants and Jews. I recall that
travelling home by train for Brian (Congo) Roberts took up to a week. He went “on hols” only once a year in
July. The rest of the time he was obliged to stay at school.
Initiation into the school was tough: “We use the cane here and if need be your boy will get a caning”.
Some tough words spoken by Brother Edwin to my father. In the 10 years I was at St Davids I never recall
him using the cane. However I did get canings from my teachers for a variety of reasons. In those days it
was fashionable. As a protestant in a catholic school I had special privileges like going to “St Martin’s in the
Veld” anglican church on Sunday mornings when the other lads were at mass. An added incentive to go to
church was the freshly baked sausage rolls we got after the service and helped fortify us for the 1 1/2 mile
walk back to the school for breakfast. With the blessing of the brothers I was confirmed by the Bishop of
Johannesburg on November 7, 1956.
Routine as a boarder meant getting up at 6.00 o’clock followed by prep while the catholics went to mass.
Breakfast was at 8.00. After school it was playing sport followed by prep, dinner, more prep and then in
bed by 9.00pm. Sometimes we got to listen to the radio in bed until 9.30pm. Sunday nights were special
because we were allowed to listen to the “LM Hit Parades” presented by David Davies being broadcast
from Mozambique.
My first memory of the class room was of Mrs Batten our Std 3 teacher and her dreaded cabbage juice
which was administered as punishment. I hated the cabbage juice but failure to drink it meant a visit to the
principal’s office which was worse. Std 5 had many happy memories foremost of which was our
introduction to literature by Mr Bishop. In his distinct clear voice he read to us from “Chaka Zulu” for half an
hour every day. During the reading there wasn’t a murmur in the class as we all sat spell bound and I
became determined to read more books. Mr Bishop was forced to re-read the book twice. He also took
charge of the scripture reading class for the Protestants and Jews who were barred from attending
catechism. It was endless reading the bible from cover-to-cover for 10 years and to this day I’m unsure it
strengthened my christian faith. Arguably the best teacher in the school was Brother Lewis who in our junior
cert year moulded us into a sharp academic unit. His methods might have been harsh but we all
appreciated him when we ended up with the most distinctions and 1st class passes in the Joint Matriculation
exam in South Africa.
In the late 50’s the school played host to homeless refugee children from Hungary and I remember them as
being talented acrobats and musicians. The school was thoroughly entertained by these strange people
who couldn’t speak English. One 12 year old lad could play Liszt on the piano like a concert pianist and I
was able to get my first delightful taste of the piano.
My most embarrassing moment at school was in my junior cert year when at assembly one day Br.
Anthony, who was then principal, told me to report to his office for a caning because of a misdemeanour
and then changed his mind and still at assembly in front of my mates told me not to bother as I looked
scared. This was the one and only time I ever craved for a caning.
My happiest memories were Saturday mornings when it would be up early and down to the tennis courts for
a game before breakfast. After breakfast it would be cricket or rugby followed by lunch and then the
freedom to go to the Wanderers Club to watch sport. I have many fond memories of watching great players
like Peter May, Dennis Compton, Neil Adcock, Don Bradman and our own Graham Pollack and Hugh
Tayfield play cricket. Occasionally we were also allowed to go to Ellis Park and I recall attending the test
between the Springboks and the All Blacks in the late 50’s with my school pal and 110 000 other rugby fans
which I think was a record attendance. We were ecstatic to see Hennie van Zyl (handsome Hennie as he
was known) score South Africa’s one and only try.
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Saturday evenings would be movie time and Brother Dennis would set up the 16mm projector in the dining
hall. One of the boarders father was a big shot in African Consolidated Theatres and he made sure we got
nothing but the best movies to watch. The boarder mentioned was John Stodel a Jewish student also in my
class.
Talking of Ellis Park it would be amiss not to tell how my name was changed from Neville to Tommy. Going
to the grounds meant catching a double-decker bus outside the school into the centre of Johannesburg and
then walking to the stadium. On this particular Saturday afternoon a pal and I were walking back from a
game towards the bus terminal off Commissioner street when we walked past a man waving at an empty
bus shouting:”Hello Tommy, Hello Tommy” over and over again. We could see he wasn’t too steady on his
feet and mimicking him back at school became the joke of the year. Whenever we greeted each other it
became “Hello Tommy”. It was this that the led to the name catching on.
Sundays were different from Saturdays. After church and breakfast we would go to prep at 11.00 am to
carry out parental letter writing until lunch time. As we filed out we had to hand our letters in for posting.
Many parents found excuses not to reply to letters and for many of us letter writing became distasteful.
Many afternoons were devoted to walks, the old Maristonian club being the favourite. It meant crossing the
Klein Jukskei bridge and walking up the steep hill to the Pretoria road by which time we were famished. I
remember the meat pies being amongst the most delicious I had ever tasted.
The Sunday night meal would be cold meats and salads as most of the kitchen staff were off.
I didn’t shape too well in sport but managed the 1st hockey team in my senior year. In the inter-schools
league we would come midway in the rankings. Likewise with rugby and cricket, St Stithians and
Observatory were considered Derby marches and were must-wins. Here again it was 50/50. Home games
for the 1st XV rugby team were big occasions and would draw large crowds. Not to be outdone I became
school cheer-leader in my senior year and donned my top hat and tails. We had a good repertoire of songs
to sing and being a small school got time off during classes to practice. I had many happy memories
cheering not only the rugby team but the athletic teams as well. Observatory matches were a little different
in that they would try to “borrow” my top hat and therefore a couple of the bigger lads would stay close by
to scare off the would- be culprits.
Brother Dennis was one of our sports masters and he would think nothing of tucking the hem of his cassock
into his belt and playing rugby with us. He loved playing in the back line as a centre and we loved tackling
him as hard as we could but he was always very gentle. It was great fun and we loved playing with him. He
must have been a good hurler when he was young and after much deliberation agreed to show the hockey
lads how to play hurling. The uninhibited rules of hurling were refreshing after hockey but my participation
ended prematurely when I got a crack above the eye with a hockey stick. The school matron and doctor
were summoned and I had to have stitches.
Like the brothers many boarders considered the school to be their home. For some of us it was home to
home so it was natural that we looked to the brothers as family figures. The head-masters throughout my
schooling took the job seriously and ensured we weren’t bullied. We were also taught social decorum. One
Sunday night I recall Brother Edwin laying a table place in the prep room and showing us how to eat as
gentlemen and the difference between spooning soup and desserts. On another occasion he ordered an
older student to give me his tuck box full of sweets and chocolates as punishment for bullying me. I also
remember the night when we refused to eat the cabbage because of worms. Brother Edwin promptly had a
place set in the dining room and proceeded to eat a full plate of cabbage and then standing up said: “If I
can eat it so can you” and walked out.
My saddest day at school was the day of the Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960. I was in Std 9 and
was troubled for many months by the events of that day.
Final year was full of surprises. We spent a lot of time doing past papers as preparation for the JMB exams
and were left pretty well alone. Then came the matric Farewell. To prepare us for this Parktown Convent
girls were invited over for combined dancing lessons. This was my first experience of dancing. My poor
partner must have been put off dancing for life. This was followed by a “Beano”, a traditional end of year
feast for boarders in the dining hall.
3
The last day of school was full of mixed emotions. I was saying goodbye to my beloved family probably for
the last time and I was also starting a new journey. My schooling had been an ideal preparation for me. I
had become resourceful, academically qualified and had learnt the art of getting on with people. On the
other hand I had lived for10 years in an environment where I was denied the right to make my own
decisions. This posed a new challenge for me and one which I knew I was going to enjoy.
In 1995, 34 years later, we had a class re-union at the Balalaika hotel with our wives and partners and it
was amazing to see old faces and hear how my old friends had progressed in life. My class had done very
well and amongst us were medical doctors and specialists, business owners, academics, engineers and
directors of companies. I became sure then that my parents had sent me to the right school.
After leaving St David’s, Neville earned a B.SC (Hons) degree at Rhodes University. For a short time
afterwards he worked at the CSIR as a scientist until leaving for a more challenging position in industry. In
1986 he graduated with an MBA from Wits Business School. In 1990 after spending 21 years mostly in
senior managerial positions with Boart International, an AMIC subsidiary, he moved into small business
becoming a director of companies. In 2000 Neville moved to Ireland with his wife and youngest daughter
working as a business mentor.
He finally retired in February 2013. He also has daughters in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Dubai and
one grandson.
JLE January 2014

