OPS and kitchen staff member 1957 - 1993
Note from Archivist (Dr Mary Reynolds):
Elijah Dlembule was one of the earliest and longest serving staff members of the College. He started work with the OPS Dept. (known then as Grounds Staff). I recall him in the few years before his retirement, working for the Boys' College. He was responsible for our staff teas and he would trundle a trolley from the small kitchen at Mears Hall along the passage past the downstairs classrooms with the cups and sandwiches. These had then to be carried upstairs to the old staffroom where the administrative offices are now. Later, a small kitchen was added to the staffroom to shorten his trip.
I recall Mr Dlembule telling me about the early days at Saints. The nearest shop was in Linden, 11km away along a dirt road (Bram Fischer Drive, previously known as Hendrik Verwoerd Drive). He also recalled the time that the tractor fell into the dam and had to be hauled out, as well as the oxen that strayed off the property onto the road.
Mr Dlembule retired in 1993 and he was invited to the Boys' College final Chapel at which he was thanked for his services to the College and presented with a gold watch.
BC Geography teacher 1976 - 2010; also HOD
Involved in the establishment of Penryn College and Penreach.
Dave Gear came to St Stithians from Michaelhouse and remained here until he retired to the Lowveld.
BC Staff 1980 - 2009
BC HOD Physical Science, Cricket, Rugby and Basketball TIC and House Director. Mr Hean also returned on a temporary basis for many years to replace teachers who were on sabbatical.
Tribute to Don Hean on his retirement in 2009. [Stythian 2009, p16-17.
We also bid farewell to Donovan Allyn Duff Hean: I include all his names, as Don Hean is often called Dad by his students, his colleagues and his friends, a mark of the universal affection in which he is held.
Don began teaching at the Boys' College in 1980 and has served the school with loyalty, humility and integrity in his 30 years here. Don has witnessed, and been a part of, many changes that have taken place on the Campus and he has many recollections of the people and of the place. Among his many roles, he has not only been a Science teacher of the highest calibre, but also Director of Science for the Boys' College and the Girls' College, as well as being a talented and multi-faceted sports' coach. His boys have described him as being passionate about what he does, in particular when coaching Rugby, and as House Director for Webb House he is considered "funny and friendly", “approachable" and "a cool guy".
Don's contribution to the Boys' College has been immense, both in the classroom and in his involvement in extra-mural activities, be it on the Basketball court, on the Rugby or Hockey field, on the Cricket pitch, or on grade 10 camp. One of Don's distinguishing characteristics is his respect for his students, and his willingness to listen to them and to share with them his wisdom and his sound advice.
His humour is gentle and his laconic, insightful comments have occasioned many a laugh among his colleagues and at staff functions. Don is a true gentleman and the value of his years of service to the school is immeasurable and beyond mere gratitude. Don, you will forever be a part of our school and we wish you a well-deserved rest. You will be sorely missed.
BP and BC staff member 1962 - 2000.
Ken Hovelmeier served as a BP sports master from 1962 to 1971. From 1971, when the loss of his sight prevented him from continuing with sport, he joined the BC staff as a Counsellor. The early development of both Sport and Counselling at the College can largely be attributed to Ken's initiative.
He went on to become Director of VIth form before retiring to practice privately.
BC HOD English; House Director; MIC Hockey and Cricket
Co-founder with Moira Schafer of Duke of Cornwall Singers
Member of Welsh Male Voice Choir
Hugh Huggett first arrived at St Stithians as a student teacher under the renowned David Brindley. An account of his first arrival is held by the Archive. He retired from the College in 2002 but continued to teach until c.2019.
Hugh Huggett's papers are held by the Archive but have not yet been added to AtoM.
The following tribute was paid to Hugh Huggett by Dave McGaw in the Stythian 2001, p.9:
Hugh Huggett arrived in 1969 to take up a post teaching English, and later became Head of the English Department for many years. His career at Saints indicates the wide variety of interests of this man: Master- in-Charge of Hockey for 20 years; Southern Transvaal Hockey Committee Chairman, Manager of the Transvaal Schools' Side; member of the South African Schools' Hockey Committee; Cricket coach of the 2nd XI from 1969 to 1982.Hugh organised Hockey tours to England in 1985 and 19§7; spent a year at York University and studied Literature there in 1984; was the manager of the Dukes for a number of years and has been a keen trout fisherman. His lively antics in the staff room will be sadly missed. We wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.
BC Afrikaans teacher and Deputy Head 1982 - 2001
Ops Dept. staff
BC/BP Tuck-shop assistant
Revson Netshilindela is best remembered for two significant contributions he made to Saints. As a member of the Grounds Staff, it was Revson who planted the camphor tree between the Chapel Quad and the Chess Quad, which has come to be known as "Revson's" tree. Revson later joined the staff of the Tuck-shop where he assisted the mothers who ran the facility on a voluntary basis. He was known and loved by all the boys that he served. Revson retired to his home in Venda in 2009 after 34 years of service to the College.
Kitchen and Dining Hall staff 1987 - 2014 (27 years)
Mr Sebotsa was a well-liked and respected member of staff who was loved by the boys and respected by his colleagues. He represented the OPS and Kitchen staff on the first Campus Employment Equity Committee from 1994 onwards.
OSA One-and-All Barman 1986 - 2016
Mr Somlayi died in February 2016 whilst in service to the OSA.
Charlie (so nick-named after Charles Glass, the creator of Castle Lager) was a long-standing employee of the OSA who ran the bar at the old One-and-All before the relocation of the facility to Higher Ground.
BC Afrikaans teacher 1983 - 2013
BC Deputy Head
Co-founder of St Stithians Rugby Festival
Retired November 2013 and continues to serve St Stithians, taking care of the Welgevonden Bush Camp.
BC History teacher 1969 - 2002
Jimmy Verner started his teaching career as a boarding assistant in Mountstephens House and remained with the College for 34 years after which he joined the staff of Bishop Bavin College. During his tenure at St Stithians he attained the position of House Director (Mountstephens House) and later Director of Grade 12. Jimmy was a highly capable Mr Fixit and could always be relied on to find a quick solution if anything technical went awry. His historical knowledge was immense and much of the account of the recent St Stithians history that appeared on our early websites was compiled by him. Jimmy was also involved with Swimming, Life-Saving and Drivers' Education and made a huge contribution backstage for our musical and drama stage productions.
BP teacher 1962 - 1999
Deputy Head from 1968 - 1999
Deceased whilst in service to the school