Wednesday 9 October 24, Matric Prize Giving at the Valedictory Service: Congratulations to all the award winners across the four pillars of Wynberg – Academics, Service, Culture, and Sport.
Friedlander Shield awarded to the winning house for 2024:
1. Glebe – 288 points
2. Silverhurst – 261 points
3. Tennant – 257 points
4. Sunninghill – 251 points
5. Oude Wijnberg – 250 points
6. Littlewood – 242 points
7. Trovato – 230 points
8. McNaughton – 220 points
9. Hawthornden – 192 points
10. Garrison – 158 points
Jan de Waal Award for the most outstanding final year Engineering student:
David Jones
PwC Award for the top student in accounting and Mathematics:
Farhan Omar
Old Boys’ Maths Prize for outstanding results at the UCT Maths Competition:
Damian Hetherington who came 12th in the competition
Mark Schäfer Trophy for Multilingualism:
Farhan Omar
Bob Adshade Memorial Trophy for the best Visual Art portfolio of the year as voted by the Matric Art students:
Andrew Jooste
Citation – Andrew demonstrated remarkable creativity, skill, and tireless dedication to his art. He has worked consistently, even during breaks and after school, while balancing his schoolwork and cultural activities. Andrew’s commitment to his sourcebook and his artworks has been inspiring, and his portfolio reflects his passion and hard work.
Labia History Prize for the best History project based on original research:
Panashe Magwere
Citation – Panashe showed mastery in research and interpretation by unpacking the Cold War that unfolded in Angola ultimately leading to the decolonisation of many African countries. Any university student would be proud of research of his calibre.
Stephen Doidge Business Award for aptitude and academic excellence in the fields of commerce:
Ethan Pinn
Old Boys’ Award and the Martin Cleveland Trophy to the top pupil (Dux) in Grade 12:
Farhan Omar
Azriel Fine Bursary
Tyrone Gombe
Citation – Tyrone has been our Sports prefect, represented WP Rugby XV, and has a 75% academic average. He intends to study B.Com or B.Business Science at UCT.
Thorp/Rankin Award
Damian Hetherington
Citation – Damian achieved Chess Blues as a member of the 1st Chess team. He was a Bridging The Gap Tutor and served on the Glebe House and Academics Core Committee. He secured 3rd place in the Grade, averaging 88%. He intends to study Mechanical Engineering at UCT.
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:
Beni Hansen
Citation – Beni was elected as Deputy Head Prefect in the middle of his Grade 11 year. Likely the person most surprised by this was Beni himself, showing his humble character in everything he does. Beni goes out of his way to make the experience of those around him better, always looking to serve his peers. Beni has also lead the 1st cricket team for the last 2 years, promoting an environment of inclusion and always setting the example for the rest of his team.
Friedlander Memorial Award for diligence and service to the school:
Geles Smuts
Citation – Geles has tirelessly served the school through his work as one of the leaders of our First Aid Society. He has sacrificed countless hours on the sides of our fields helping our boys and our opponents. His commitment and dedication are commendable and he has been a true role-model to those around him.
David Heidmann Prize for courage and determination in the face of great adversity:
Alex Maritz
Citation – Alex is a young man of whom we are incredibly proud. Most people would have thrown in the towel and crumbled had they experienced what he did over the last year and a half. However, Alex has immense character and has shown incredible resilience and maturity beyond his years in responding to the challenges.
In 2023, during his matric year and in the week leading up to the Grey Weekend, an accident resulted in a severe and potentially life-threatening leg injury. In the following four months, Alex would be in and out of the hospital, would require several operations, develop multiple infections, have a series of allergic reactions to medication, and endure endless, painful needles. Furthermore, much of his time in the hospital was away from family and friends.
By the end of the four months, finishing matric with his year was lost; walking with a crutch was his new reality, and the prospect of ever playing rugby again was almost unthinkable. But Alex refused to allow this to be his reality.
In 2024, Alex has finished a full matric year. He has unselfishly served his tutor group, his house and the Blues (2nd XV) and 1st XV rugby teams with everything he had. He walks tall and without support because of his months of hard work, the hours of physio, rehab, and relentless hours strengthening his leg.
What Alex underwent during this time has prepared him for the rest of his life.
Alex, we are incredibly proud of you. You are an inspiration and example to us all; you embody ‘Supera Moras’.