Interview with Craig Roman – 2004
Craig first came to St David’s from the Arthur Matthews primary school in Maraisburg into grade 6 in 1998
when his mother Julie was appointed as a teacher here. His brother Rodney also joined the school and
matriculated in 1999.
His recalled that his first impressions were one of awe in terms of the facilities and in the ways things were
run and organised. There were similarities with his previous school but expressed in an entirely different
way.
When Craig arrived the new hall was being built and the ablution blocks were still in what is now the main
quadrangle and Strevino Park was still in existence.
Craig fitted in easily as everyone was very caring and friendly. His first room teacher was Bev Geldenhuys
who assigned Richard Ramsden as his mentor. Craig already knew Bradley Marais as they had grown up
together. He recalled Mr Castle as being awesome and in spite of him, he survived the prep!. He relished
the sport and found the staff to be very involved and soccer in the prep school was always fun and
competitive. He went on some school tours and remembered one with Mr Midgely in grade 7. The general
camaraderie was good and the boys all worked together. Craig participated in cricket, soccer and athletics
and was involved with club soccer after school.
When Craig moved up to the high school, rugby took over as his main sport, a change which he enjoyed.
standard 6 or grade 8 was awesome but scarey with the matrics towering over one like giants. The
transition from the prep to the high school went academically well but, after being the cream of the crop and
now finding oneself at the bottom of the ladder was a rude awakening.
Craig went on the annual grade 8 camp to Glenmore led by Rod Smith which was great fun with all the
team building exercises. Craig played 2nd team cricket, was rugby captain of the U14 team in standard 6
and 7 and for the U15 and U16 teams. He also enjoyed mostly field sports in athletics. He also participated
in other extra murals such as SMILE, debating for a short time and inter-house plays.
Of his teachers, Mrs Marias was always a second mother to him; Mrs Nagy made Maths fun; Ms Nolan was
very supportive; Ms Voorendyk was always there when he needed someone to talk to , she was very
supportive, but realistic with her advice. He learnt a lot from Mr Ireland; Mr R Smith; Mr Macmillan, Mr
Thompson and Mr Buys especially with regard to rugby. Craig played provincial rugby for the Gauteng
Lions U16 and U18 and also in the primary section U10, U11 and Johannesburg 11.
Being appointed head boy was an auspicious occasion and presented new challenges for Craig. The
position itself, which he regarded with awe, the expectations everyone had of him plus the fact that he was
a year younger than his peers. He found it to be his most challenging year and in spite of personal
problems, he found he could focus on his role as head boy and it allowed him to concentrate on the small
daily victories. He was obliged to attend numerous functions including sporting events representing St
David’s and enjoyed the interaction with pupils and staff. There were some very pleasant aspects attached
to his position and he attended a number of matric dances and was involved with the prefect exchange with
St Teresa’s and Kingsmead.
Craig was awarded general honours and his honours blazer, and won the Buckley-Jones Trophy for
Afrikaans.
Mr Edey was headmaster and Craig enjoyed a good relationship with him. Mr Edey gave an amazing input
into his life which Craig can’t put a value to. Everyone had a tremendous respect for Mr Edey, for his
enthusiasm, support and caring, he motivated everybody.
After matriculating, Craig went on to study for a BSc Mech. Eng which was a very different time in his life.
He admits to losing focus during his first year and during his third year he was excluded and went to work in
the business environment. He was involved with ER24 services for schools and also in the manufacture of
smart carbon. He learnt a lot from this experience and initiation into the world of business. He dealt with
various individuals such as leading businessmen and government officials. Unfortunately at a year-end
function there was an accident with a gas explosion and Craig injured his leg which led to him to go back to
university to complete his degree. After finishing his degree, he went on to start up a pest control company,
“Bugs Away “with a friend and his father. The company is still going strong but again personal circumstance
led Craig to rethink his life strategy. Envestpro offered him a position as a financial advisor in the company,
he hasn’t looked back since and enjoys his new role.
Reflecting on his life so far, Craig has realised that throughout his entire childhood he led a very busy,
structured existence, learning life lessons along the way. How to lose but keep his dignity, it opened his
eyes to different aspects of life, gave him confidence and affirmed his personal values. Craig is grateful for
the time he spent at St David’s and would like to send his sons to the school.
Craig is now married, has two sons and is keen to become an active member of MOBS. JLE March 2014

