Friends of College 2022
Maritzburg College has welcomed four new members into its ‘Friends of College’ ranks. Started in 1994 this initiative was created to recognise, honour and celebrate people who have “gone above and beyond” in giving service to the school and to education, in a variety of ways. To date we have over 125 members of our ‘Friends of College’, some of whom joined us on Friday evening, in the Victoria Hall, to welcome the newest members.
This year, College paid tribute to Dr Dudley Forde (former Headmaster of College), Mr Rob Evans, Mr Mike Johnson and Mr David Leisegang.
Dr Dudley Forde holds four degrees from the Universities of Natal and KwaZulu-Natal which include a B Comm, BA (Hons) a Masters in Philosophy of Leadership and a Doctorate. An outstanding leader in the field of education, Dudley served firstly as a teacher at College and then later as headmaster from 1986-1991. In 2011, he was awarded a PhD in Education by the University of KwaZulu-Natal and in the same year, on Freedom Day, he was also the recipient from President JC Zuma of the Order of the Baobab. Dr Forde is a highly intelligent, warm-hearted man, a passionate educator, who has devoted his life to education, with a sincere interest and engagement in young people. More recently Dr Forde and the Durban Education Trust believed in Maritzburg College’s vision to create a Khanyisa Primary School Programme which launched in July 2022. Then, and now, the Maritzburg College community is very proud to have in its midst such a leader – renowned throughout the country for his outstanding community service and work in leadership development and education. Dr Forde, we salute you, Sir as a most worthy ‘Friend of College’.
Rob Evans went to school at Falcon College, Zimbabwe where he played 1st XV rugby as a front rower. Rob is a Charted Accountant, currently based at Surelink Wealth, where he has been for the past 24 years. Rob is married to Claire, and they have four adult children – three girls and a son David who attended College. Rob has been involved in various capacities in the College community including parent representative on the Governing Body, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Treasurer, Vice-Chairman and finally as Chairman of the Governing Body. Rob led the Governing Body with unyielding commitment and vigour, encouraging robust debate as well as empowering members to deliver, and always having the best interests of College at heart. He selflessly sacrificed many hours of his valuable time for the benefit of College and his commitment to the school is sincerely appreciated. He is a most worthy recipient of the ‘Friend of College’ award.
Mark Johnson matriculated from College in 1971. He has a deep interest in and passion for education, and through his consultancy business, became a leader in educational strategy, where he has influenced positive strategic change in a number of schools and educational institutions. Over the years, College has benefitted from Mark’s strategic direction and facilitation, and more recently, he accepted an invitation to be an external member of the College Board heading up the Strategic Portfolio, where his contribution has been invaluable. With an interest and expertise in Urban Improvement processes, Mark has also guided College’s involvement in a collaboration between local business, other educational institutions, and local authorities to address the all-important upliftment of the local environment. Mark’s ongoing guidance and commitment to assisting College with its long-term strategic planning confirm he is most definitely a worthy recipient of the ‘Friend of College’ award.
David Leisegang enjoyed a very successful career at College, matriculating in 1986 as the Deputy Head Prefect (Dayboys). A chartered accountant by training, David is a successful businessman and is currently the managing director of Bidvest Tank Terminals. Like his much-admired father before him, David is – and always has been – a loyal supporter of his Alma Mater, and although his son matriculated from College some years ago, David has continued to serve College faithfully as a trustee of the Maritzburg College & Old Boys’ Trust since 2016, and as a long-standing member of the school’s Finance Committee. David’s knowledge and experience, integrity, decisiveness, and lateral thinking are greatly appreciated by College, and he is deservedly saluted as a most worthy “Friend of College”.