Good evening to everyone gathered here tonight, to my sponsors the SACS 1969 Old Boys Trust and to everyone who’s played a great role in me being able to attend this great institution.
I would like to share my journey here at SACS, highlighting the ups and downs and every feeling and emotion I’ve gone through while studying here. My humble journey started off at my old primary school, Ysterplaat Primary situated in Brooklyn, Milnerton where I took part in rugby and athletics, and I would go on to win “1st in class for academics” “best rugby player” and “best forward”.
Attending Ysterplaat Primary and the transition from it to SACS really made me feel blessed. I remember days when I would go through a full school day without food in my stomach because things were so tough back home. Listening in class was often difficult as there were always distractions and to see and experience how learners at SACS respect teachers and each other, and that education isn’t hampered by distractions, was one of my first enjoyments of the school.
Now funnily enough, until I drove through the SACS school gates I wasn’t quite sure which high school I was going to attend. I remember my brother waking me up one early morning and he told me to pack my stuff and prepare for camp. I was confused by this and where I was going but I was soon to receive the greatest news of my life.
I arrived here at school and met up with Mr Wepener who gave me a warm welcome and told me to join the other boys on their departure to camp. Now my first year here was probably one of my toughest yet funnest years to date. Fitting in and making friends was one of my greatest challenges, as I come from a different social and economic background from everyone else. But through sports I managed to make lifelong friends. Whenever I tell my friends about how difficult it was making friends, they find it difficult to believe me because I’ve grown into a much more confident and outspoken person. What I enjoyed the most during my first year here was the camaraderie and sense of brotherhood. Everything the school stood for: excellence, respect and brotherhood stood out.
Academically, the transition was quite difficult. The standards here at SACS well exceed those of my previous school. But I soon found my feet by sheer perseverance and dedication to my school work. I always challenge myself, always trying to learn more and more.
Sports was something I looked forward to. Being able to take part in two different sports (summer and winter) was exciting. Basketball was fun and competitive and summer was always bright and lively. I managed to play A team basketball through the age groups and made my debut for the 1st team end of last year. With the help of my coaches and teammates, my game was hugely improved. I enjoyed playing basketball and building friendships. Winter season is probably the most exciting time of the year. The long wait was over and rugby season commenced. My fondest rugby moment playing for SACS was running on in the 1STXV jersey against Wynberg. The scene was perfectly set up, a beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain, 3000 spectators getting behind their respective teams and the smell of boerie rolls ravishing around the spectacular Memorial A. We had live coverage that day from Supersport and we sure did seize the moment. We beat Wynberg in a tightly contested game 20 points to 6. I got to represent the 1STXV in 16 games, 11 of which were starting caps and scored 5 tries this season for the 1st’s and 3 for my two games in the 2ndXV.
I would like to thank you guys for giving me this amazing opportunity and platform, to study at your Alma Mater. This is an opportunity I don’t take for granted. I don’t think I would be where I am right now without the continuous support from the whole SACS 1969 Trust. Thank you, God bless and I hope my next chapter after Matric is as good and as humbling as the one I’ve built up here at SACS.
Hlumelo Ntweni
Grade 11