Meliores November 2014

MELIORES

SACRED HEART COLLEGE MARIST OBS EDUCATION WITH HEART THAT KNOWS NO BOUNDS

NOVEMBER EDITION 2014

Family Spirit | A Passion for Work | Simplicity | Presence | In the Way of Mary

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The Meliores, and our Alumni, now have their own logo! The logo has been designed by Kgomotso Mautloa, a 2003 Sacred Heart College graduate. The significance of the M in the logo is the word Meliores, which has more than one meaning than simply the word ‘better’. It can mean ‘more fully’ or ‘to make better’. Meliora can be translated to mean ‘good’, ‘honest’, ‘brave’ or ‘kind’.

Furthermore, the M represents the word Marist, which connects us as a family. The opening gates behind the M, traced from the school’s beautiful main gate, implies that our alumni are always welcome.

Kgomotso and his team at Green Robot Design (greenrobot.co.za) created a truly timeless icon, one that shows true insight.

“The most exciting and probably most thrilling part of my career as the Creative Director at Green Robot Design is that I create new work every day, no one day is the same. That’s what gets me up in the morning,” said Kgomotso, giving us a glimpse into his studio life, “the endless opportunity to give art life and to craft work that people will see and hopefully enjoy pushes me to do better“.

See our July 2013 edition for the full story.

Who's Who ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS Ellen Howell Alumni Relationship Manager

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Naomi Meyer Marketing Coordinator

THANKS TO

the staff, parents, learners and the alumni who contributed to this edition of our Meliores Publication.

MELIORES

MELIORES is owned and published by Sacred Heart College. The authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to the copyright of their work. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of Sacred Heart College.

Family Spirit | A Passion for Work | Simplicity | Presence | In the Way of Mary |

Contents 01 | Messages from Our Team A Note from the Head of College | 01 A Note from the Alumni Manager | 01

02 | Bright Young Minds

Technology in Education - Sacred Heart College is doing it right | 02 Well done! | 03 Matric Class of 2014 | 05 Valedictory Speeches 2014 | 06

| Connecting with Alumni

100 Years Since the Start of the 1st World War | 10 Laurence van Niekerk, Class of 1963 | 11 Kevin McLintock, Class of 1968 | 12 Stefan Szweczuk, Class of 1973 | 13 Ruli Diseko, Class of 2000 | 15 Nina Feldman, Class of 2001 | 17 Didi Ogude, Class of 2001 | 18

19 | Reunions

The Class of 1984’s 30 Year Reunion | 20 The Class of 2004’s 10 Year Reunion | 20 125 Years of Heritage Reunion | 21

23 | Celebrating 125 Years of Heritage One Heart Music Festival | 23

| Family Spirit | A Passion for Work | Simplicity | Presence | In the Way of Mary

Messages from our Team

A Note from the Head of College On the 26 September, we hosted 125 Alumni Reunion and this was my speech for this historic event.

I stand on the shoulders of giants. There is such a diverse community of Alumni here today. Some of you remember this school when there were only boys, when different communities held sway, when the Lebanese were dominant or the Jewish boys ruled the playgrounds, or when the Chinese or Italian or Indian children were in control. It was a rugger school. It was a time when those on patrol looked for the places where the smokers skulked. It was a time of Springbok radio, trams, buses and bicycles.

We are not that school any more, but we are still the only school that ever was or will be that school. The only Obs! And then, the girls came, and the heady political days of defiance and determined resistance, followed by integration, Integrated Studies and the Brothers were joined by the Sisters. We are still looking for the places frequented by the smokers.

We are not that school anymore but we are still the only school that ever was or will be that school.

And then came freedom and the new millennium. This was a time of promise and disappointment and hope, and the Born Frees.

We are not that school anymore but we are still the only school that ever was or will be that school. The only Sacred Heart! These are the shoulders we stand on.

We are the school where drama students train with directors and actors in New York via video conference, where thinking skills, mind works application development and Junior High projects challenge the children. We are the school of Maths, Science, Art and Drama, the academic powerhouse that remembers the importance of kindness and empathy, where everybody is still somebody and where we always “Strive for better things�. We have always adapted, innovated and led the way.

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But whatever school we are now, whatever school we may be next, and whatever school you remember us to be, we are still, and will always be, the only school that can say to all of you: Welcome Home.

