Tuesday, 14 October 25: The annual Matric Prize Giving and Valedictory Service, during which the students of the Class of 2025 are inducted into the Wynberg Old Boys’ Union.
Congratulations to the prize winners and recipients of special awards – best wishes to the Matrics as they prepare to write their final exams.
Please use the tabs to read the programme with all prize winners’ names, view the video on YouTube, read the names and citations of theSpecial Award recipients, and the speeches by our Headmaster and Head Prefect.
Jan de Waal Award for the most outstanding final year Engineering student –Sulaiman Jabaar
PWC Award for Accounting and Mathematics – Zuhayr Kafaar
Mark Schäfer Trophy for Bilingualism – Damian Philander
Bob Adshade Memorial Trophy for the best Visual Art portfolio of the year (as voted by the Matric Art students) – Michael Roman
Michael embodies the spirit of this award — creativity, dedication, humility, and outstanding artistry. Chosen by his peers, he was praised as “the most helpful person ever in art,” known for his quiet determination, generosity, and consistent work ethic. His “breathtakingly creative” artworks and “unmatched dedication” earned him selection for a matric workshop at the Zeitz MOCAA, reflecting his talent and commitment. Michael’s portfolio shows both technical skill and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. As one classmate said, “He is truly one in a million.”
Labia History Prize for the best History project based on original research – Mohammed Ameer Rawoot
Ameer Rawoot conducted an in-depth research project on the Angolan War, showing exceptional dedication and insight into a complex, politically charged conflict. He explored the war’s historical, social, and geopolitical dimensions with careful analysis and balance. Undertaken during the tense Cold War and apartheid era, his work demonstrated courage, critical thinking, and a mature grasp of the historical forces involved.
Stephen Doidge Business Award for aptitude and academic excellence in the commerce fields – Zuhayr Kafaar
Epworth Prize for the most work in the field of music – Michael Roman & Warrick Wilson
Warrick Wilson has been a solid member of the music department since grade 8. He has played a major role in all bands and activities that the department offers. Warrick was a member of the concert band, jazz band, choir, and Leader of the Vocal Ensemble. Participated in 2024’s musical Grease, and also performed with the gig band and participated in Concert in the Quad and the Battle of the Bands.
Michael Roman has been involved in every aspect of the music department. He has played in the concert band, jazz band, gig band, performed in Concert in the Quad and Battle of the Bands, and served the department excellently as one of our Cultural Prefects this year. Additionally, he also performed in the Great Gatsby production this year.
Jubber Cup for outstanding contribution to culture – Damian Philander
Damian has served the music department with dedication and maturity. Thoroughly organised, he has been a leader of both the Concert Band and the Choir. He has been a member of the Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Pipe Band and has played the piano for assemblies, the school musical, and on an ad hoc basis for the String Ensemble. He has distinguished himself, and vicariously the school, through achieving the Associateship Diploma of the Royal Schools of Music and is a multiple category medal winner at local Eisteddfodau.
Nicola Jordan Trophy for outstanding service to culture – Christopher Taljaard
A dedicated member of the Pipe Band for five years, he made a major impact on the drum section. He also contributed to the Jazz Band for three years and the Steel Band for at least two, likely longer. Always the first to assist at concerts and rehearsals, he demonstrated unwavering diligence and support for others, playing an instrumental role in assisting the Spirit Band.
Pippa Richardson Shield for service to the school community – Kamlin Reddy
Kamlin has done an impeccable job in serving the school in his role as Service Prefect this year. He not only has served the school community, himself, but has always tried to encourage others to get involved.
WOGU & Bunty Joubert Award for service beyond the call of duty to the wider community – Liam Lawrence
Each year during the first term and third term holidays, Liam goes on missionary trips to various underprivileged areas around the country, such as Vredendal & Melkhoutfontein, amongst others. He has been committed to this outreach every year since Grade 10. These trips include working with young children and adults alike. This is not something that Liam has always publicised, which is a testament to his humility and willingness to serve without recognition.
Azriel Fine Bursary – Ulelethu Makubalo
Ulelethu plans on studying Civil Engineering next year.
