MARITZBURG COLLEGE OLD BOYS ’ ASSOCIATION
The following is the report tabled by the President of the Maritzburg College Old Boys ’ Association ( MCOBA ) at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on 21 April 2016 .
“ The 2015 / 2016 year has been another busy one for the MCOBA Executive Committee . There have been some notable achievements as well as some challenges which we have had to overcome to ensure the sustainable future of our association .
There has been some restructuring within the various organisations at College . The Old Boys have been very involved in the process and have supported the formation of the College Board . The College Board will ensure the efficient integration of the four organisations within the school namely the MCOBA , the Foundation , the Maritzburg Old Boy ’ s Memorial Trust and the Maritzburg College Club which is the newly formed supporters ’ club .
For College to remain one of the top Government Schools in South Africa it needs to be able to adapt to the ever changing dynamics which it faces . To do this it needs the support of each of these organisations . The College Board will play a unifying role to ensure each pillar is working towards a common goal for the betterment of Maritzburg College .
The main strategy of the College Board is finding ways to raise funds for College . However , before being able to support the school , the MCOBA has had to look at its own financial position . The Association has operated at a loss for the last couple of years . The surprisingly low amount of paid up members has reduced turnover to a point where it was unfortunately necessary to retrench Mrs Debbie Craig . The retrenchment process was overseen by a labour lawyer and the due process correctly followed . I would like to thank Debbie for her positive contribution to the office over the past three years .
Ms Linda Laubscher has an enormous responsibility in driving the MCOBA office to the next level . She has the support of the Executive Committee going forward . Linda will also be working closely with the administration staff from the school ’ s Marketing Department and the Foundation to streamline and effectively manage the office . We thank Linda for the work she has done for the Association these past 18 years . We look forward to working positively together to ensure the Association grows from strength to strength and becomes financially secure in this new chapter .
In terms of functions the Association has had a very busy year . I thank each Branch Chairman for hosting branch functions and keeping the College flag flying in their respective areas .
Reunion 2015 was another success and enjoyed by many . I am happy to announce that the Headmaster has invited us back to College and Reunion 2016 dinner will be held in the Alan Paton Memorial Hall on the 10 June . Please support this function and gather as many Old Collegians as possible . On Saturday 11 June a Reunion Village is going to be set up in a
marquee between Goldstone ’ s and the Bowling Club . This Reunion Village will allow Old Boys as well as their families and friends to socialise in a more relaxed environment .
At our Veterans Luncheon , we will be hosting our Oldest Collegian , Mr Cyril Crompton , who will be turning 100 years old this year . We will therefore be making it a memorable occasion for him and his fellow Old Collegians who attend .
Mr Matthew Marwick will no doubt once again add a nostalgic touch to our Induction Ceremony later on in the year . This ceremony is where we induct the current Sixth Formers into the Old Boys Association .
The Old Boys Association has the privilege of hosting the annual SA Schools ’ Alumni Conference for the first time in KZN . A number of schools Old Boy ’ s bodies will be hosted by College and I would like to thank Andrew Soden and Linda Laubscher for driving this event .
I would like to thank each member of the Executive Committee for their passion and voluntary dedication . I truly appreciate their support and drive . Three executive members are standing down , namely , Messrs Dennis Brand , Patrick O ’ Sullivan and Brandon Swart . My thanks to these gentlemen for their commitment to the MCOBA .
I would like to thank my brother-in-law , Grant Rutherfoord , who has managed my business interests while I have been in the chair . Grant is a passionate College Old Boy . However , given the amount of time this position requires there is no chance of him becoming President while he works with me !
A very big thank you to my vice-president , Pete Stainbank , for all his support this past year . He is the voice of reason and I appreciate his insightful suggestions . I have worked closely with Dave Rogers in the restructuring process . I thank him for all the time he affords the association to ensure it remains an effective body integrated with the school . Lastly , I wish to thank the patron of the MCOBA , Headmaster Mr Chris Luman , for his support of our Association . His open door policy is appreciated .
Having been more intimately involved in College , I can say that there are many , many people who give 110 % to this great school . As Old Boys I would like to encourage us to support the school positively and curb the wave of negativity which flows among us because changes have been made for the better . I believe in robust debate but I do encourage constructive criticism . As Old Boys we are the schools largest marketing tool so let us take cognisance of the image we are projecting of the school . Let us change our way of thinking and focus on the positive aspects of Maritzburg College .
This Association needs the support of each and every Old Boy . I would like to thank those who are already committed . My focus for 2016 will be to encourage all those Old Boys who are passionate about College but have not yet paid their membership fees . In doing this we can offer financial support and a sustainable solution for our school .”
Bruce Lesur • President of the MCOBA
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