St Andrew’s College takes its first step to going off-grid

Since the end of 2015 every College boy has experienced what the Bush Camp has to offer, be it on a tutor outing, a leadership camp, President’s Award, Outreach, skills training, environmental study, or even academic camps. There are also ample opportunities for recreation away from the hectic academic, sport and cultural pressures in Makhanda (Grahamstown).
All these activities are done without cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, TVs or any technological gadgets that seem to take up so much of their time, energy and social interaction.
At the end of their College careers, it is expected that Outdoor Education and the adventures and experiences will be discussed and reminisced by Old Andreans for many years to come.

Currently on hold, due to Covid-19 and travel restrictions – The Covid-19 pandemic finds us in a very complex situation given the unpredictability of the future of international travel, and our primary concern being the health and wellbeing of our boys. It remains our hope that future grade 10s will be able to experience and enjoy the incredible journey that Student Exchange offers.

Explore a different country, embrace diverse cultures, meet new people and gain a life-enriching experience!

St Andrew’s College has, in the past, offered our Grade 10 pupils the opportunity to apply for Exchange to either India, Australia, and Jordan with possible connections in the future in Canada. A meticulous application process is followed which starts in grade 9 when those boys who are interested in the programme are asked to motivate why they wish to travel overseas on exchange as ambassadors of College.

The programme enables boys to travel for approximately four to six weeks. During this time away, students are required to balance their academic commitments with the wonderful travel experiences that their hosting schools offer.

This International program gives the boys an opportunity to experience cultural and schooling differences, and pupils from the different countries are provided an opportunity to experience life at St Andrew’s College.

Exchange provides an invaluable learning experience with students living with a host family or within a boarding house. They participate in the classrooms, on the sports field, culturally and some of our visiting pupils take part in the John Jones Fish River Journey.

The nurses care for the pupils physical and mental wellness. This can include injuries as well as illness. The San also arranges transport and medical appointments for the boys.
Boys who are unwell lie down in the San where they receive care for their illness. Communication with parents is maintained as necessary.
The San staff endeavour to provide a relaxed, friendly and confidential service to the pupils.

The well-being of all boys at St Andrew’s College is of paramount importance and a strong pastoral support system is in place so that each boy can timeously seek out the correct help when the need arises. This may include academic challenges and educational support, physical health, spiritual wellness and growth, as well as counselling or psychological assistance.
The Housemaster and House Tutor are typically the first point of contact for any emotional or academic issues that boys may be confronted with. Within their capacity, the Housemaster and Tutor will support a pupil but may refer them onwards to a member of the Wellness Team or another avenue in pursuit of the best possible resolution.
If boys would prefer to speak to someone outside of the Boarding House, the Chaplain, Academic Support Specialist, and school Psychologist are available in differing capacities.
The Wellness Team meets once a week to discuss any boys of concern and to develop an individualized plan to support and encourage boys. In addition to offering emotional support, the Wellness Team also works closely with the Housemasters, Academic Staff and Coaches to ensure that each boy is taken care of in a holistic manner.
House Tutors are on duty in the boarding house once a week during which time boys are encouraged to engage with them one-on-one. With the assistance of the House Tutor, each boy is encouraged to develop strong organisational and time-management skills, as well as to take responsibility for his own learning.
Furthermore, boys attend a Tutor Period each Thursday during which time they are able to engage with peers around any social, academic, or other related issues that are relevant to the school or the group.

Academic Support (Ms. Sue Davis – Academic Support Specialist)
When unable to resolve an academic problem or on encountering a particular learning difficulty, boys are able to access a wide variety of resources and specialised academic support.
Throughout the year, the Academic Support Specialist arranges events, programs, and additional opportunities to promote academic excellence and learning support. Learners are always encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to supplementing their academic skills and study techniques in pursuit of their own highest possible attainment.

Physical Health and Wellness (Sister Heidi Scheepers & Sister Nomvuyo Mbangi)
The physical health of boys at St Andrew’s College is monitored by two professional on-site Nursing Sisters at the school Sanatorium where confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learners can access the Sanatorium for all medical and health-related matters such as injury, illness, medication, or appointments and transport to Specialists and other professionals such as Physiotherapists or external Psychologists.
The school Doctor is available at the Sanatorium at 07h30 each weekday and a Doctor is On Call at all times.

School Chaplain (Rev. Richard Wyngaard)
The school Chaplain is the spiritual leader of the school and is available for counselling and guidance to pupils at all times.
In addition to chapel services, prayer meetings, religious education, and confirmation classes, the Chaplain plays a vital role across school staff, learners, the broader community in a pastoral and guiding role around matters of spiritual wellness, healthy relationships, and the educational ethos of the school.

