Traditionally, the boys would have received their ties in front of their parents and peers from other grades. Covid-19 of course had different ideas. The boys were seated at least 2 chairs apart in the memorial chapel, as Principal Tony Reeler addressed them for the last time (see below).

Principal Tony Reeler addresses the Matric Class of 2020 for the final time. 

Sanjay Daya (1994G) proceeded to give a speech, outlining how the ODU has helped him in the past and that it will always be there for the boys, should they desire it. This was followed by Chairman of the ODU, Wilbur Van Niekerk (1985K) and Gus Allen (1982F) handing out the OD ties to the boys. Please view Sanjay’s speech below.

ODU President, David Carter (1958G), ODU Chairman, Wilbur Van Niekerk (1985K) and Dr Paul Murray (Staff) were all awarded OD Blazers for their contribution to the Union. A full article will follow in due course on these awards.

Prizegiving: 

The annual prize-giving and valedictory were held on Tuesday 27 October on the Piley Rees, in order to comply with Covid-19 regulations. Mustapha Cassiem and Rohan Naidoo both received the OD Merit Trophy due to their amazing achievements this past year. Below is what was read when Mustapha and Rohan received their prizes. 

In Public Speaking, Rohan has represented Bishops at the International Independent Schools Competition in Canada and the USA since 2017 and became Top Overseas Speaker in 2018 and 2019. He has also competed in the National Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships since 2017 and has represented South Africa at the World Championships since Grade 9. In 2019, he became the National Champion and, after that, in 2020, became the first South African since this competition started 33 years ago to be crowned World Champion Debater and Public Speaker. 

Rohan Naidoo receives the OD Merit award. Credit: Craig Watson (1979S)

Over the last 18 months, Mustapha Cassiem has represented for hockey WP u18 schools, WP u21, men, SA schools, SA u21 men, the SA men's indoor side and was included in the SA National training squad preparing for the 2020 Olympic games. Two events that need special mention are Mustapha's debut against Switzerland for the National men’s indoor side in November 2019 where he scored a hattrick of goals on debut. In February 2020 Mustapha made his debut for the National men’s side against the USA and has so far earned three test caps for South Africa men's hockey

Mustapha Cassiem receives the OD Merit award. Credit: Craig Watson (1979S)

Seb Allison was awarded the OD All Rounders Trophy. 

Seb Allison receives the OD Merit award. Credit: Craig Watson (1979S)

Click on the link to view the 2020 prize giving winners. 

Please view pictures from the Final Assembly, Prize Giving and Valedictory in the gallery below. Credit: Craig Watson (1979S). 

The OD Union commends the class of 2020 for the manner in which they handled themself during a tumultuous period. Good luck as you head into the final stretch of the year and we wish you well on the next chapter of your life.

The 2020 head boy, Michael Ford summed up his classmates year by using one of Martin Luther King Jr's quote,

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King Jr.