A Note from the Alumni Manager This year, Sacred Heart College celebrated 90 years in Observatory, and 125 years since opening of the school in Koch Street. As part of the celebrations, we hosted the One Heart Music Festival that bought the talent of school children and parents of the school, who are artists in their own right, on one stage with various other artists. It was a historical event.

We also hosted the 125 Alumni Reunion, which was attended by some from various years ranging from 1948 to 2004. A great time was had by all. We are hoping to have one on an annual basis. I would like to thank everyone who was able to attend and for making this such a successful event.

I appeal to you all to assist me by staying in touch and persuading other alumni to contact me.

Turn the pages of this Meliores edition that is filled with memorable events, celebrations and achievements from the past and now, and be reminded of your school days.

I look forward to meeting many more past pupils in 2015!

2015 REUNIONS Get in touch with Ellen Howell if you would like to have a reunion: alumni@sacredheart.co.za

TECHNOLOGY - SACRED HEART COLLEGE DOES IT RIGHT

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acred Heart College is the first school in South Africa to integrate iTunes University into its curriculum. iTunes University is an online learning platform that administers over 350 000 educational courses from respectable sources. Acclaimed educational institutions like Harvard, Yale, Stanford and many schools abroad are using iTunes University as a flexible environment with which to design and administer a course that allows easy access to resources and information. iTunes University is being used for Sacred Heart College’s Grade 7 Technology app development project and for the Grade 7 art curriculum, which focuses on portraiture and digital art. “The benefits for learners using iTunes University are multiple,” says James Smurthwaite, Sacred Heart College’s iPad 1:1 Project Coordinator,

“Firstly, it allows for a changeable learning process in which they are able to continue with a course and subject outside of the classroom environment. This facilitates the possibility for learners to pace their progression through the course as well as have the ability to refer to the goals, outcomes and requirements referentially at all times. The learning path and direction is clear.

The learners also have the ability to interact with fellow learners and teachers outside of class time pertaining to the course and subject matter, which includes additional resources and information”.

Colin Northmore, the Head of Sacred Heart College says that iTunes University prepares learners for a future that does not exist yet doing jobs that have to still be invented, “iTunes University creates an individualised learning experience for children that allows them to gain skills that are transferable across all areas of their life.”

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WELL DONE! SACRED HEART COLLEGE’S MARIMBA BAND PLACED SECOND AT INTERNATIONAL MARIMBA FESTIVAL Iyon Brew, Sacred Heart College’s Senior Marimba Band, were placed 2nd out of 30 bands in the first section, and 12 bands in the second section of the International Marimba and Steelpan Festival’s High School Small Ensemble on 2 August. The Festival was launched by Education Africa to create awareness of the educational value of marimba playing.

The Iyon Brew team received many encouraging comments for their original songs and the energy that they portrayed.

“It was Iyon Brew’s first time entering into the Festival, which is the biggest Marimba and Steelpan competition worldwide”, says Miss Dominique Munonoka, the Marimba Band’s manager at Sacred Heart College, “and we are proud of their achievement. We are grateful for the support we received, especially from the Marimba tutor, Mr. Gontse Segona.”

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ZAHEEN CASEY TO SAMBA AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS Zaheen Casey, a Grade 5 learner at Sacred Heart College, was selected to join the Under 13 Soccer Academy at Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. Zaheen has shown an interest in soccer from the time he could walk. While other children played games and watched television, he was always outside with a soccer ball.

Zaheen was invited to trials by ex-Bafana and Chiefs’ footballer, Lovers Mohlala. Lovers saw the young soccer player in a league match, and instantly saw potential. At the tender age of 9, he went through the initial trials and got through to the final trials, at the age of 10, for the Under 13 Academy’s team, where he will be part of the SAFA Academy League in 2015.

“Zaheen is a naturally skilful and a talented football player with the potential to play at the highest level in the future,” says Andre van der Merwe, Head of the Sports Department at Sacred Heart Primary School. “The fact that he can play with both his feet equally well sets him apart from the other boys in his age group. With discipline, commitment and the right guidance he can become South Africa’s Lionel Messi”.

WELL DONE! HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

PRIMARY SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The Sacred Heart College Athletics team finished the athletics season on a high at the B League InterHigh meet on Thursday 2 October, finishing first overall. There were 8 schools competing at the meet which saw the College promoted to the “A league” in 2015. Congratulations must go to George Mokoena for winning the prestigious senior Victor Ludorum on the day.