Interview withRonald Morgan 1948 – 1958
In January of 1948, as a very small, sports mad boy, I arrived at the splendid college set in
the rural, leafy suburb of Inanda, surrounded by a few houses and a horse-loving
community.
On my first day I was accompanied by my brother, Harold, proudly dressed in my new blue
and gold uniform. I wore a cap and a tie. Hailing from Parktown North in Johannesburg, I
came from a devout Catholic family of six children. Times were difficult and, although we
were not rich, my parents somehow managed to provide a good education for my brother
and I, as well as for my four sisters. We were all educated by nuns and brothers. I was
proud of my school and of my family.
In 1948 many of the roads were still untarred.Aided by lift clubs from Mrs Swanson and Mrs
Funston, we were transported to the college. As we got older we cycled to school, a distance
of 10kms, and on occasion I used to walk home armed with my books and sporting
equipment.
What memorable and unforgettable times they were! I was delighted and privileged to be
able to attend a school that had such dedicated teachers. I was passionate about sport,
particularly ball games, with cricket, soccer, tennis and hockey being my favourites.
I recall being taught by Mrs Brick in grade 0. She was a small and soft-spoken teacher who
taught me how to read. My grade 6 teacher was the legendary Mrs. V. Kempster. She was
head mistress for many years. A strict disciplinarian, she ruled with an iron fist. I will never
forget the leather strap she wielded! Our hands would be so cold on those freezing winter
mornings and one really felt the sting. Nevertheless, I received my best marks that year!
On the sports field I excelled, often scoring over 50 runs in a match. I won three cricket bats
and a pair of gloves. As the U12 soccer captain, I scored many goals as a striker. My family
were all sports orientated and my dad, brother and brother-in-laws all encouraged me to
practise hard and to be, above all else, a good sportsman.
My high school memories will always remain obtaining colours for cricket, rugby and tennis,
being captain of the Cricket 1st X1 and couse Captain of Bishops.
Over the years I have returned periodically to visit my family and the school. I have seen the
school grow and can see that the good work started by the Marist Brothers has continued.
The teachers appear to be dedicated and the learners polite and neatly dressed. I am
pleased to see that the christian values that were instilled in me still exist. The new
buildings, the Chapel and the large hall are all recent acquisitions and are very impressive.
How I wish I had been able to play hockey on the school’s Astroturf!
My family has been part of the school’s history since 1942: The Morgans, the Barales, the
Peels and the Broccos are all proud Marist boys. Today the Trudas continue this tradition.
We, as a family, have been honoured to be part of the Marist family.
In 1963 I qualified as a teacher and have taught in Cape Town, Kwa-Zulu Natal and, for a
short period, in Malawi. My last 20 years were spent teaching poor, rural African boys and
girls. I have now retired at the age of 75 after almost 50 years of teaching. During my travels
I met many Marist old boys who all remembered their school days with pride.
May the school continue to grow in love, friendship and under God’s guidance!
Confortore Esto Vir - Take courage, you will need it, and be a man!
I owe a deep sense of gratitude to the brothers, Br. Edwin (Principal), Br. Ralph (my first high
chool teacher), Br. Benedict, Br. Walter, Br. Anthony, Br. Ephrena and Br. Bonaventurer, and
many more.
During my 50 years of teaching in the various schools I tried to carry on the Marist ethos of
brotherhood, respect for others and dedication to my duties as an educator. In the process
of teaching I achieved merit awards and led many good citizens. I am grateful to all who
inspired me to be a good teacher through their encouragement and sound advice. Lastly I
thank God for his many blessings bestowed upon me. The future of the school is in His
hands.
Appendix: Our Family’s Achievements.
Harold Morgan (1942 –1948) – an excellent soccer player who played on the right wing for
the Marist old boys club. A qualified quantity surveyor, he was instrumental in drawing up
the plans for the new Br Urban Science lab.
Stan Barale (1946 - ) – was the first head boy of the college.
Frank Barale (1946 – 1954) – received colours for rugby and athletics and later played
scrum-half for the Natal U/20 team.
Lorenzo Brocco (1963) – a man for all seasons, he was head boy of the day scholars,
captain of cricket and rugby, head of the Sodality and captain of Bishops house. He became
president of the old boys society and served on the PTA for several years.
The Peel Family: Kevin (1960 – 1975), John (1967 – 1977) and Michael (1965 – 1975) all
contributed. John was an excellent cricketer and rugby player. Whilst in the army he
represented the SA defence force at hockey. Michael was head boy of the school in 1975,
played cricket for the Transvaal Nuffield team at the age of 16. He captained the 1st XV
rugby team and the 1st X1 cricket team. Today he is a respected nature conservationist in
the Kruger National Park advising the game farms on what grasses to grow and how many
animals to include.
Ronald Morgan – Captain of Bishops, cricket X1 captain, colours for cricket, rugby and
tennis. Represented Transvaal at hockey whilst still at school. Was chosen in 1958 to
represent the Transvaal Nuffield team but withdrew in order to study in Australia at the
Marist Noviciate. After leaving the Order, represented the Western Province rugby union as
a selection (U/13). Whilst living in Cape Town, he served for 10 years on the primary school
committee as a selector and a coach. In 1984 he managed the W.P primary schools cricket
team captained by Gary Kirsten. Spent many years coaching African boys and was part of
sports development for years.