Counselling and Psychological support (Mr Greg Wilmot – Counselling Psychologist).
The school Psychologist is available to all learners in the school and performs a role of short- to medium-term Psychotherapeutic and professional services as well as the referral to external Psychologists and / or Psychiatrists.
Further interventions may include acute crisis case management, the assessment of emotional or psychological distress, planning and implementing multidimensional programs for individuals and groups (e.g. House, dorm, group, or team), and policy formation and implementation.
Wellness staff are also available in the event of an acute crisis event such as a bereavement, emotional / psychological distress, ill-health, or following a major personal or family event. The onus rests on the learners to quickly and accurately report a crisis event where they or another boy may be at-risk / in danger or need adult assistance.

HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME 

Our Boarding Houses

Boys are accommodated in six different houses: Armstrong, Espin, Graham, Merriman, Upper and Mullins. These Houses, each with their own identities and traditions, form an all-important home-from-home for boarders.

The House becomes the boys’ immediate community, and our passionate live-in Housemasters are responsible for all aspects of each boy’s development.

DINING

The Clapham Jubilee Dining Hall

The Clapham Jubilee Dining Hall is a space where the College boys come together. This state-of-the-art building contains six dining halls and allows the boys to eat in their separate Houses while still fostering school togetherness and house spirit.

Spencer Chapman was inspired by Kurt Hahn’s philosophy of education as taught at Gordonstoun, and continued to implement them on returning as the 11th Headmaster of St Andrew’s College from 1956 to 1962. He was a decorated war hero, an adventurer/explorer and initiated “outward bound’ to St Andrew’s College.

St Andrew’s has continued with this ethic of educating beyond the classroom and has expanded the programme from a military-inspired Long Walk (a 5-day route march for Grades 9-11), to a far more intricate programme. St Andrew’s pioneered the 21-day rite of passage now known as the John Jones Fish River Journey in 2004 and has led the way in South Africa in this regard. The development of our own “Khula Bush Camp” at Table Farm 15km from town has further enhanced our opportunities to educate our boys beyond the classroom on a regular basis.

Since the end of 2015 every College boy has experienced what the Bush Camp has to offer, be it on a tutor outing, a leadership camp, President’s Award, Outreach, skills training, environmental study, or even academic camps. There are also ample opportunities for recreation away from the hectic academic, sport and cultural pressures in Makhanda|Grahamstown.

All these activities are done without cellphones, iPods, MP3 players, TVs or any technological gadgets that seem to take up so much of their time, energy and social interaction.

At the end of their College careers, it is expected that Outdoor Education and the adventures and experiences will be discussed and reminisced by Old Andreans for many years to come.

St Andrew’s College sports activities are certainly held in high esteem. We consider sport to be an essential part of boys’ education at St Andrew’s College. Enjoyment, fun and satisfaction are the primary purposes, while character, teamwork, and camaraderie, which are vital in social development, also grow in the sporting context.

Sport provides a host of community occasions throughout the year, knitting the school community together and enhancing its quality. Our independent boarding school offers a wide range of games, ensuring that every boy will find a sport that suits his personality, interests, and physique.

Our sports codes are divided into two groups: Major and Minor. The Major sports involve more frequent practice sessions and inevitably, inter-school competition on the weekends. Every boy is expected to play one Major sport initially, but many boys find that they can manage more than this. Grade 8 to 10 are expected to be involved in a Major and a Minor sport except in the case of Rowing, where time does not allow for involvement in a Minor sport.

There are several Minor sports which are available and offer enjoyment and fulfilment. They generally have fewer training sessions and competition will often happen during the week or infrequently, on weekends.

When an individual possesses exceptional talent in one of the Minor sports, he may request permission to focus his attention on that sport and do it as his Major sport.

Competitive sports are often considered to be a precursor to the equivalent professional level sports. In some cases, our boys graduated or through scouting and our elite athletes go on to turn professionals.
However, the good thing about the St Andrew’s College sports system is that it encourages students to balance academic and sporting activities as a way of ensuring that they can secure a successful career, whichever path they end up taking.
A lot of planning happen behind the scenes to ensure that college sports teams have the best chance of success – as such, coach and athlete management has a particularly key role to play. We work hard to promote safety, excellence, and physical and mental well-being for boys at College.
Notable Old Andreans have gone on to become professionals

Lindy matriculated from DSG in 1989, and she was Deputy Head Girl and Head of Merriman House.

Lindy obtained her B Econ degree majoring in Economics and Industrial Psychology from Stellenbosch University, and her AAA Diploma in Marketing and Advertising.

Lindy enjoyed a successful career in Advertising and Retail before moving abroad where she and her family lived for four years on a remote island in Newfoundland and later on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

On her return to South Africa, she published a book, ‘Motherhood and Me’ which explores the path to personal rediscovery during/post motherhood. She pioneered Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the South African educational sector in 2009. She authored the ‘Cool To Be Me’ SEL curriculum from Grade 1 – 6, followed by the development of the SACE accredited SEL CPTD course.

Lindy has spent over a decade training and working with educators and non-profit organisations on SEL training and curriculum development and, in some instances, she has used SEL as a tool to shift organisational culture and to entrench new value systems.