Thorp/Rankin Award – Chibike Bruce Igilige
Chibike aims to study Medicine at university next year.
Rotary Good Fellowship Award to the pupil who has displayed outstanding ability during the year in promoting healthy goodwill and fair play among his fellows – Bryn Moffat
Bryn has consistently promoted goodwill among his peers and the broader school community. As a prefect, he has used his leadership role to foster meaningful relationships with both students and staff. Bryn is a mature individual and, combined with being an attentive listener and an authentic individual, is approachable to everyone with whom he engages. He has embodied the school’s core values of respect, inclusivity, and honesty – qualities that have uplifted those around him, whether in his tutor group, house, sports teams, or grade.
Friedlander Memorial Award for diligence and service to the school – Michael Webner
Michael has given 100s of hours of service and hard work to the school. He has never shied away from giving of his time, over and above the expectations of a Multimedia leader. Michael has also managed the media team, worked with the media teams from other schools, dedicated countless hours to the major production, and worked extra hours to ensure that everything ran smoothly before any school events. He has added value to the quality of multimedia at school and is a worthy recipient of this award.
David Heidmann Prize for courage and determination in the face of great adversity – Storme van Rooyen
In Grade 11, Storme faced the devastating loss of his father — his greatest role model. Showing remarkable strength, he delivered a heartfelt tribute and vowed to honour their shared dream of becoming a professional cricketer. Soon after, he returned to the field with renewed purpose, producing exceptional performances — two half-centuries and consecutive centuries — and becoming one of the 1st XI’s most reliable batsmen. His leadership and energy, especially in the field, have uplifted his team.
Realising that the road to professional cricket may not be direct, Storme has worked hard academically and earned acceptance to the University of the Western Cape, where he will continue pursuing both his studies and his cricketing ambitions — a true testament to his resilience and determination.
Wiegman Cup to the most outstanding Silver Badge Prefect (as voted by the Prefect Body) – Ulelethu Makubalo
Ulelethu has been exceptional in every responsibility entrusted to him as a prefect this year. He has served not only his house with distinction, but also the entire prefect body. In all that he did, Ulelethu embodied the school’s values – from his appearance to the way he interacted with peers, fellow students, and staff. It is no surprise that his fellow prefects voted him as the most outstanding prefect who is not the Head or Deputy Head Prefect.
Wade Bertram Award to the pupil who has enhanced the name and spirit of the school (as voted by the Matric class) – Jaythen Orange
Joining Wynberg in Grade 11 from Namibia was a major step for 17-year-old Jaythen, yet he adapted with maturity and enthusiasm. He immersed himself in school life, contributing across sporting codes and earning respect for his strong work ethic and high standards on and off the rugby field. His dedication was recognised through his appointments as Littlewood prefect and rugby captain in Matric. A natural leader, Jaythen often volunteered for weekend hostel duties with fellow prefect Tjeripo, maintaining order and earning the trust of the housemasters. His integrity, leadership, and lasting impact on the Wynberg community will be remembered with pride.
Old Boys’ Sports Award for the best sporting achievement of the year – Paul James & Yaqeen Ahmed
Paul was selected for the SA U19 Cricket side that played against Bangladesh & Zimbabwe. Yaqeen was selected for the SA U20 Rugby training squad for the World Cup.
Casper Cup to the Sportsman of the Year – Jaythen Orange
Jaythen represented WP Rugby at the Craven Week & was a member of the Zonal Athletics team.
Abelsohn Cup to the Grade 12 pupil who has done the most for the school in 2025 –
Chibike Bruce Igilige
Chibike is a young man whose dedication, energy, and leadership have made an extraordinary impact on every corner of our school life.
Academically, he has earned Honours, represented Wynberg in the Maths Olympiad and the UCT Maths Competition, and consistently challenged himself to excel. On the sports field, he has contributed across multiple disciplines — 2nd Team Soccer, 3rd Team Tennis, and Open Team Squash — prioritising teamwork.
His service to the school community has been remarkable. As Head Prefect and Deputy Chairman of the RCL, a tutor representative, and a member of the Service Committee, he has been involved in initiatives ranging from ushering at plays and school events, sales for the Sunset Concert, and helping to organise the fruit drive, to leading a sustainability project at homeless shelters.