Interview with Nicolas Harding – 2003
Nicolas came to St David’s in standard 6 – grade 8 . He and his brother had attended Rosebank Primary
School, originally coming from Belgium. Nicolas’s mother is French and met her Welsh husband in
Belgium. Nicolas recalls being quite apprehensive on his first day with the transition from a small coeducational
environment to a large monastic one. It was a big eye opener and a huge step up for him.
At the grade 8 camp he got to know some of the other boys including Gianluca Tucci, Danilo Giacovazzi,
Ciro De Siena, Anthony Koury, Kyle Biller and Chris Marsay. Nicolas wasn’t particularly good at sport but
enjoyed cricket and still plays at Zoo Lake in 8 a side T20, LMS cricket together with Carl Van Zyl. He
wasn’t in the 1st cricket team, didn’t enjoy rugby and played hockey instead.
Academically Nicolas did well being listed in the top ten a couple of times, was awarded academic ties and
a prize for Business Economics. He participated in the Smile programme but wasn’t involved with any
cultural extra murals.
The teachers he remembers are Mrs Nagy, Miss Nolan, Mrs Shumyn, Mr Buys, Mr Fry, Mr Smith and Mrs
Marais who helped him with Afrikaans which he found very difficult only encountering the language on his
arrival in South Africa.
Of his matric dance he has memories mainly of the after party. On his last day he remembers feeling rather
sad that he wouldn’t be seeing some of the guys again but also happy to be embarking on the next stage of
his life. He joined some of the other boys for a drink at a local pub.
After matriculating with distinction in French (his mother taught both himself and his brother) Nicolas went
on to study for a degree in Mathematics and Finance at Wits University. Six months after graduating he
was employed by Standard Bank to work on the “Calypso System”. From that he gained a good knowledge
of business and is now working on market risk mainly in Africa and has visited Swaziland, Lesotho,
Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, the DRC, Uganda, Ghana and Mauritius. He enjoys his job, the
economic rationale and involvement with other african countries.
Nicolas loves Africa and the bush visiting the Kruger Park at least once a year. He joined in the 2003
reunion weekend last year and enjoyed meeting up with some of his contemporaries but isn’t really in close
contact with anyone from his year. He is a member of MOBS and is looking forward to a tour of the school
when he returns from an overseas holiday in May.
JLE April 2014