Lindy took over directorship of the Kariega Foundation in 2017 out of a desire to contribute to the sustainable conservation of wildlife and the upliftment of local communities near the Kariega Game Reserve. She has implemented the principles and practices of SEL in the organisation and the communities it serves, the results of which have exceeded expectations, despite the many challenges associated with community work and education.

In 2017 and 2018 Lindy consulted for the UCT Rugby Club where her work required her to work with closely with the players, management, coaching staff and Council members in order to re-define their culture and value system, and to re-align practices and principles within the Club.  Lindy also worked with the Bishops High Performance department on a similar project.

Lindy has undertaken SEL training with DSG Junior School and St Andrew’s Prep in facilitating the ‘Cool to Lead’ programme with the Grade 7s for a number of years.

Lindy is a passionate member of the DSG and St Andrew’s College community and is fully invested in the future of our schools.

Lindy is well-known in our community of schools. She is married to an Old Andrean and her father-in-law is an Old Andrean. She currently has two step-daughters at DSG and a step-son starting at College in 2023. In addition, she has two nieces at DSG and two nephews at College. She also has a niece who is an Old Girl, and ten nephews who are Old Andreans.

“I believe the current challenges faced by College are not unique to our school. Serving on Council will provide the opportunity to work with an exceptional team to explore and implement principles, practices and structures that will benefit South African education as a whole”.

Guy completed his B.Comm, HDE and Post Graduate B.Ed qualifications at Rhodes University.

His career as a teacher started close to home as an Assistant Housemaster at St Andrew’s Prep. After building his career at Selborne College, St Peter’s Preparatory School and Graeme College, Guy was appointed Deputy Head of York High School in 1992.

This experience ensured his appointment as Head at Woodridge College for five and a half years, Rector of  Michaelhouse for eleven years, and the Principal of Bishops Diocesan College for seven and a half years, thereby serving a total of twenty-four years as a Head.

He was a member of the International Boys Schools Coalition from 2002 to 2020, and was also a Trustee of the organisation for the period 2013 to 2016.

Guy is retired and is working part-time as a Mentor for OISESA (Office of Independent Schools Evaluations Southern Africa) which focuses on Quality Assurance in independent schools.

He also serves on the Board of the St Francis Bay College.

Guy is a very experienced and highly regarded educationalist, who has a deep passion for education, particularly the education of boys.  His love for schools is obvious, as is his warmth and care for pupils. He extensive experience as an educationalist and his in-depth understanding of the complexities inherent in schools such as St Andrew’s College will be invaluable to our school.

Dimakatso attained a BSc Electronic Engineering degree from the University of Natal in 2002, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the School of Project Management in 2005 and an MBA from the Management College of South Africa in 2011. She is currently writing a Doctor of Business Leadership thesis which is due for completion this year.

Dimakatso is registered as Certified Director with the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). She is also affiliated with the South African Ethics Institute, and the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA).

She has worked at BUSA’s SAtion Digital SA NPC as Chief Operations Officer (seconded by IQbusiness), the IDC, Armscor, Bombardier (Gautrain) and Eskom. Dimakatso is currently the Managing Executive and Principal Consultant at Atafala Consulting.

Dimakatso serves/has served on the boards of Transnet SOC, the National Bargaining Council for Electrical Industry of South Africa (Region A), and SAtion NPC, among others.

With over 20 years of engineering, programme management and strategy consulting experience in numerous industries, and her responsibilities encompassing strategy  formulation and execution, regulatory compliance, risk management, corporate governance, and  stakeholder relations, Dimakatso brings a wealth of purposeful fervour, capability and experience to the St Andrew’s College Council.

Dimakatso has a passion for developing sustainable business strategies, and is committed to continuous improvement of both herself and the environments in which she functions. She has been involved in the formulation and implementation of strategies, and the implementation of youth and community development interventions. Her ongoing career goal is to mentor others to become strategic and ethical leaders that take accountable ownership of the integrated advancement of the business, its stakeholders and its surrounding communities.

Dimakatso is a member of the DSG/College Gauteng Parents’ marketing facilitation committee and, with a daughter at DSG and a son at College, she knows our family of schools well.

“I have a keen interest and experience in areas of good governance, ethical leadership, strategic systems thinking and restructuring, formulation and execution of corporate strategy; oversight of engineering infrastructure programmes and of project management; as well as ensuring continued business sustainability. I also have working governing body experience in serving in Risk Management, Corporate Governance and Capital Investment committees, and in youth leadership development initiatives, which I believe would add value to the Council”.

After matriculating at Michaelhouse, Owen studied at Rhodes University from 1983 to 1988, where he completed his undergraduate studies and read for an MCom in the Department of Management. Immediately thereafter, he read for an MBA degree at Durham University in England.

Owen was an Associate Professor in Managerial Accounting & Finance at the School of Accounting at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he taught from 1996 to 2006. Owen joined the International Trade Centre, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, in Geneva as a Senior Advisor working in numerous countries on priorities for raising overall levels of competitiveness and assisting in the formulation of national and sector export strategies.

Owen Skae was appointed the Director of the Rhodes University Business School in 2010.