Sacred Heart College hosted two Primary School Athletics Meetings on 19 and 26 September. The meetings were unlike any other, as no scores were kept and the Sacred Heart coaches introduced a number of original field and track events.

The team also competed at the Inter-Catholic meeting on Thursday 25 September, finishing second overall to De La Salle College. Mbali Khumalo had an outstanding meet, breaking three Inter-Catholic records in the U/17 girls category for shotput, discus and javelin, an amazing effort.

Thanks must go to the coaches and managers, Ms Niken, Mr Du Toit and Mr Baran. They were assisted

by Sacred Heart College alumnus, Tshepo Moloi, who worked closely with the sprinters.

“The team’s success is largely due to their commitment to training throughout the season,” said Mr. Augustin, Head of Sports and Physical Education at Sacred Heart College High School.

“Over the holiday period, there were over 40 learners at school training and over 70 regulars on the training track throughout the season. The results show for themselves and the learners should be extremely proud of their efforts.”

Seven schools attended the Foundation Phase meeting on 19 September, and six schools attended the Intermediate Phase meeting on 26 September. The programme included traditional track and field events, along with a number of elementary courses such as a ball and hoop race, a sack race relay and an obstacle course.

“The aim of these events is mainly to build relationships, mass participation, healthy competition and to develop a love for physical activity,” says André van der Merwe, head of the Primary School Sports Department at Sacred Heart College.

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MATRIC CLASS OF 2014 You are nearly one of our esteemed Alumni!

Sacred Heart College Alumni Office would like to wish you GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESULTS AND WITH YOUR FUTURE CAREER! Let’s Stay in Touch: Ellen Howell: alumni@sacredheart.co.za

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VALEDICTORY SPEECH 2014 “Firstly I would like to thank you all for listening, not that you have a choice but anyway. This is the first time I’ve had to do a speech at this school that isn’t for marks. So I shouldn’t be nervous but for some reason I am. More than ever. I think it has something to do with the fact that, after today, everything we’ve been accustomed to is going to change.

When I started writing this speech, I tried to remember all the moments that made me realise that Sacred Heart College is not a “normal” school. I’m going to take you back to the days of kissing catchers and running around in the sprinklers slightly underdressed.

I remember duck meetings with Dhesh.

We sat, quacking away at the obedient ducks wishing we knew what they were saying. Shortly after that, Dhesh taught me how to burp, a skill I’ve now mastered. I won’t demonstrate. I remember being married, and waiting all day for our turn to buy from Sammy.

Preschool was heaven.

Then came the time for uniforms and new friends. Primary school brought new experiences. I remember Mrs Els shouting at me in class for something or other, and threatening to hit me with the eraser. Unaware, as she launched the missile, I bent down to pick up my sharpener and the eraser hit Monalisa straight in the face. Monalisa, by the way, was the tallest person in our grade. Poty and Lungi were and still are sisters in my eyes, and Siyabonga and Rorisang will forever remain the marble kings. I remember Wasseem

imitating Mrs Mabitsela’s Australian accent every time we had a spelling test, and Trent moving out of the way when I tried to fall into him playing the brakes game DARREN BLANCKENSEE and landing flat on the floor. Primary School was full of friendships and for, lack of a better word, fun.

Then came High School. There were sleepless nights face timing Trent going over English poems, late night house play rehearsals, with my all-time favourite being Thibi’s Iron Brew incident. Let me paint you a picture. Thibi bought a can of Iron Brew from the tuck-shop plus a straw. He placed the straw carefully into his mouth. Then he proceeded to tip the can as you would if you were drinking normally. This obviously ended up with the Iron brew contents being deposited onto his shirt.

Basically, High School was full of hard work and hilarity.

All these years have turned me into the man I am today and I cannot be more grateful for all those who started off as strangers and have ended now as family.”

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VALEDICTORY SPEECH 2014 “I remember strolling through the gates of Sacred Heart College sometime in 1997. I wished I was a kid again as I marvelled at the trees, the buildings, the fountains and DHESHANTH GOVENDER the general buzz of the school. I little realised that that day would change my life and my family’s forever. My sons, Viashin and Dheshanth, joined the school in 1998, aged 4 and 1 and a bit.

Here are some of my reflections of the last 16 years. Indeed, it has been that long and it seems as if it was yesterday that I walked through those gates.

The wonderful friendships that blossomed at Aftercare. My sons’ dearest and enduring friendships started there and continued through High school. It is a gift that we have seen both boys grow into fine adults.