In debating, he has shone as 1st Team Captain, representing Wynberg at Western Province trials and earning a special award at the Rotary Tournament. He has also contributed to school life through the Christian Union and by representing Wynberg on two broadcast channels.
He embodies initiative, commitment, and heart — giving tirelessly of his time and talent. It is with immense pride that we present him with this award and thank him for his service to the school.
Andrew Feinstein Cup to the best all-rounder in Grade 12 (Academic, Sport, Cultural, Service) – Zachary Gibbon
Zachary is a young man who has excelled in every sphere of school life. As announced, Zachary is this year’s Dux of the School. He has represented Wynberg in both the UCT Mathematics Olympiad and the SAMO Olympiad, showing a deep love of learning and intellectual challenge.
On the sports field, he has been a great 1st Team Hockey Captain, earning over 50 caps and representing both Western Province and South Africa U18A. He also played Matric and 4th Team Cricket, and served as a consistent & respected hockey umpire.
As Deputy Head Prefect, he has led with integrity, kindness, and quiet authority. Apart from involving himself in general outreach programmes, he initiated the Fruit Drive for a local school, chaired the Social Cohesion Committee, led an assembly on Gender-Based Violence, and created the Wynberg WhatsApp Community of Committees and Societies, strengthening connections across the school.
He is a young man of excellence, empathy, and true leadership — a role model in every sense, and a most deserving recipient.
Honours Award to the pupil or pupils for outstanding performances which have brought honour to the school – The Cheerleaders (accepted by the House Captains)
This award is being given to the school and, more specifically, the matric class as a whole. The vibes and energy for cheering and school spirit have been built over many years and by all of the “Men of Wynberg” who chanted “LOUDER”. But this year saw us recognised on a national and world stage – adverts for local and international brands, used by the Stormers to launch a campaign, featuring in a Belgian docuseries, and more requests than we could accommodate. Our cheers were remixed, Will Smith freestyled over our beat, and we were featured on radio stations as far away as New Zealand. Winning the KFM award and being called to other neighbouring schools to help with their cheering and buy-in further speaks to what our school has achieved: The Berg Storm has become synonymous with school spirit and leads from the front as we “Up the Arrow!” A small group of boys take charge of this and have driven many of the initiatives and excitement to demonstrate how much “We love our school”. This year, the Honours Award will be accepted by the House Captains on behalf of the “Blue stick” and the “White lights”. “HOYA!”
Neville Blackbeard Trophy to the tutor group that has shown the most spirit
Silverhurst – Mrs Bruce-Cook’s Tutor Group
This Group is truly a home away from home. Mrs BC deeply cares for her boys — always going the extra mile, whether with birthday treats, thoughtful advice, or check-ins during holidays.
Her tutor group is among the most involved in the house and in the school — always eager to help, lead, and give back. It’s no surprise that both the 2026 House Prefect and Deputy Head of Silverhurst House come from her group, a testament to her quiet guidance and their strong character.
They consistently lead service drives, turning collections into fun, motivating challenges, often placing among the top tutor groups in the school.
Mrs BC’s tutor group members are true role models — disciplined, united, hardworking, and full of good humour, even organising their own tutor dinners outside school. They are a true goalpost for what tutor groups should look like at school.
Friedlander Shield to the Winning House for 2025
1 Silverhurst
2 Tennant
3 Sunninghill
4 Littlewood
5 Hawthornden
6 Glebe
7 Oude Wijnberg
8 McNaughton
9 Garrison
10 Trovato
I would like to start this Valedictory with the following true story:
When Howard Schultz, the man behind the global coffee empire, Starbucks, was a little boy growing up in the housing project of Brooklyn, New York, he never imagined he would one day be the CEO of the global company, Starbucks.
His father was a truck driver with a spotty employment history and no job security. One day, he slipped on a sheet of ice while working and was let go without any health insurance or support.
Howard was just seven years old.
That experience etched itself into his heart – not as a memory of defeat and trepidation, but as a motivation to do better. He promised himself that if he ever had the chance to change things for others, he would.