Owen is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of GBS Mutual Bank, serves as a Non-Executive Director of the Good Governance Academy, whose patron is Mervyn King, and is an ESG Exchange Advisory Committee member. He is a member of the Institute of Directors.

His areas of expertise are governance, compliance, strategic management, managerial accounting and finance.

As a former President of the Michaelhouse Old Boys Club, he served ex-officio on the Michaelhouse Board of Governors from 2009 to 2013.

Owen is very involved in several organisations within the Makhanda community, and has a good understanding of local government dynamics, especially in relation to the Makana Municipality.

Owen’s family is closely associated with our family of schools. His wife is a Learning Support Teacher at St Andrew’s Prep,  his daughter is a DSG Old Girl and his son is an Old Andrean.

“As a past parent, whose son benefitted immeasurably from his education at College, I am passionate about the school. I would like to make a meaningful contribution to a great independent school that has had to address some tough issues recently, which it is doing with integrity and commitment”.

Fenella (neé Long) is a DSG Old Girl, having matriculated in 1988. She obtained her B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town in 1992, after which she studied at the University of California, Berkeley obtaining her Masters in 1996, followed by her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 2001.

Fenella has enjoyed a successful career as an engineer and a business owner.

She started working at CSIR in 1993, focussing on research projects for roads. From 1995, she worked at the University of California, Berkeley Pavement Research Center (PRC) on behalf of the CSIR, as part of a team establishing a large research project transferring South African road technology to the USA. At the same time, she completed her Masters degree. From 1997, she was employed by UC Berkeley as a Graduate Student, working on research for her doctorate and other research projects. In 2001 Fenella returned to South Africa and the CSIR in Pretoria where her research focussed on the design and rehabilitation of road pavement structures.

In 2004 Fenella joined Rubicon Solutions which she now owns and manages. Rubicon Solutions  provides a software package, Rubicon Toolbox, used for the rehabilitation of roads worldwide. Fenella is involved in the development, testing, technical support and training for the software. Her consulting work focusses on specialised research, with her favourite work being the long-term performance of the N3TC and TRAC (N4) Toll Concession roads. She also runs training courses for Professional Engineers and lectures post-graduate students at Stellenbosch University.

Fenella has school governance experience, having chaired The Ridge School Parents Association for two years.

As a DSG Old Girl, and having grown up in Grahamstown, Fenella knows our family of schools very well. Her brother and nephews are Old Andreans, and one of her sons is currently at St Andrew’s College.  She is well aware of the importance of the symbiotic relationship between all the schools in Makhanda.

“I wish to see St Andrew’s College become a blue print for independent schools in terms of governance, management and the care and development of boys. I am willing to be part of the process to make that happen”.

James obtained his B. Comm degree in 1989 from the University of Cape Town.

He has enjoyed a successful career in financial services and has held positions at Cazenove and Co., AMB-DLJ Securities and Andisa.

In 2005 James and three partners founded ClucasGray, a private client investment management company operating both domestically and globally with a unit trust offering as well as personal share portfolios.

James has extensive school governance experience having served as a trustee of The Ridge School for the past twelve years, and as the Chairman of The Ridge School from 2015 to 2019. He is also a member of the Ridge Old Boys Committee.

James also served as a director of The Teddy Bear Clinic for a decade, so his insight into safeguarding and the duty of care to children is extensive.

James has many links to our family of schools. His father-in-law and two brothers-in-law are Old Andreans, and his wife is a DSG Old Girl. James’ two older sons are Old Andreans while his youngest son is currently a pupil at St Andrew’s College.

“I am really looking forward to contributing towards the development of the safeguarding strategy for the boys and the sustainability plan for St Andrew’s College as a whole”.

Sipho completed his BA degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1992, after which he graduated from the University of KwaZulu–Natal with his LLB qualification.

Sipho has a wealth of business experience after having served several high–profile companies in top management positions.

After spending several years in the company, Sipho was appointed Chief Operating Officer and subsequently Chief Executive Officer of British Petroleum Southern Africa. He was appointed Vodacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer in 2011 and Chief Executive Officer of Telkom in 2013. During his tenure at Telkom, the company was noted for being among the best–performing companies in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Sipho stepped down from
Telkom in June 2022.

Sipho has served on many boards, including that of African Oxygen Ltd, BMW and the Centre for Development and Enterprises.

He has educational institution governance experience from his involvement on the Board of Roedean School and the Council of the University of the Witwatersrand.

Sipho has a son at St Andrew’s College and is looking forward to spending more time in Makhanda.

“Schools play a critical developmental role in society. This role encompasses preparation of young people for adulthood. St Andrew’s College has been a part of the fabric of the schooling system in South Africa. With the background I have in business, politics and general leadership, I can contribute in the overall support and direction of the school particularly to the Chairperson of Council and the Headmaster“.

St Andrew’s College has been, and continues to be, an important part of David’s life. His Grandfather, Thomas Elliott, served on the St Andrew’s College Council and David attended College from 1983 to 1987. His three boys have all attended the school, the youngest of whom is currently in Grade 10.