Interview with Belinda Marais – Staff – 1989
Belinda began her teaching career working in government schools but after 8 years she took a break, saw
an advert for the position at St David’s and applied. She was interviewed by Brother Brendan and Trudy
Elliott and was appointed as head of the Afrikaans department commencing employment in January 1989.
The first task she was given was to mark the grade 11 Afrikaans exam paper. As it was literature, Belinda
had to first read the book and set the memo before she could begin marking. The previous head of
department had left and she had no-one to consult with. It was a difficult time for the school with a new
headmaster, Paul Davies and prep headmaster, Greg Royce and numerous newly appointed members of
staff including Leon Benade (deputy head of the prep school), Gary Norton, Biology, and new Maths and
Geography teachers. Having never taught at a TED school before, it was quite a challenge for Belinda and
initially she liaised with a teacher from Sandown High.
Sifiso Ngwenya, the first black headboy and junior city major, was in her class and distinguished himself by
achieving an A for Afrikaans in his matric. The discipline was poor and Belinda was the only black on the
staff, teaching a subject which the boys hated, but she held her own. Other boys she taught then were
Frederick Barnard and his brother Chris was also at St David’s. She remembers Cedric de Trevou whose
son is in grade 9 and Earl Morais whose son is now in the prep school.
Paul Davies was instrumental in restructuring the house system which became more established and
Champagnat medals were introduced for the first time. Paul Davies left in 1994 and Gary Norton was
acting headmaster until Paul Edey was appointed and took up the position in 1995. Belinda has seen a lot
of changes at St David’s however many things remain the same and the heart of the place is very much the
same.
A highlight for Belinda was the pilgrimage in which she participated in 2001 when she visited Rome and the
Hermitage. Belinda felt that the pilgrimage made everything so much more real; opening up a whole new
world and things became more tangible. Belinda grew up as a Catholic although she is a non-practising
one.
Belinda has always been very involved with the SMILE programme which was initiated in 1993 by Robin
Henderson, an English teacher. She was contacted by an NGO and began to implement the programme
started by St Mary’s in Kloof – St Mary’s Interactive Learning Experience. Robin left the following year and
Belinda took over. The value of the programme was in teaching English oral skills but the interaction of the
boys with younger children from poorer communities was mutually beneficial. Belinda also feels that it is a
very practical programme and has a definite purpose. She currently liaises with two schools in Tembisa –
Ebony Park Primary and Drake Koka Primary School whose staff are willing to accompany the children. Mr
Edey was always very supportive and helped out during the holidays participating as a SMILE guide and
other teachers took the classes. The holidays are no longer covered with St David’s having three terms
and the government schools having four. However, thirty Wednesdays per year are covered, with Ebony
Park’s grade 5’s coming for the first half of the year and Drake Kaka‘s children coming for the second half.
The children benefit from the help and enjoy the food and drink they are given.
Belinda has always been very instrumental in the success of Champagnat day which originally was a mass
followed by soccer matches between the staff, prefects and pupils, the boys were given a cool drink and a
doughnut and everything finished around 11am. In 1994 the staff bursary fund was established and Belinda
suggested raising funds by selling, food etc. on Champagnat day. It started off in the prep school pavilion
with Belinda buying sweets and cool drinks on special and asking mothers to help making some food to
sell. In 2013 the more extensive and established Champagnat day festivities raised R113 000.00 for the
bursary fund.
As Belinda was employed at St David’s her two sons became pupils. Terry went into grade 0 in 1989
followed later by Bradley. Terry matriculated in 2001 and Bradley in 2005. St David’s played a significant
role in her sons’ lives, they were very happy at St David’s and Belinda would not have been able to afford
the school fees had she not been a teacher. Terry is currently a teacher of Music in London, a pianist giving
recitals and Bradley is training to be a lawyer and is doing his articles with Lowndes and Dlamini.
Belinda believes that St David’s is an authentic community with the brothers, colleagues, boys and parents
and this is what she loves and appreciates about St David’s. St David’s has had a great influence on her
life, she feels valued.
Belinda is very much a people’s person, various individuals have impacted on her life, but as staff change
she feels they bring a renewed energy and value with them. Children are children and if you treat them
fairly and as fellow human beings they will respect you and do what you want. Belinda has enjoyed the
rapport, with the occasional hiccup; she has had with the boys over the past 25 years and has observed
that they carry with them a special conscience when they leave. St David’s has done something right.
Belinda still enjoys teaching and wouldn’t want to do anything else and feels that it has, on the whole been
a pleasant experience. JLE Feb’2014