He worked his way through college on scholarships and part-time jobs – nothing was handed to him. After graduation, he started working for a small housewares company. One day, he noticed one of their clients, a small Seattle-based coffee shop named Starbucks, was ordering a lot of their equipment.
Curious, he flew out to meet them. He fell in love not just with the coffee, but with the experience they were trying to create.
He eventually joined Starbucks, and during a trip to Italy, he was captivated by the cafe culture in Milan – places where people met, talked, and connected over coffee.
He came back with a vision: to turn Starbucks into not just a place that sells coffee, but a place of community.
At first, the company’s owners were hesitant. They didn’t see coffee shops the way he did. So, Howard took a risk. He left Starbucks and started his own cafe business to prove his idea worked.
Eventually, he raised enough money, against huge odds, to buy Starbucks itself and reshape it in the image of that vision.
Under his leadership, Starbucks grew from 11 stores to over 30,000 worldwide. But what is more inspiring than the numbers is this:
He gave healthcare benefits to part-time baristas – because he never forgot what happened to his father.
He created stock options for employees, calling them “partners”.
He advocated for college tuition coverage for workers.
And through it all, he stuck to the belief that business isn’t just about profit, it’s about people.
You might wonder why I share this with you. You might be standing on the edge of the unknown. Maybe you don’t come from privilege. Maybe your dreams feel bigger than your resources. Maybe the world waiting seems daunting, too complex, and too competitive. But take this from Howard Schultz’s story:
- Where you start does not define where you will finish.
- The experiences that hurt you can become the fuel that drives you.
- You don’t need to be born into success – you can build it, step by step, with purpose.
So, take your first step boldly. Even if the road looks uncertain, even if others don’t believe in your dream or vision yet, you must be the first to believe in it.
I hope that you will recognise the correlation between my story and Wynberg Boys’ High School.
Wynberg is a unique place and has enabled you to recognize the importance of the following from the Howard Schultz story:
Firstly, the school has provided you with an experience over mostly five years of being in high school. Take the good and the bad from this experience and let it shape and define you.
Secondly, the school has enabled you to have a vision and a purpose. dream big and align your dreams to this vision and purpose.
Thirdly, the school has shown you the importance of community. You do not live your life in isolation, and being part of a community gives purpose to your life.
Fourthly, the school has enabled you to take calculated risks. Get out of your comfort zone and remember that a ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
And, finally, the school has shown you the importance of people on your journey through life, and that it is truly only in serving others and giving of yourself that you are receiving so much more.
I share the following six life lessons that will hopefully give you more perspective and insight into your life:
- Parents
As a teenager, I am sure you might think that your parents don’t know much and that you have all the answers.
However, as you get older, you will realise that most of the mistakes that you have made were actually because you did not take their advice to heart.
Bill Gates mentions in one of his speeches to graduates that he had to learn a very important lesson before he could experience any success, namely that whenever things go wrong, start looking at yourself first before blaming others.
Your parents are also often never to blame. You, and you alone, must own up to your mistakes.
You are about to finish your school career here at Wynberg. Take some time to thank your parents for their emotional and financial support while attending this great school.
- Friends
I hope that you realise the value of friends. As a child, you do not really pick your friends, but you could as a teenager.
Pick friends who will stick by you when things get tough.
Be kind to your friends and value friendship and, more importantly, relationships.
Keep in touch with your Wynberg friends once you leave school. You will make many other friends in life, but your Wynberg friends will always be there for you.
- Opportunity
The world is constantly evolving and changing, especially at your age, but it presents you with endless opportunities. Seize these opportunities and make the most of them!
Jack Welsh, the former ceo of General Electric, used to say that flipping burgers in a Burger King should never be beneath you or your dignity. Your grandparents had another word for this kind of job – they called it ‘opportunity’.
So always be aware of opportunities in life. Wynberg provided you with many opportunities and encouraged you to make the most of these opportunities.
- Dedication
Being committed to something really shows your character, especially when things are hard.
Things will not always go your way, but what is important is how you react when the unexpected happens.
Very few of you will earn R300 000 per year when you leave school.
You will also not be the Vice CEO of a company straight after school.