The kids running around naked in PrePrimary under sprinklers on a hot day, without a care in the world. I thought how much we had to unlearn to enjoy life to its fullest. It would be strange indeed if this practice continued at senior high level.

I remember picking up Viashin and

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Dheshanth on many occasions covered with sand, dirt and the dreaded mud.

I also remember the kindness of the teacher who taught me that squishing one’s feet in mud was good but not all the time. I saw it differently then but, with hindsight, I see it differently now.

The bitter cold Saturday mornings during the Primary School bike rallies stand out. How I hated those days as the cold and wind tore into our bodies and I often asked myself if the school cared about the children (and the parents). How I cherish those days now: the hot chocolate and to watch the glee on the kids’ faces as they received their sweet-filled trophies.

The Village People’s YMCA does not remind me of funnily-dressed people anymore, but the absolute wonder of children dancing without care and embracing life itself.

The amazing birthday parties from PrePrimary and, as time moved on, we met many parents at their homes, movie theatres, pizza places and sporting fields to share in the celebration of their child’s birthday. Many of those parents are still my close friends today and we now enjoy fine dining to celebrate the birthdays.

I watched in awe for a decade and a half as Viashin and Dheshanth were given so many opportunities, with each choosing his own route. Viashin probably holds the title for pursuing the most number of different sports held by an individual at the College. And yet, he found his love

VALEDICTORY SPEECH 2014 for music and gaming. I remember our family having a hectic debate on his plan to approach the school management to start a gaming club, designed for those that were not inclined towards sports.

The school gave him and his friends the space to introduce this club. It is most likely that this single event prodded him to pursue a career in game design, which he does today at Wits University.

I was pleased to see that the school finally acknowledges students who pursue gaming as a cultural activity I recall the shows that the school had to showcase their talent. Viashin’s Military Peach Trees comes to mind. Their experimental original music would have won them an award, but which award was the question. But they were in good company with some of the other musicians.

I have watched Dheshanth grow from a quiet child into a strong quiet man. I watched him diligently master his craft of playing sport from a toddler into an adult. His love for sports and his ability to lead from the front are admired by many. I watched him and his lifelong friends with wonder on stage and often sat there amazed at the talent the school produces. Oddly enough, I know many of the students by their character names and do not know their actual names – I suppose that is the impression their talent has left me with. If anyone knows Dheshanth well enough, you would know that he is very economical with words.

Well, he does speak a bit more these days. I once went to him after a play

and whispered to him that, that was the most I had heard him speak in one go in his entire life. His response was his inimitable “Cool”.

NERSAN GOVENDER

Sacred Heart creates the platform for group and individual thought. It creates the space for children to follow their dreams. It creates a place for people to form and forge friendships. It creates a place to learn about life itself. It creates an environment for children and adults to learn about themselves. I remember watching with pride on Italian TV the fine work Sacred Heart was doing with the 3 to 6 Project. I was delighted to be South African and associated with the school but sad that it receives so little coverage in our own country. Sacred Heart College is putting its hand up at a time when very few are, to create what I call solid citizens.

I shall drive out the school gates this evening and will pause, turn around and look at the trees, the swings, the newly tiled roof, and the buzz , and wish - I was a kid again!!”

Nersan Govender

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CONNECTING WITH ALUMNI

S

acred Heart College's alumni are diverse, driven, fascinating, fun, and never afraid to be different. We have interviewed some of our past students from all walks of life.

Here are their stories.

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Frank Hollingworth High School Science Teacher

100 years since the start of the First World War

A

t the back of our school hall is a bronze plaque which commemorates the 49 old boys of our mother school, Marist Brothers College (Koch Street), who were killed in the First World War, which started in 1914.

In that war, some 10 million soldiers were slaughtered, and 21 million were injured in what the poet Wilfred Owen called, “carnage incomparable, human squander”. No more innocent a generation was ever destroyed so ignorantly or so thoroughly, and the details of its destruction were so appalling that they were only described years later. The truth was obscene. It was a four-year orgy of killing in the battlefields of Europe with incessant shell-fire, poison gas and muddy trenches, when attacks were carried out by getting as many men as possible to leap out of the trenches and charge at the enemy in the hope of overwhelming his defences. Thus, wave after wave of helpless young soldiers were flung against an intractable barrier of barbed wire, where they hung in brief crucifixion, just long enough for the machine guns to rip them to shreds.