Interview with Steve Duley – 1975
Steve was born in 1958 and first went to school in the UK whilst living in Lincolnshire near Skegness. The
family returned to South Africa in 1963 and Steve was then a pupil at Craighall Primary and moved to St
David’s in 1965, into standard 2. David, his younger brother by two years, was also a pupil of St David’s but
eventually left and went to Hyde Park High School.
Br Anthony was the headmaster and Steve recalls Br Bosco (Mario) “Boeing”, Br Bernard who taught Latin,
Br Timothy who taught Maths and became the Headmaster in 1975, Br Aquinas – English, Trudy Elliot –
English, Badenhorst – Afrikaans, Hartman – Geography and in the junior school Mrs Kenezovitch in
standard 5 and Mrs Kempster who was head of the junior school and the librarian.
Steve was not a Catholic but has recently adopted the faith. The non-Catholics did not attend the Religious
Education classes. As his family lived in Dunkeld, Steve cycled or walked to school. He also recalls
walking to the Rosebank Catholic Church every Ash Wednesday.
Steve was a day boy and found the discipline to be incredible with the boys having to wear caps and
doffing them when greeting people, they had to wear their blazers properly and exercise good manners.
This went down well with Steve’s father who was ex Royal Navy and very strict himself.
There was a good balance between academics and sport and all the boys had no option but to take part in
sport. The teachers were good but the discipline was always heavy, with boys receiving caning for doing
stupid things. Steve had his share but generally managed to keep out of trouble.
Steve played cricket, enjoyed running, long distance and played rugby for the 3rds as fly half. The school
didn’t offer hockey as a sport but Steve played outside of school from the age of 12, he was accepted for
the junior board but didn’t go. So he played rugby during the week at school and hockey over the
weekends. There were no camps only bus trips to play rugby at Observatory, Linmeyer, St Albans Pretoria
and schools such as St John’s.
Fulton-Allem’s father donated tractors to the school when developing the playing fields. Fulton’s father, a
farmer from Viljoenskroon used to fetch him at the end of every term in the rolls royce. In those days there
were horses on the property and Steve’s sister rode at the school on a few occasions.
St Teresa’s was the sister school and a highlight was the disco on Friday nights at Immaculata Hall in
Rosebank.
In his Matric year they played a rugby match against the girls from St Teresa’s, Steve said the girls didn’t
hold back in the scrum and went for every weakness. It was the toughest game the boys had played.
For his matric dance he remembers his partner was Anthony Robinson’s sister. He met his wife Rose
through his brother, she needed a partner for her matric dance at Hyde Park High and they are still together
30 years later. They have four children, two girls and two boys who attended Fourways High School.
Steve received a studies scroll and after matriculating, went to Wits Univerity to study Aeronautical
Engineering and finished his degree in 1981 sticking to his programme of four years academics and two
years socialising. He completed his masters in1986 and started to work at CSIR for the National Institute of
Aeronautics. Much later he completed his MBA in 2006. Steve was involved in test flight engineering
(flutter) in the defence environment, unmanned aid vehicle design and manufacture, managing an aircraft
maintenance company, then moved into the airline industry 15 years ago. Steve worked for Comair and
was involved with setting up the first low cost airline in Africa – Kululah.com, his specialty being IT. He is
currently with Sabre Airline Solutions and is responsible for sales in Africa and the Indian Oceans islands.
Steve also runs his own company Aviaquest Consultancy and is a non executive director of a high
technology aircraft engine manufacturer in South Africa.
JLE January 2014