David is a qualified Chartered Accountant  and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Higher Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.

David completed his articles with PwC in 1996 and spent a further three years in their Corporate Finance division in London. He obtained further experience in investment banking at HSBC, ING Barings and Reed Elsevier PLC in London. David joined Deutsche Bank in 2004 and was Director and Head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Sub Saharan Africa. Having advised Royal Bafokeng Holdings on their investment strategy David joined their team as Head of Portfolio in 2013.

David is currently MD of The Curzon Corporation, a UK investment holding company.

David has held several non-executive roles on the boards of companies including RMIH and RMBH, Liquid Telecom Holdings, JCDecaux SSA, Royal Bafokeng Platinum and Metair Investments Limited.

With a sound financial background, a grounding in auditing and a strong focus on investments and corporate finance, David brings a wealth of experience to Council.

In addition, his significant experience in governance at the highest level and his exposure to educational governance through his involvement on the Council of St Peter’s Preparatory School will enable him to contribute meaningfully in this regard.

“I’m acutely aware of the challenges faced by schools across the country, both economically and socially. Given my experience at the board level I feel that I am well qualified to make a meaningful contribution to College in dealing with these challenges and assisting it on its continual journey towards resilience”.

Mr James Rawbone-Viljoen  grew up in Elgin Valley on the farm owned by his family for more than a century.

He attended Western Province Preparatory School (WPPS) in Cape Town and, after matriculating from St Andrew’s College in 1980, he returned to the Western Cape to complete his Diploma in Marketing Management at the Cape Town Technicon.

James is the owner of Drumearn Pty Ltd – an apple and pear farm based in Elgin in the Western Cape – and he is a shareholder of the Elgin Vintners winery. For James, the excitement of the wine business is all about personal interaction with wine lovers and growing a global family of loyal followers. James has applied his knowledge gained from managing one’s own business to Council matters, and his strong networking skills have been used to good effect in fundraising initiatives at College.

As an old boy of both WPPS and St Andrew’s College, James was elected to the WPPS Board of Governors as the official representative of St Andrew’s College. The schools enjoy a strong historical connection, and the relationship between the schools remains close.

James has a passion to ensure the sustainability of both WPPS and St Andrew’s College in these challenging times for independent education in South Africa. Thanks to his ties and commitment, he is well equipped to serve on both Councils.

James is a past parent of St Andrew’s College, and both his father and father-in-law were Old Andreans.

After matriculating from St Andrew’s College in 1990, Mr Tando Mkosi obtained his
Bachelor of Social Sciences and PG Diploma in Personnel Management from the University of KwaZulu Natal.

Tando has a wealth of human resources knowledge with over 20-year of experience at Unilever, the ABSA Bank Group, IBM and Vodacom. Tando is currently the Managing Executive: Group Talent, Organisation Effectiveness and Diversity and Inclusion for the Vodacom Group. Tando has been a member of Corporate Boards and Remuneration Committees throughout his professional career. His exposure to different industries and the ever-changing field of human behaviour has taught him to be agile, resilient and flexible in times of change.

Tando’s older son was Head Boy of St Andrew’s College in 2021, while his younger son is enjoying his time in Upper House.

Tando writes:

As an Old Andrean, it was always my wish to “give back”. The Chairmanship of the HR Committee and being part of Council enables me to use my HR expertise to shape the future organisational insights and thereby ensuring that College sustains its academic excellence.  Also, with my corporate insights, I am able to help shape the leadership capability and competencies of the College Senior Management Team. Being a parent also allows me an opportunity to better appreciate the school’s governance and operating model.

Judge Nomathamsanqa Beshe completed her studies by graduating with an LLB degree in 1994.

She started her legal career as a public prosecutor in both district and regional courts,  thereafter serving as a magistrate for many years. From 2002 to 2010 she served as the Regional Court President of the Eastern Cape Division, and she was appointed a High Court Judge in 2010, a position which she still holds.

Judge Beshe was a member and Vice Chairperson of the Magistrates Commission. In addition, she was a founder member and former Deputy President of the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges. She is also a member of the International Association of Refugee & Migration Judges and, in 2016, she took part in the Specialized Judicial Services Expert Group Meeting in Amman, Jordan.

Judge Beshe has recently returned from Belgium where she was one of the participating judges in an International moot court competition at Ghent university.

Judge Beshe writes:

As a judge, I took an oath that I will uphold and protect the Constitution and the human rights entrenched in it. Furthermore, our Constitution guarantees everyone the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. I see my appointment onto Council as an opportunity to be part of a great Institution in a city I consider my second home for the past decade, and I am hoping to ensure that, as a Council, we endeavour to uphold and promote these values.

Mr Simon White’s family is well known in the Eastern Cape and at our family of schools. Simon’s Great Grandfather matriculated from St Andrew’s College in 1881, and there has been a succession of family members in Upper House ever since.