When the armies disengaged in 1918, there was an enfeebled, confused and ignoble approach to an armistice. Memorials went up in many places, including our own school hall. Simple ones such as ours gave a list of the dead. None mentioned an existence so terrible that it is hard for us to appreciate the torment those soldiers went through.

Around the time of the half-centenary in 1964, the widely-held view was that it had been a futile war, with soldiers led to slaughter by an incompetent and indifferent High Command – “lions led by donkeys”, as this view is often summarised. Now, in 2014, we have a better understanding of the causes of the war, and the difficulties for the generals facing

the unprecedented circumstances of industrialised war. And there are many uncomfortable truths that do not fit the old account. For all the losses and the terrible injuries sustained, we have to allow that it was a popular war at first and that most combatants took part willingly, for it was the most exhilarating time of their lives. This results in two opportunities running parallel: one is to try to understand the history of the war, which remains controversial, but which is an opportunity for discovery, debate and education. The other is to reinvigorate our sense of the importance of living in a world at peace. It is also important to note that the consequences of the 1914 – 1918 World War were not limited to just that time. It was the direct cause of the even greater conflict which was the Second World War in 1939 – 1945, and this had, as its corollary, the Cold War. It also stretches to the present-day hostilities in the Balkans and the Middle East.

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Class of 1963 Entertainment Industry

Laurence van Niekerk for Obs! Our team had several exceptional athletes, like the Solomon twins, Franklyn and Hugh and L Gil …..

I

was at Marist Brothers Koch Street from 1956 to 1959, before transferring to Sacred Heart College in 1960. In that year, there was an international rugby match with the Springboks playing against the All Blacks.

The game took place on the 25 June 1960 at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. As Sacred Heart’s first rugby team would be playing the main curtain-raiser against Helpmekaar before this match, my father gave me the exciting treat of going with him to Ellis Park Stadium to watch.

It was a memorable day all round. We had grandstand seats and whether the Springboks won, lost or drew their match was immaterial; more importantly, our team beat Helpmekaar!

Wow! Defeating Helpmekaar, the top schools team, or so they thought, at an international match in the Ellis Park Stadium. What a victory

The event was documented in The Maristonian of 1960 as follows: “Marists, Champions of Transvaal Schools, beat the champion Afrikaans School in a curtain- raiser to the All Blacks versus South Africa match.

Marists versus Helpmekaar Marists ran out worthy winners in the game against Helpmekaar, played at Ellis Park. They played brilliant rugby and showed exceptional fight when the odds were against them. During the first half, Helpmekaar had the upper hand and scored 8 points without retaliation from Marists. The half-time whistle blew with Marist team “camping” on the opposition try-line.

Half-time score: Marists 0, Helpmekaar 8.

The following thirty minutes saw Marists on the attack. After several unsuccessful movements, they finally broke through and Martinengo scored near the posts. Conway converted. Score 5-8. F.Solomon then scored an opportunist try under the posts. Conway converted the easy kick.

Final score: Marists 15, Helpmekaar 8.”

Back Row: J.Lourenco, R. Fabris, C Lovell, L Gill.

Centre Row: Rev.Bro. Lewis, B Peterson, I Monich, K. Glass, D. Hill, V. Lourenco, R Conway, Rev. Bro.Andrew Seated:A Melville, K Burkett, F Solomon, T O’Sullivan, A Levin, P Jones, I Martinengo, J Szezuka, H.Solomon.

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Class of 1968 Shaping the Australian Wine Industry

Kevin McLintock

K

evin McLintock, who matriculated from Marist Observatory, now known as Sacred Heart College, in 1968, was named in the

2014 Australia Day Honours List and was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia AM (Australia Medal).

The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the outstanding achievements and service to fellow citizens. It is a great honour to receive this recognition. We are very proud of our Alumni who continue to make a difference.

Image taken from the article in the Australian Daily Telegraph, which can be viewed online here: http://goo.gl/YSHIxp | 12

Class of 1973 Stefan Szweczuk Stefan Szweczuk is the President of the Polish Association of Siberian Deportees in South Africa.

and victims of, or perhaps even fearing, persecution and oppression on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or because they are a member of a

During the 125th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Marist Brothers College in Johannesburg, I listened with great interest to Brother Neil describe the College’s refugee outreach programme, known as the Three2Six School for refugee children.