Interview with Tyson Sithole 2007
Tyson came to St David’s from Norwood Primary School into grade 8 in 2003. This followed
a visit to Norwood Primary by Mr Edey and Mr Williams when they were showcasing St
David’s and Tyson had a brief interaction with them. Tyson was subsequently awarded an
academic bursary which enabled him to attend St David’s.
Tyson recalls his first day as being so very different to his former co-ed school, with 100
boys in grade 8 and found the first month quite nerve wracking. However once he started
making friends he settled in and refers to it as a life changing experience. Tyson never felt
discriminated against and today many of his friends are former St David’s pupils. He
concentrated on his academics and consistently made it into the top ten academics for five
years. His family unfortunately didn’t get involved during his time at St David’s, however, his
mom and Dad were very supportive of his academic endeavours.
He participated in some sport just for the fun of it but his main focus was on maintaining a
high academic performance. He was involved with SMILE on Wednesdays for four years
which he thoroughly enjoyed and found it to be good fun and very rewarding and his way of
giving back. He played chess for five years, and helped out in the library as a media
assistant. Together with Mrs Voorendyk he made visits to an orphanage in Yeoville and in
his matric year was involved in the school spirit as a cheerleader.
Tyson suffers from an eye disorder known as Keratoconus, which was first picked up during
his time at St David’s
The highlights of his school career were receiving honours in 2007 for academics and
general: academics, leadership and service, being elected as a prefect and when St David’s
rugby team beat St Stithians on Champagnat day. Graham Gallow was the first team
captain. In his grade 8 year, he recalls that the 1st rugby team beat both Kes and Jeppe
which was awesome for such a small school as St David’s was then. Tyson was also deputy
head prefect of College house.
Tyson was initially resistant to some of the school’s traditions especially when he
accidentally put a foot on the matric grass! There was an element of bullying but the school
is being more proactive in that regard.
Teachers that had a huge influence on him especially in the way that the message was
delivered were Mrs Russell, Mr Fry, Mrs Pillay, Mrs King, and Mr Van Den Berg who was his
housemaster. Mrs Marais, Mrs Egenrieder and Mrs Voorendyk were members of staff he
could talk to and relate to on a more personal level.
Tyson believes that the overall perception of the high school has changed. The other week
he attended a rugby match and met up with several of his former colleagues, testament to
the current spirit of many of the old boys.
Tyson said that the five years he spent at St David’s were life changing, developing a
mindset which helped prepare him for his university career, he was awarded a scholarship at
UCT where he studied Bachelor of Business Science, graduating with Honours in Finance.
He is currently employed by Standard Bank in the investment banking division at their
headquarters in Rosebank.
Tyson also said that if he ever has a son he would not hesitate to enrol him at St David’s and
said that many of his colleagues would really like to send their sons too.
Tyson is a member of Marist old boys (MOBS) and also a member of the Temba Bavuma
Foundation which focuses on changing cricket development in South Africa and assisting
boys with talent. Tyson is currently a trustee of the St David’s Foundation and would like to
make a meaningful contribution to his Alma Mater.
JLE March 2018

Interview with “Sbo” Sibonelo Mbongwe – 2011
Sbo first came to St David’s from Montrose Primary and joined grade 8. He remembers the grade 8 camp
and camping at the top of a big hill. Mr Rod Smith, Mr Lotter and Mr Williams were there with the boys and
Mr Williams joined the boys on a hike.
Sbo joined “The Bishops” house. His teachers, Mrs Russell - Maths in grade 8, very helpful and patient; Mr
Lotter – Accounts, Mrs Khanyile – isiZulu, a stern motherly figure, Mr Smith – English and Ms Cambitzis
who taught him in grade 11 and 12, he recalled that she gave them an insight into the life ahead of them
and continued to help him with his English when she moved to Kingsmead to teach there.
Sbo participated in sport, 2nd team water-polo; B team swimming and 2nd team rugby. He enjoyed drama
and was in the cast of “The Little Shop of Horrors” in 2008. He was very nervous on the opening night but
said it was a great experience. He participated in the house plays and wrote the script for the house play in
grade 11. Sbo was appointed head of culturals of The Bishops in his matric year and also received scrolls,
full colours for leadership and service, half colours for drama, a team award for music and was a peer
counsellor.
As a part of a community outreach project, Sbo and other boys went to Addo with Mr Fry and repainted a
school giving out beanies and scarves to the pupils. Sbo did this because he enjoyed it and it cemented the
need in him to give. The school motto is also very important to him “Comfortare Esto Vir” – take courage
and be a man.
Sbo remembered his matric dance and the before party with a couple of friends, the dance was held at the
Wanderers. Sbo was a member of the matric dance committee in grade 11 and assisted in the preparation
of a masked ball.
Sbo says that he enjoyed being so silly whilst at school, it was great fun with lots of laughter and jokes and
his grade are very close.
After matricualting, Sbo enrolled with UNISA and studied for a BA Accounting Sciences and is currently
attending lectures at the Edge Business School. He will complete his degree this year followed by a post
graduate year in 2016. He is a member of the MOBS committee and attended this year’s matric rite of
passage which he thought was perfect being held at St David’s. He would definitely send a son of his own
to St David’s.
JLE August 2015