You will also probably not get a company car when you leave school.
Wynberg taught you that you only get what you deserve and what you work for.
Unfortunately, it is only in a dictionary where the word “success” comes before “work”. Talent alone won’t get you what you want – you need dedication to succeed.
- Work Life
If you think your teachers were tough, wait until you work for a boss who is only interested in the bottom line of the company. Working life, unfortunately, does not consist of four terms with nice holidays in between: you often will only get around 20 odd leave days per year. Employers are also not prepared to give you time to find yourself. You need to do this in your own time and after working hours.
The most important thing that you can take from school into your work life is that 30% might be the pass rate for a school subject, but that 30% is definitely not the pass rate in the workplace, in a relationship, or in life.
Wynberg taught you that only your best is good enough and that if you have given 100%, and you achieve 60%, then your 60% equates to 100%.
You also need to remember that you need to work for at least five days a week, that it is okay to work on weekends and holidays, that your attitude determines your altitude and success, but that you need to have a balanced approach to life.
So, work hard but also play hard, but in that order. Your academic results in the coming exams will probably determine your future, so be prepared and treat the coming exams as a high priority.
- Spiritual Life
Your spiritual life is ultimately your anchor and foundation. Therefore, celebrate your youth, do not run your body on poison, and take full responsibility for all of your actions.
Do not use alcohol or drugs to find acceptance or to like yourself.
Remember: you are never as good as people say you are, but you are also never as bad as people say you are.
You need to feed your body with good nutrients to stay strong and healthy – the same is true for your spiritual life.
Wynberg taught you good values, good manners, and how to be a ‘Wynberg man’. Make these lessons part of your DNA, and not only empty words.
Remember: some people believe that there is a correlation between your mental health and your spiritual health – develop, therefore, good spiritual habits because bad habits could potentially affect your mental health.
In conclusion, I hope that you take away from Wynberg to say “wow” more often, go places, move, discover, and bank every special event and smart move for another time to remember.
Live your life according to this simple formula:
- Walk humbly.
- Be teachable and moldable.
- Remember: you have limitations. That’s normal.
- Embrace who you are, and who you are not.
- Do justice: this requires faith and actions working together.
- Help those who hurt and defend the weak.
- Deal fairly with those you encounter.
- Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- Love kindness, even if undeserved.
- Always be grateful.
- Know when to keep your mouth shut. Listen more, talk less.
- Strive for excellence, not perfection. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Learn from the past, live in the present, but plan for the future
- . Life is all about perspective
And, finally, I leave you with this poem from Daragh Fleming, called “If I Ever Have Boys”:
If I ever have boys, they’ll be dangerous men.
They’ll smile at dogs and children and be a tonic to friends.
They’ll send flowers to their mother just because, and they’ll be a shoulder for many when the world is too much.
My boys will know that vulnerability is strength.
They won’t bottle anger; they’ll learn how to express.
They won’t let pride be the reason they hide, wearing masks while they’re hurting inside.
No, my boys will be dangerous men.
They won’t stay silent even when it’s uncomfortable for them.
They’ll learn that their actions are more effective than words, but they’ll use their voices to amplify the unheard.
They’ll know that love isn’t something to perform,
They’ll see beauty in all its forms.
My boys won’t grow learning to emotionally hide,
They’ll reshape masculinity into something they like.
make it softer to touch,
They’ll know that who they are is more than enough.
They’ll know that being a man doesn’t mean carrying the burden alone,
They’ll learn that an emotional man is a man fully grown.
They won’t settle everything with violent swings,
They’ll live in truth even when that truth stings.
So, yeah, if I ever have boys,
They’ll be dangerous men.
But the danger they’ll be, won’t be the one society meant.
My best wishes go with the matric leavers of 2025, and boys, go out and be dangerous men!
Deon Scheepers
Headmaster
68% of teens feel pressure to get good grades.
41% feel pressure to fit in. 47% feel pressure to look a certain way.
These numbers aren’t just statistics. They are a mirror of the challenges we’ve faced. All of us. Every day.
And yet, here we are. Still standing. Still dreaming. Still believing in ourselves.