The majority of these refugees are currently from African countries. These refugees have left their home country for a variety of reasons – being first hand witnesses to

persecuted social category of persons, or because they are fleeing a war.

Brother Neil’s presentation made me think of my personal situation where both my parents were also refugees, and who found refuge in South Africa not being able to return to Poland at the end of World War 2.

I was also one of a number of Obs boys in the 1960’s and 1970’s whose parents were refugees from Poland.

I should add that I have extremely fond memories of my school days at Obs (perhaps not my attempts to learn Latin!) as well as the value system that was instilled into me that complemented the value system that my parents instilled into me.

What is the story behind the Polish boys of Obs? Briefly….

On 17 September 1939, Russia invaded Poland from the East after Nazi Germany invaded Poland from the West resulting in Poland being partitioned by Russia and Nazi Germany - thus starting World

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War 2. Russia immediately began with

regimes in East and Central Europe at the

the process of de-Polonising the Polish

Treaty of Yalta. With the establishment

lands that it occupied. A criminal act of

of an illegal and illegitimate communist

historic proportions! Another example of

totalitarian regime in Poland, together with

Russian state-sponsored terrorism was the

the changes to Poland’s borders, the Polish

coldblooded murder of 22,000 high profile

refugees found themselves with no homes

Polish citizens in various locations in what

to return to.

has become known as the Katyn Forest massacres.

Most of the Polish Children of Oudtshoorn remained in South Africa, joined by Polish

These massacres was followed by the

refugees and deportees from other parts of

deportation of 1,7million innocent Polish

Africa to start new lives. These refugees

citizens in overcrowded cattle trains to Russia’s gulags in Siberia during the period

are first hand witnesses to and victims of

10 February 1940 to 20 June 1941 by

Russian oppression and totalitarianism.

the NKVD, precursor to the KGB. By 22

With the raising of families, the education

June 1941, when Nazi Germany invaded

of their offspring was of utmost importance

Russian- occupied Poland, 0,7million Polish

and a number of these Polish refugees

deportees had died – starved, worked to

decided to send their sons to Obs.

death or murdered by the Russian terror system.

Further information on the Polish Children of Oudtshoorn can be found on: http://kresy-

115,000 Polish citizens, of whom about

siberia.org/hom/files/Oudtshoorn-Polish-

18,300

to

Children-poster-17-September-2012-1.pdf

escape from the gulags of Siberia to reach

With Obs educating refugees over the

freedom. Of these Polish children, 500

decades, I for one would be very interested

children found refuge at the military camp

to learn more about the history and memory

in Oudtshoorn. (Both my parents found

of these refugees and the positive impact

refuge in Oudtshoorn), At the end of the

that Obs has had on the lives of these and

war, England and the USA granted Russia

their offspring. Could such a topic form the

the right to establish totalitarian communist

basis of a conference to be held at Obs?

were

children,

managed

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Class of 2000 Office of the CEO at Lonmin PLC

Ruli Diseko

Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa recently told the Marikana Commission that, as a nation, we all failed the miners and their families, and that we that share collective responsibility. Ruli Diseko (31), one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans of 2014, and up- and-coming executive talent at Lonmin plc, believes it is time for all South Africans to roll up their sleeves and help change our country for the better.

Ruli Diseko relishes the opportunity to contribute to helping repair the tarnished image of South Africa’s mining industry.

While most would see the job as the fruits of a poisoned chalice, the 31-year-old upand-coming Lonmin executive, who was recently listed by the Mail & Guardian as one of the country’s top 200 young South Africans, says if the mining industry can get it right, it would provide a blueprint for how to make things right for many more challenges plaguing our society.

Diseko made the M&G’s annual list in part for his work as head of the office of the chief executive officer of Lonmin, Ben Magara. He directs the CEO’s strategic work streams, and works with the executive team on strategy development and value optimisation. This has given him an inside view on how important execution is, and how vital it is to make things happen. “I need to ensure that we all pull together as a team to get results. This is important work that we have to get right,” he says.

“I think it is fantastic to be recognised [by the M&G], especially as I am right in the middle of a very challenging industry, which has been hit by a headwind in the recent past. For people to realise that a lot of effort and resources are going into getting some things right feels very good.”

Diseko says he realises that when people hear the name of Lonmin, they immediately

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think of the tragic events that occurred in August of 2012 during the strike by miners in the platinum belt. “Marikana was a week that changed all of our lives. It happened to all of South Africa. We all went through something heartbreaking that day,” he says.