After matriculating from St Andrew’s College in 1991, Simon obtained his B Comm Accounting degree at the University of Natal and his H Dipp Acc qualification from Rhodes University. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

After completing his articles at Deloitte, Simon worked at Lloyds Insurance, UBS Warburg and the Royal Bank of Scotland in London.

He joined South African Breweries in 2002 and spent the next six years in various financial management roles in manufacturing, sales and distribution and supply chain. In 2008 he was appointed Finance Director of Massbuild, a position he held for five years before moving into a Commercial Director role.

Simon and his family relocated to the White’s family farm outside Makhanda in 2015, and Simon became the Co-Owner and Managing Director of Omne, a successful business offering accounting, tax and advisory services.

Simon has a wealth of experience from working in well-regarded listed companies, and brings financial, accounting, tax, governance and leadership skills to Council. His recent experience in owning and running a small business adds to his skill set.

Following the family tradition, Simon’s children are currently at DSG and Prep.

Simon writes:

I am a proud Old Andrean with children in the St Andrew’s and DSG family of schools.  It has been a privilege to serve on the College Council and an opportunity to give back to the school.

Mr Malcolm MacKenzie graduated from the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg) with a BComm.

After a successful career in equity derivates and stockbroking in London and Johannesburg, Malcolm settled in the Eastern Cape with his wife, Leigh-Anne, and their family on Leigh-Anne’s family farm at Nanaga.

Leigh-Anne is a DSG Old Girl and her family has been associated with our family of schools for many generations.

Malcolm and Leigh-Anne own Nanaga Farm, and have successfully developed the once modest farm stall into the well-known and much-loved Nanaga Farm Stall in which Malcolm’s financial experience has been invaluable.

Malcolm also served as a Director of Clover Industries for a number of years.

Malcolm is involved in the formation and management of the Inkunzi Bursary Scheme which, through the school’s purchase and raising of cattle on local farmers’ land, will contribute to the funding of bursaries for children of Eastern Cape farmers.

Malcolm and Leigh-Anne are extremely involved in the Andrean community, and are proud past and current parents.

When asked why he joined Council in 2016, Malcolm writes :

I wanted to positively contribute to the growth of College, to nurture the relationship between College and past & current parents, and to preserve the school’s much-envied Eastern Cape heritage.

Mr Stephen Moorcroft has qualifications in Management Accounting and Finance, Industrial Relations, and Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution studies.

Stephen is a farmer at heart and has enjoyed a successful career in numerous agricultural enterprises.  He was the General Manager of Fizantakraal agribusiness from 2002 to 2005 which included the management of trout farms, fruit and cut flowers. He spent the next decade as the Managing Director of Elgin Orchards, a fruit and wine farm with a staff of several hundred workers.

During his time in the Western Cape, Stephen was a founding member of the Elgin Foundation, an NPO which raises funds for community upliftment projects.

In 2016, Stephen and his family moved to his family’s farm in the Winterberg where he breeds livestock, crops and game.

Stephen has strong inter-personal skills and has years of experience in dealing with people from all walks of life. Having grown up on a farm in the Eastern Cape, he is tri-lingual (English, Afrikaans, Xhosa) and has an in-depth appreciation for different cultures and languages.

Stephen has past experience in school governing bodies and understands the importance of good school governance. He was Chairman of the Applewoods Prep School Board for several years, and is the current Chairman of the Old Prep Association. At a recent Council meeting, Stephen’s nomination as Chairman of the Prep Committee of Council was accepted and confirmed.

Stephen’s extensive experience in running complex businesses allows him to contribute to the oversight role of the College Council, and he strongly believes that schools need to be managed along the same business principles as successful companies.

When asked why he joined Council, Stephen writes :

I believe that, as a stakeholder in any community, it is important to contribute your time, energy, experience and passion to the ongoing success thereof. As an Old Preppie and Old Andrean, I feel that it is my duty to give back to the family of schools that helped form my future. Furthermore, I don’t believe in standing on the side-lines and basking in the glory of successes or complaining about shortcomings of any community. I believe that one is only truly part of any community if one actively and constructively participates.

Mr Ciko Thomas completed his school experience with a Post Matric year at St Andrew’s College in 1988.

He holds a BSc from the University of Cape Town, an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand and an Advanced Management Programme qualification from Harvard University.

As a marketing professional, Ciko has built a successful career at several well-known companies, specialising in strategic marketing, brand management, trade and sales operations, innovation and new product development.

He is the recipient of merit awards for entrepreneurship from Black Business Quarterly (2005) and the Black Management Forum (2007).

Ciko is a proud Old Andrean and a current parent. He was appointed to Council in 2020 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

Chairman of the St Andrew’s College Council

Mr Jacko Maree is a proud Old Andrean (Upper 1973). He holds a B Comm (cum laude) from Stellenbosch University, an MA from Oxford University as a St Andrew’s College Rhodes Scholar, and a PMD from Harvard University.

Jacko enjoyed a successful career in the financial industry, which culminated in his role as the CEO of Standard Bank Group from 1999 to 2013. Jacko also chaired the Liberty Holdings Board from 2015 to 2022, and is still the Deputy Chairman of the Standard Bank Group, a position which he has held since 2016.

