A letter from Hlumelo,
Dear SACS 1969 Trust
2019 was an overwhelming year, filled with great achievements and all in all a learning curve and a humbling year.
The year started off as per normal, we received our textbooks, found out who our teachers were for our various subjects (I was a bit disappointed with the Maths teacher I got in the pecking order) and we (all the Grade 11s) were sat down in the Hofmeyr Hall and were addressed by the 2019 Prefects about our role as seniors at school and how we can be of great influence to the younger guys. This year, I didn’t really enjoy playing basketball. The lack of game time and the general vibe in the team was what made it more difficult to enjoy. I thus have decided to put my focus next year entirely on rugby.
Well speaking about rugby, this year’s rugby season was a big learning curve. During pre-season (Oct 2018 – Mar 2019) we had to attend Steve Mac, a training program focusing entirely on building strength and conditioning players so that they can perform at 1st team level. The year lying ahead of us was an exciting one, the selected 23 man squad would go to 3 tours: Saint Stithians Tour, Grahamstown Tour & WorldSchools Festival (held in Stellenbosch at Paul Roos). We understood the work we had to put in, to compete at the level of the best schools in the country. Nothing comes easy really at open level, it’s either you excel or you’re just known as a “regular player”.
The first game of the season was against Brackenfell, what the coaches would call a “warm-up game”. We beat them comfortably, & I donned the no.2 jersey starting and for the first time that day. My exploits for the 1stXV saw me get 11 starting caps, scoring 5 tries and notably being headlined in various media outlets. I did, however, spend some time playing for the 2nds, and earned 3 caps in which I scored 3 tries (two against Rondebosch). The end of season results was rather unconvincing, but next year awaits and there’s work to be done.
Academics this year were challenging. Each term requires maximum concentration and you have to juggle commitments. I struggled a bit on that side, as I’d have to dedicate 6 days of my week to rugby, but that’s something I’m working on. I did enjoy a few subjects, and my other marks reflect that. I really enjoy learning, and academics are always first when it comes to everything. I’m working on improving my marks for University application and hopefully also to manage to juggle sports and academics.
Selection for prefects was nerve-wracking. The application process went like this: everyone was allowed to apply, you had to send in your name motivating yourself for the position. 16 prefects were selected, and I was one of them. The occasion came as a surprise to me because as a young boy growing up in the township, I’d only dreamt of being in an institution such as SACS, let alone becoming a prefect. It was an emotional moment for me and my family, and one in which I will grasp with both hands.
With each year that goes by, I come to understand and come to learn of how great a position of privilege has been placed upon me by you guys. I really don’t take anything for granted. Thank you for being behind me and supporting my dream of acquiring an education at one of the best institutions in the country.
Thank you for making my dream come true. And to you Tess, I appreciate the selfless work you do behind the scenes, whether it’s making sure I have tutors for the subjects I struggle with or just taking me to BP to grab a snack, I thank you. It’s always good to reflect because you get the opportunity to show gratitude. My final year at SACS is one I want to maximize and reach my full potential. Thank you for making my journey worthwhile.
With great thanks,
Hlumelo Ntweni