There has been much positive change at Lonmin since Marikana and, while Diseko believes the mining industry in South Africa should continue to improve, he also thinks it is transforming and that the good work of improving the lives of employees and communities should be accelerated.

The pivotal nature of the mining sector means it remains exciting, despite the inherent challenges of transformation. “I see it as an opportunity. The mining industry gets a lot of bad press but, when the lights are on, it is time to perform. We need to get it right for our industry to continue to create jobs and opportunities for future generations.”

“All of us, not only those at Lonmin, will be judged by how we respond to the wellbeing and living conditions of people.

The question is, what are we doing as young people to ensure that there is real change?”

Diseko has experienced real change in his lifetime, which gives him the optimism to believe in his future and that of South Africa – and the mining business.

He speaks with determination and conviction, and it is easy to see why he was chosen for the M&G list. Editor-inChief Chris Roper wrote about those on the list, “They’re people who can do whatever they put their mind to, using the tools and opportunities granted to us by the technology-driven era we find ourselves inhabiting, and who can switch interests and impetus whenever they see the need. I don’t mean they inspire us to be better people, although I suppose that

could happen. I mean they inspire us to do stuff that’s out of the ordinary, even if it’s based on the ordinary.”

Diseko is the third of four children, raised by a single mother in Orlando East near Johannesburg. As a child, he dreamed of owning spaza shops and, looking back, he laughs at the idea. “My real interest, even as young boy, was people and commerce.

In the township, the most accessible representation of that was the spaza shop,” he says.

He feels strongly about the power of education and maintains that it is a basic right. “Just because people live in a township does not mean they don’t have aspirations.

Give them a shot and they can make it. You can rise beyond your circumstances if you put the right amount of work into it,” Diseko says.

This is certainly what Diseko did. Following high school, he did a B.Comm degree at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and, ten years later, completed his MBA at the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB). “Going to UCT was the best thing that could’ve happened to me,” says Diseko. “I was forced to challenge my own thinking and my own mental models.

It was a fantastic environment and it was my springboard. My UCT degrees opened many doors.”

“Actually, I think more than anything, we have opportunities. We don’t need time, we need the right mind-set and focus and people who will put up their hand and say, “Yes, we have tangible plans in place to create a better future’.”

Married with two children, Diseko is positive about the future. “We have a fantastic country. There are so many young people coming up now in politics, business and society in general, who have so much energy for getting things done. So I think we have a good thing going in addressing our problems. And if we all do that, we will find ourselves in a good place in this country.”

Issued by: Rothko on behalf of the GSB Contact: John Schärges john@rothko.co.za 021 448 9465

He believes it is easy to have strong opinions about what needs to be done or how things need to change, but it is more valuable to get involved and be a part of the change you want to see. “If you are in South Africa, you understand the history and legacy of this country. So the next question is, ‘Do you have people who have the right agenda and the right energy to address these things?’

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Class of 2001 Performance Artist

Nina Feldman High School Hopes and Ambitions: Drama/ Film ; School Activities: Swimming, Hockey, Drama.

Quote: “Stop being afraid.�

Nina Feldman runs her own performance company, doing experimental, political drama.

In addition, she is a founding member of Involuntarymovement, working through dance and drama with people of varying abilities to create learning situations for social and creative development. Involuntarymovement is currently working in partnership with Tate London to develop a core offer for young people with learning disability.

L

eaving high school, I knew exactly what I was going to do next. Be on stage. I was at Sacred Heart College at a very special time, when the Art, Music and Drama departments worked together to create wonderful productions with the students. I developed my passion for devised performance, starting with nothing and being part of every aspect of a show, from sewing the costumes to writing the script and performing the songs. This directly led to my choice to study Drama at Wits and then to go on and complete a Masters in Performance Making at Goldsmiths College in London.

Sacred Heart gave me a belief in myself that allowed me to make that decision and face the consequences, not because everything had gone well but because sometimes Sacred Heart was very challenging. I had to figure out what my position was on a number of ideas and

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choices, and that is what made it a great institution for me to learn in. I learnt how to continue to work when things did not go my way. I learnt how to be proud when I achieved something. I learnt how to work in a team (oh, group projects!). I learnt that sometimes you are allowed to do something just because you want to do it.