Wiegman Cup to the most outstanding Silver Badge Prefect (as voted by the Matric Body):
Mujahid Janodien
Citation – As Matric prefect, Mujahid made sure to get all of the other prefects involved in meetings and share their portfolios. He kept a constant focus on the Buddy System to try and ensure that Grade 8s had a smooth transition into Wynberg while at the same time making sure that every Matric had their best year at Wynberg.
Abelsohn Cup to the Grade 12 pupil who has done the most for the school in 2024:
Aden da Costa
Citation – Aden represented the school on numerous different fronts. Representing Western Province at Craven Week, leading the 1st XV out on a Saturday, and in the water polo pool. He was regularly involved in open days and visited junior schools to promote Wynberg while also representing the school on the SGB. Aden has been an ambassador for Wynberg throughout his time as Head Prefect.
Andrew Feinstein Cup to the best all-rounder in Grade 12 (Academic, Sport, Cultural, Service):
Beni Hansen
Beni recently reached his 100th cap for the 1st XI cricket side, leading the team in 60 matches. He represented Western Province at the end of his Grade 11 year at the Khaya Majola Week where he performed so well that he was selected as SA Schools Captain. He also represented SA at under 19 level on a tour of Bangladesh. Beni represented the 1st hockey team during his Grade 11 and Matric year. He also represented Wynberg in the pool for Inter-School Swimming Galas. At junior level, he played A-team rugby and decided to finish off his high school career by playing a few matches for the Hull Dogs (Mr Hull’s U19 D/E/F Invitation Team).
Beni stopped playing rugby in Grade 11, but decided to give back to the school by signing up to be a referee. He was often seen officiating two matches on a Saturday.
Beni was involved in the choir during his time at Wynberg and played a major role in the production of Grease this year. He did all of this while averaging above 60% in all terms of Matric.
Casper Cup for Sportsman of the Year:
Aden da Costa & Beni Hansen
Citation – for the 7th time in the history of this prize, it is shared between two candidates. It was impossible to choose between these two as they both achieved at the highest levels in different sports.
Aden represented Western Province at Craven Week and was selected for the SA Schools side following the tournament. He also represented Western Province in the Water Polo pool.
As said with the previous prize, Beni represented Western Province at the Khaya Majola week where he was selected as captain of the SA Schools. He also represented Wynberg on the hockey astros in the 1st team.
Old Boys’ Award for the best sporting achievement of the year:
Matthew Brading
Citation – Matthew won gold for Surfski at the Junior World Lifesaving Championship in Australia, making him the U19 World Champion.
Honours Award to the pupil or pupils for outstanding performances which brought honour to the school:
Jared Benn
Jared was named the top student in the Metro South District as well as 2nd overall in South Africa in the 2023 NSC Examinations. He was also placed 1st in SA for Physical Sciences, achieving 100%, while achieving 100% for Mathematics. Jared matriculated in 2023 and achieved these accolades after his Valedictory, making it fitting to honour him at this Valedictory.
Other considerations for the award were:
Live Streaming Crew for putting WBHS into the lounge of every South African home.
1st Team Chess for winning the National Top Schools’ Trophy for the 2nd year running, winning the Jamie Tindill Memorial Trophy, and winning the Schools’ Chess League every term this year.
Senior Rugby: for having five players in one of the National squads
1st Cricket team: for being ranked second in the country.
Neville Blackbeard Trophy to the tutor group who has shown the most spirit:
McNaughton House, Mr Taahir Samaai’s Tutor Group
An excerpt of an email from one of Mr Samaai’s tutees:
“The days start to fly because of the fun you are having I tutor. The other boys ask why you are so happy and when you answer that it is because you are in Mr Samaai’s tutor, they reply with: “You are SO lucky…I wish I was in his tutor. Every morning I walk past your tutor and wish I was in that tutor where the music is blaring and games are being played”
Tap to view the live stream on YouTube
Please use the links below for the photo albums of a momentous day in the lives of our Matrics and their families:
Matric procession onto the Hawthornden Field
Prize Giving & Valedictory Service, Album 1
Prize Giving & Valedictory Service, Album 2
Prize Giving & Valedictory Service, Album 3
Prize Giving & Valedictory Service, Album 4
Ringing the School Bell, Album 1
Ringing the School Bell, Album 2
Ringing the School Bell, Album 3