Good morning, everyone – though I must admit, it feels strange to say good morning when our hearts are quietly learning to say goodbye. Goodbye to a school, goodbye to a community, goodbye to a home.
We all came here in different ways — some shy, some confident, some thinking they had it all figured out, and some just trying to find their way.
Along the journey, we learned patience when things didn’t go our way, resilience when we failed, and empathy when we saw others struggle.
But most of all, we discovered who we are — not who the world told us to be, not who others expected us to become, but who we truly are.
And maybe that’s the real victory at the end of 5 years — not the award, not the applause… but the moment you finally recognise yourself.”
So, as we leave this place, remember this — don’t live someone else’s life. Don’t chase the noise of applause. Don’t let the world tell you who you should be, because I feel that we often fall into the trap of self-glorification, whether that be in pride, looks, brains, or physique. And when we are in this place, we seek to impress others rather than improve ourselves, and I will be the first to put up my hand when I say I’ve fallen into this place too many times. It is not something I am proud of, but something I am happy that happened, as it has really shaped me into who I am. And something I keep close to heart that my dad always told me is that he will work to be a nobody today so that he can be a somebody tomorrow.
Because real leadership — real strength — starts with authenticity. It’s showing up even when it’s hard. It’s looking at your scars in the mirror and saying, ‘This is still my story, and I don’t have to change to prove anything to anyone.’
A famous rapper, Kendrick Lamar, said, ‘Everybody lacks confidence, how many times my potential was anonymous?’ Meaning that the difference between making it out there and being unnoticed is just taking a bit of confidence. Are you willing to have that extra self-belief?
So, brothers, today we are like clay — shaped by voices, by expectations. But deep inside, there’s something no one else can mold. Something real. Something ours. Something unique that got instilled in us the day we put on our blazers. It’s what connects us, it’s what makes us brothers not by blood but by heart. And it’s something we will never lose
And we will receive freedom in the real world, freedom which is not handed to us, but claimed. And with that freedom comes responsibility — to act with integrity, to lead with kindness, to leave this world better than we found it. Whether that’s in the form of a relationship, a family you will one day have, in the workplace, or just as an ordinary citizen, this responsibility must be upheld. And usually, my go-to line after would be to say, the decision is yours, but honestly, if you have respect for yourself, there’s no decision in this. It’s a must as we’ve been privileged enough to be equipped with the skills that go far beyond the classroom to take this world on.
Emerson said, ‘To be yourself in a world constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.’
So that’s what we owe ourselves. That’s what we owe each other. And that’s what the world is waiting for us to bring. So, I don’t know if you’re with me, but I’m feeling empowered to show the world the type of men Wynberg produces.
And now I feel it is highly appropriate to take a moment to thank those who carried us here.
Firstly, all thanks to God, the highest, for strength, for guidance, and for the grace that brought us through every high and low.
When I think of true leaders, I think of our teachers. I don’t think most of you understand how our teachers are truly our number one supporters, dedicating their lives to helping us succeed. For challenging us, guiding us, and believing in us, even when we didn’t yet believe in ourselves, I say thank you.
To our parents and caregivers — thank you for every sacrifice, every late night, every word of encouragement that might’ve seemed small but meant everything.
To the staff and groundskeepers — thank you for giving us the space to learn, to stumble, and to grow.
And to my classmates, my friends, my Wynberg Brothers — thank you for walking this journey with me, for reminding me to be real, and for making this chapter unforgettable.
People often ask me what I’ve taken away from my year as Head Boy. And the truth is — I realised that whether I had this title or not, you all would’ve treated me with the same respect and love. And that taught me something I’ll never forget: that who we are as people will always mean more than any title we’ll ever hold.”
So, to conclude, Class of 2025, as we step out into the world, remember this: lead with authenticity. Fail loudly. Love fiercely. Live boldly. Build your dreams — and carry the responsibility that comes with them.
We are the ones who decide what kind of leaders we will be. We are the ones who decide what kind of future we will shape.
Goodbye Wynberg, until we meet again, our blood will always be blue, our hearts will always be white, Supera Moras.
Chibike Bruce Igilige
Head Prefect