Rector’s eNews 01: 14 January 2026

We have had a wonderful start to 2026. On Sunday we welcomed 129 new boys and families to the Michaelhouse campus. These boys are from 58 prep schools. It was lovely to see the new boys already taking pride in wearing their House ties and Michaelhouse blazers. One of the features of New Boys’ Day is the House Prefects helping the new boys carry their trunks to their dorms where the boys unpack and then start making friends with other boys in their dorms. These boys have many exciting opportunities ahead of them.

The rest of the boys arrived yesterday and as usual there was a buzz of excitement as they swopped holiday stories and started discussing the exciting year ahead.

As most of you are aware, we have had a change in the leadership of the school this year. I have been appointed by the Michaelhouse Board to lead Michaelhouse for the first 6 months of this year while we wait for Mr Bart Wielenga, our incoming Rector, to arrive in July. Mrs Karin Moffatt is our Acting Deputy Rector: Pupils, stepping into Mr Gittin’s shoes for the first 6 months and working closely with our Deputy Rector Pastoral: Mr Sibusiso Ncamani. Our Chaplain Reverend Chris Meyer and Financial Director Mrs Joni Warburton complete the Executive Committee. Mr Brandon Venter is the Acting Housemaster of McCormick House and Mr Ed Jeffrey is the Acting Senior Housemaster. Mrs Tanith von Mayer takes over many of my academic responsibilities and will be running the academic programme. We have a dedicated and hardworking leadership team who have the best interests of the boys, the school and the staff at heart.

We have welcomed four new teachers to Michaelhouse this year. Mr James Allderman has joined our English Department. Previously, he was at Selborne College where he taught English and Life Orientation and held leadership roles including Head of House and Head of Exchange. James has also coached water polo and rugby at a high level at several leading schools. He holds a B.Ed and a Bachelor of Theology (cum laude). He is married to Peta-Jayne. Welcome to Mr Allderman.

Mr Marco Engelbrecht joins Michaelhouse as a Teacher (EMS/LO) and Senior Rugby Coach, bringing extensive experience in both education and high-performance sport. He joins us from King Edward VII School (KES), where he served as a Business Studies, Economics, Life Orientation and Physical Education teacher, Senior Boarding Master, and 1st XV Rugby Head Coach. A former Golden Lions U19 representative and Varsity Cup player, Marco has coached at elite school, provincial and international levels. He is married to Nadine, and they have two young daughters, Quinn and Brooklyn. Welcome to Mr Engelbrecht.

Mr Siphesihle (S’phe) Bhengu will be teaching Economics and Junior Accounting. He joins us from Reddford House Northcliff, where he served as Head of Campus Sport, a member of the Executive Committee, and taught across various academic and language subjects. He was an Intern at Michaelhouse for 3 years and has also worked at Hilton College and St Benedict’s Preparatory School. S’phe holds a B.Ed and a Diploma in Sports Management, and brings high-level involvement in sport, music and cultural life. We are immensely pleased to welcome Mr S’phe Bhengu back!

Mr Dominic Leslie, a Michaelhouse Old Boy, has been appointed as a part-time Mathematics Teacher following the successful completion of two years on the Michaelhouse Internship Programme. Dominic completed a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry at Stellenbosch University and completed his PGCE in 2025. We are pleased to retain him within the Michaelhouse academic staff as he continues his teaching journey.

Mrs Marlene Khan joins as a Sanatorium Sister, bringing extensive experience in clinical nursing and healthcare leadership. Based in Pietermaritzburg, Marlene will be living off campus. She is a Registered Professional Nurse, and joins us from Midland Specialist Private Hospital, with previous senior roles at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg, Hilton Life and Midlands Medical Centre. Marlene is married to Feroz and they have a 9 year old daughter, Laiqa.

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