Congratulations to the Wynberg Boys’ High School 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