Jacko has been awarded numerous international accolades for his achievements in banking.  At the same time, he has undertaken leadership roles in government-business forums and has built many relationships to shape a successful economy providing benefits and opportunities for all South Africans.

In 2018, Jacko was invited to join President Ramaphosa’s team, as one of four Special Investment Envoys. Reviving the South African economy through significant new investment is a major priority for government, as it is a vital component in driving economic growth and job creation, thereby reducing poverty and unemployment. The goal of the investment drive is to generate at least $100 billion in new investments.

Jacko joined the St Andrew’s College Council in 2012 and was appointed Chairman in 2014. His extensive experience in executive and non-executive roles of large companies has equipped him to understand and deal with the complex trade-offs that are required to ensure College’s viability and long-term sustainability. Jacko has been involved in numerous initiatives at College, and he played a leading role in overseeing and raising over R55 million for the #AcademicExcellence project.

Jacko writes :

The five years I spent at College and the St Andrew’s College Rhodes Scholarship which was subsequently awarded to me, have shaped my life. I have always felt the need to give back to St Andrew’s College, and serving on Council was one of the ways to do so.

Ms Margie Keeton was educated at the Diocesan School for Girls, Rhodes University (BA Honours)  and the University of Oxford (MPhil) which she attended as a South Africa at Large Rhodes Scholar. She was awarded a Distinguished Old Rhodian Award and is also an Honorary Old Andrean. She is married to an Old Andrean and is the mother of an Old Andrean.

Her career began with policy work at the Urban Foundation to lobby against repressive apartheid legislation, after which she worked at the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa in various policy fields, serving as PA to the Chairman and as CEO of the Anglo American and De Beers Chairman’s Fund. She founded Tshikululu Social Investments and served as its CEO for ten years before moving to Makhanda in 2008.

Both organisations were recognised as leading local grant makers whose hands-on approach and thoughtful engagement with educational and community programmes had far reaching impact across South Africa.

In Makhanda, Margie has focused on educational, developmental and community work.

In the educational sphere, she revived GADRA Education in Makhanda – an NGO whose educational programmes are transforming outcomes for learners in the city’s schools serving the poor. She chairs the Rhodes University Schooling Initiative which builds on these foundations, and has seen the number of local learners from no-fee schools accessing and graduating from Rhodes University increase tenfold. She is Chair of the St Mary’s Development and Care Centre, Treasurer of GADRA Education, Treasurer of the Good Shepherd Trust and a trustee of the Epoch and Optima Trusts.

Margie has been active in the independent schooling sector for many years and has been a sought-after speaker at ISASA and numerous school strategy conferences. She was Chair of the DSG Council for eight years and, prior to that, she was Vice Chair of the St John’s College Council in Johannesburg.

Margie was elected Vice Chair of Council in 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in school governance and an in-depth knowledge of schooling in the wider South African context to Council.  She is focused and committed to ensuring the sustainability of St Andrew’s College, and to contributing to positive change at College.

Mr Brin Brody completed his BA (LLB) at Rhodes University and has practised as a Qualified Attorney at the seat of the High Court for the past thirty years. He is also Managing Director of Wheeldon Rushmere & Cole Inc. in Makhanda, where he specialises in High Court litigation and Labour Law.

Brin is an active citizen and has served as Chair of at least 15 local committees and as a committee member on at least 25 committees. In addition, he served on the Cape Law Societies Specialist Committees for Family Law, Labour Law and Ethics.

Brin has extensive knowledge of school governance, having served as the Chair of the Graeme College Board for three years and the Chair of the St Andrew’s Prep Board for four years.

Brin was a member of Council from 2005 to 2008, and was re-elected in 2016. He is also one of the three trustees of St Andrew’s College.

Brin was the author of the Merger Agreement between St Andrew’s College and Prep in 2005  and he has acted as a legal advisor for College, DSG, and Prep for the last 28 years.

As all his children were educated at College, DSG and Prep, Brin has enjoyed a long association with the schools as a parent for 22 years.

After attending both St Andrew’s Prep and College, Mr John  Dovey enrolled at the University of Cape Town in 1978 to pursue a 5-year degree in Quantity Surveying.  He worked as a contracting Quantity Surveyor in Cape Town for two years, thereafter moving to Johannesburg where he became the Managing Director of Gordon Verhoef and Krause.

John started his own business in 1988, which acquired Protech in the early nineties. He continued as CEO and Owner of Protech Khuthele until the company was listed in 2007.

John retired from construction in 2007 to pursue his passion for property development. He was appointed as a Director of Independent Capital Advisors (ICA) which was involved in assembling the listing of Vukile and MCC Property funds on the JSE.

John is currently involved in various property development companies, namely Rosslyn Hub Development Company (a multi-zoned property located in Rosslyn currently under development) and Intaba Ridge (an eco-estate development in Pietermaritzburg).

John is a past parent of both College and DSG, and was heavily involved with the Gauteng Parents Association in an effort to encourage families to send their children to our family of schools.