1A6 16 page colour booklet

1 A3 laminated poster with 6 black and white photos

2 Architectural Drawings. Project 2536 in a plastic folder

3 A4 photocopied pages

Gordon Tonetti - 1986 - Entries in Yearbooks
1975 Sons of St David’s Old Boys – photo p.74
1976 First Communion Group - photo p.87
Sons of St David’s Old Boys – photo p.88
Grade 2H – photo p.95
1977 Sons of St David’s old Boys – photo p.82
1978 Sons of St David’s Old Boys – photo p.85
Standard 2A Class – photo p.89
1979 Sons of St David’s Old Boys – photo p.70
Standard 3W Class – photo p.75
1980 Sons of St David’s Old Boys – photo p.68
Standard 4M Class – photo p.72
Cross Country Senior Team p.94
Rugby – mention – Lock p.99
U/11 Boys playing as the U/13B Rugby team – photo p.100
1981 Standard 5F Class – photo p.80
Cross Country Senior Team p.108
U/12A Rugby team – photo p.113
1982 Standard 6A Class – photo p.27
Athletics team – photo p.49
1983 Standard 7A Class – photo p.22
U14 age group scroll p.34
Athletics team – photo p.34
U/14A Rugby team – photo p.52
B Swimming team – photo p.58
1984 Standard 8 Class – photo p.23
Athletics team – photo p.33
Inter-school meeting U15 age group scroll p.33
U15A Rugby team – photo p.49
B Swimming team – photo p.57
1985 Athletics scroll p.15
Standard 9 Class – photo p.20
New Records – Open Road Race p.33
Age group scroll – Open p.33
Athletics Team – photo p.33
2nd Rugby Team – photo p.44
B Swimming team – photo p.54
1986 Confirmation – photo p.12
Matric – photo p.18
Athletics Team – photo p.41
1st Rugby Team – photo p.41
B Swimming Team - photo p.61
1987 Matric – passed without university exemption with a distinction
In Physical Science p.12

1 A4 email printout

Proposed amended constitution of the St David's College, Inanda Parent-Teachers Association

Booklet with the programme of the valedictory mass

51 pages of A4 and notes with faded photocopies and 2 sets of architectural plans relating to the Rivonia Road widening and construction of the Southern Entrance Gate.Donated by Kevin Brewer the then chairman of the Board of Governors

9 Architectural Plans for the Electrical Installation in the Hall and Auditorium and plan for workshop

A3 document of 11 pages with the design overview, site plan, drawings and elevations

1 set of Architectural Drawings and plan in plastic folder

Document outlining Speeches made, Grace and the menu

5 A3 pages with architectural drawings and photos in ring binder

From the desk of the Senior Deputy Headmaster
On Monday, 27 January, St David's Marist Inanda marks 73 years since the School officially opened
its gates: 73 years of history. In 1941, while WW 2 was raging across the globe, Marist Inanda was
established by the Marist Brothers on its current premises . The School in 1941 would have been
surrounded by grasslands, by veld, and located a fair distance from any significant urban
settlement – Rosebank would probably have been the nearest shops – a considerable walk on dirt
roads: certainly no tarred Rivonia Road. The area to the North and North East of the School, where
Sandton City is today, was predominantly fruit orchards and small holdings - how different the
environment in which the School now operates.
A little bit of History
The Marist blazer, the blue and gold striped blazer, was first introduced at St Charles College in
Pietermaritzburg, then a Marist School, in 1927. In 1933, all the Marist Schools in South Africa
adopted the blue and gold striped blazer as official uniform, no different to what St David's boys
wear today. Throughout the world, thousands of pupils wear the same blazer with passion and
pride - Marist is the common bond of pupils at hundreds of schools worldwide. The pocket of the
blazer has an 'A' and 'M' intertwined, standing for "Ave Maria", Latin for Hail Mary – this also
appears on the St David's badge.
The first reference to a war cry at St David's was written by Brother Urban at the end of 1949. The
first war cry included the words "Marist Inanda", but according to the Matrics of 1949, it was a
feeble war cry. The Head Prefect of 1949, Don Rethman, approached the first team rugby coaches,
Brother Alban and Brother Edwin, and asked permission for changing the war cry to something
with a bit more "oomph", something more lively and dynamic. Permission was granted and the
Head Prefect, who could speak Zulu, together with the School's Chef, Piet Ncwane, who had moved
to St David's from Marist Koch Street (the first school in Johannesburg), sat down in the dining
room one night after dinner and wrote the War Cry – the Kalamazumba: the one St David's boys still
sing/chant. By the way, our current library is the old dining room and besides his cooking and
song-writing skills, the School Chef, Mr Ncwane, who co-wrote the war cry, was by all accounts an
immensely powerful gentleman, who was reputed to be able to pick up three prep boys sitting on
his one arm!
The Kalamazumba was officially used for the first time in 1950 when the 1st XV played against St
Charles College in Pietermaritzburg. St David's, the underdogs on that day, against expectations,
beat St Charles. Much credit for the victory was given to the new war cry and, since that historic
match in 1950, the Kalamazumba has been used at all fixtures by the boys of St David's Marist
Inanda.

1 A3 laminated poster with 2 colour photos