I learnt that some things are worth fighting for, even if no one else agrees. I learnt that you have to be able to articulate what you are fighting for so people will listen and join the discussion. I continue to try and figure out how to do this in my work now, whether it is with audiences, groups or institutions.

I often think of diving into the school swimming pool at 7:30 in the morning for Midmar training, being the first one to break the water and start the day. That sensation, the mixture of pleasure and pain, is what I take with me from Sacred Heart. The knowledge that I have the skills and support to swim the length, and that no one else is going to do it for me.

What I wish I had known then is that outside school spelling is important, but not nearly as important as it is in school!

Class of 2002 PhD Candidate (Public & Urban Policy)

Didi Ogude

S

acred Heart College Alumna, Didi Ogude who is just recently started her PhD in Public and Urban Policy

at The New School, New York, participated in the St Gallen Symposium, organized by International Students’ Committee (ISC).

From May 7 to May 9, two hundred Global Leaders of Today and Tomorrow arrived in St Gallen, a city in northern Switzerland to participate in a 44 year old Symposium that seeks to bring together leaders from the realms of management, politics and society, to debate a relevant topic currently shaping the world. This year, the topic was The Clash of Generations.

As one of 200 Global Leaders of Tomorrow selected by the ISC committee, Didi participated in debates with Leaders of Today such as Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank Group, and Martin Wolf, Chief Economics commentator for The Financial Times.

Discussions spanned a wide spectrum of issues and regions, including Big Data and Privacy as well as the Global Economic Outlook. The week was one of intellectual rigour, and inter- and intra-generational robust debate. More importantly, it focused on the exchange of ideas pertaining to how to ensure that the generations to come will be able to live more decent and equitable lives.

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ALUMNI REUNIONS

125 YEARS OF HERITAGE

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The Class of 1984’s 30 Year Reunion The class of 1984 co-ordinated by Elenore Baiocchi after 30 year got together at top field of the school. Enjoying a bring and braai the fellow class mates had a most awesome day.

The Class of 2004’s 10 Year Reunion On the 27 September, class of 2004 reunited after 10 years at Sacred Heart College by having a picnic in the sun. Past teachers also took the time to join them.

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125 YEARS REUNION Sacred Heart College was founded in 1889, in the dust of the gold rush. Johannesburg, as a city, was formally established in 1886, only three years prior to the formation of Sacred Heart College. This year, Sacred Heart College’s alumni reunions were linked to celebrate 125 years of our past students and the contribution they made (and continue to make) to nation building and the economic, social and cultural development of our country.

On 26 September 2014, Sacred Heart College hosted the 125 Alumni Reunion that was attended by alumni of various years ranging from 1948 to 2004. Our Alumni enjoyed the Sacred Heart College band, Iyon Brew (Sacred Heart College’s Marimba Band), a string quartet and delicious food and drinks.

The evening was well attended and enjoyed, we loved having such a diverse group of alumni back at Sacred Heart College.

- Photographs by Basil Brady, Danielle van der Byl, Elenore Baiocchi and Ellen Howell

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

24 September 2014 was Heritage Day, a day on which Sacred Heart College celebrated 125 years of legacy and excellence with the One Heart Music Festival, featuring artists who have shaped the heritage of music in South Africa.

The line-up, from 14h00 to 18h00, included greats such as Jonas Gwangwa; Sipho Hotstix Mabuse; Judith Sephuma; Simphiwe Dana and Paul Hanmer. Teens and the young at heart from all over Johannesburg congregated to see the award winning Mi Casa, who performed from 18h00 onwards.

The One Heart Music Festival was is truly a day enjoyed by all, young and old, but just for a moment we should be reminded what the Festival was really about: to provide access to quality education for underprivileged children. The proceeds from the Festival benefited the Three2Six Refugee Project and Sacred Heart College’s Field of Flowers Scholarship fund.

Simphiwe Dana said, “We are here today to celebrate our heritage, to celebrate Ubuntu and to celebrate our pan-African identity which was given to us by Madiba.”

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SACRED HEART COLLEGE PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL 011 648-1858 011 648-1858 rashidat@sacredheart.co.za SACRED HEART COLLEGE PRIMARY SCHOOL 011 648-5203/9154 011 648-5204 hilliaryl@sacredheart.co.za

SACRED HEART COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Tel: 011 648-1030 Fax: 011 648-1047 jenh@sacredheart.co.za

SACRED HEART COLLEGE

MARIST OBSERVATORY CONTACT US

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