John is a trustee on the St Andrew’s College Property Trust, and was instrumental in the upgrade of the Hayhoe apartments at The Highlander.

Mr Neels Heunis has lived most of his life in Makhanda and is a highly regarded member of the community. He has made it a priority to foster meaningful relationships within the community, and has served on many community committees. This experience has allowed him to keep abreast of community endeavours, and he has contributed in so many ways.

Neels enjoyed nine years as a Quantity Surveyor before joining the family construction business – CM Heunis Building Contractors –  in 1980 as a Project Manager after which he was appointed Managing Director in 1985.

Neels was an Executive of the Eastern Cape Masters Builders Association (MBA) from  1982 to 2022, including three terms as President. He is also a Board member of Master Builders South Africa.

Neels’ core competencies as the Owner and Managing Director of a construction company for over 40 years include cost projections; financial-, project-, and risk-management; labour relations management; strategic planning; and stakeholder engagement.

He was a member and Chairman of the Hoerskool PJ Olivier Governing Body from 1990 to 1996.

Neels is a long-standing member of Council, and his contribution to numerous capital developments on campus has been invaluable. Neels has served as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee since its inception in 2002. He played a significant role in the professional planning team for the refurbishment and renovations of all the boarding houses,  the Clapham Jubilee Dining Hall complex and the refurbishment of the academic facilities under the #AcademicExcellence project at College and Prep.

Neels writes:

My decision to join the Council was influenced by numerous factors. Given my expertise, I was confident that I could assist with the infrastructure, development and maintenance of the school’s grounds and facilities. Furthermore, I wanted to represent the interest of the Afrikaans and Eastern Cape constituent, as well as contributing to the development of education not only at College but in the country at large.

Mr Simphiwe Nghona’s association with Makhanda is significant, as several members of his extended family attended our family of schools. Simphiwe is a proud Old Preppie and Old Andrean, his wife is a DSG Old Girl and they currently have a daughter at DSG.

After matriculating from St Andrew’s College in 1995, Simphiwe obtained his Management Development Programme and Post Graduate Diploma in Management Practice qualifications from Henley South Africa.

Simphiwe has enjoyed a successful career of 25 years in financial services. He spent almost 20 years in several senior positions at Wesbank, after which he was appointed as Head of the Vehicle & Asset Finance Division of Standard Bank of South Africa in 2017.

Simphiwe’s extensive experience in executive positions has provided him with wide-ranging skills which can be equally applied to a schooling environment and he is a valued and active member of Council. Simphiwe’s involvement on the Transformation and Diversity Committee of Council is critical to ensuring inclusion for all at St Andrew’s College.

Simphiwe is a committed Old Andrean and contributes in many other ways to the sustainability of the school. As the Chairman of the Gauteng Branch of the Old Andrean Club, he has been instrumental in bringing members of our community together. In addition, he is a member of  the Old Andrean Club General Committee. Simphiwe is a regular visitor to College and, in recognition of his ongoing service, was invited to be the guest speaker at the Rite of Passage matric lunch in 2016.

Simphiwe writes :

In 2014 I was invited to join Council. I agreed because I felt I could add-value to an organisation that shapes young men’s lives. Given my background, upbringing, value-system and sense of belonging, I saw this as an opportunity to serve.

Mr Khudusela Pitje  matriculated from St Andrew’s College in 1993, after which he completed his B Compt and CTA degrees at UNISA, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001.

Khudu worked as a banker at JPMorgan in both London and Johannesburg before starting his own business in 2004. Khudu is currently the Chief Executive Officer of New GX Capital, a business that is currently invested in multiple sectors including telecommunications, IT, energy and waste logistics.

Khudu is also the founder of the HM Pitje Foundation, named in memory of his father, that interacts with and supports schools in the Pretoria region. His direct involvement in the Foundation has given Khudu experience to assess the viability of diverse educational institutions.Khudu joined Council in 2016 and has worked well with other members in dealing with sensitive matters and putting measures in place to ensure the sustainability of College. The  HM Pitje Foundation has generously supported the Good Shepherd School and the St Andrew’s College Academy in conjunction with Liberty Group Ltd.

Khudu writes:

I was given a bursary by Lindsay Saker whilst at College, therefore being part of a team that reshapes a college that is intertwined with its community is important to me. I joined Council to bring CSI and transformation experience to the school.

The Very Reverend Mzinzisi Dyantyi obtained his Diploma in Theology and Ministry from the College of the Transfiguration in Makhanda.

On 24 April 2021, Mzinzisi was licensed and installed by the Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, as the Dean of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George – the home of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown in Makhanda.

Mzinzisi is the Bishop’s appointed representative member on Council, and brings a spiritual presence to Council and the school. He ensures that the Christian values are adhered to in all aspects of school life.

Mzinzisi was the Chaplain of the Good Shepherd School, which has strong ties to both St Andrew’s College and the Cathedral, and he also served on their Council.

Mzinzisi’s daughter is currently at St Andrew’s Prep.