Maritzburg College Celebrates the Class of 2025 at Annual Speech Day and Valedictory Service
Friday, 17 October 2025 | Pietermaritzburg
Maritzburg College proudly honoured the outstanding achievements of its Sixth Form students at the 2025 Speech Day and Valedictory Service, held on Friday, 17 October. This annual event marked a significant milestone for the Class of 2025, celebrating their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the life of the school.
The ceremony was enriched by exceptional musical performances, including solo pieces, the College choir, and the beloved a cappella group, the Ama Gents, showcasing the depth of cultural talent within the school.
In his address, Headmaster Mr Alan Redfern reflected on the journey of the young men seated before him, urging them to carry forward the values instilled during their time at College. He encouraged them to lead with courage, compassion, and humility, and to embrace the lifelong process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. “Be authentic,” he said, “and always act with integrity and accountability.”
Guest of honour Mr Mark Holness (OC 1999), Head of Leverage Finance at Nedbank, delivered an inspiring keynote, offering four guiding principles for life beyond the red brick walls of College: to Live with passion and presence, to Love deeply and be loved, to Learn with humility and curiosity, and to Leave a Legacy of integrity and impact. His closing words, “It is time to fly,” resonated powerfully with the audience.
Head Prefect Amahle Hadebe gave a heartfelt speech, speaking directly to his fellow College brothers. With humility and insight, he reminded them that mistakes are part of growth and urged them to remain true to themselves. His words moved the audience, culminating in a spontaneous standing ovation from his classmates. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, Hadebe received both the Phelps-Cannon Prize for Service to the School and the Charles Taylor Award for Good Fellowship.
Among the top academic achievers was Michael Brunkhorst, named Dux of Maritzburg College 2025, receiving the 1880 High School Memorial Prize, the Levinsohn Trophy, and subject prizes for Geography, Life Orientation, and Information Technology. His twin brother, Daniel Brunkhorst, placed second in form, earning multiple accolades including the Nedbank Proxima Prize, and awards for Engineering Graphics and Design, Physical Science, Information Technology, Visual Arts, and Further Studies in Mathematics. Christopher Mundell was awarded third in form, receiving the Colenbrander Accountants Prize, along with prizes for Mathematics, Accounting, and Economics.
Deputy Head Prefects Ewald Bester and Justin Steyn were also recognised for their contributions. Bester received the prestigious Mike Brown Five Pillars Award, while Steyn was honoured with the Nora Cook Trophy for Altruistic Service.
Special awards highlighted the diverse talents of College boys. Caleb Gould was recognised for excellence in both academics and sport, while Bombibethu Pepu received accolades for achievements in academics and culture.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to embark on new journeys, they do so with pride, knowing they have been shaped by a school that values excellence, integrity, and brotherhood. These young men of stature leave Maritzburg College ready to make their mark on the world.
MARITZBURG COLLEGE 2025 SPEECH DAY AWARDS
INTER-HOUSE AWARDS
Cock House Lamond
Forder Cup for Champion House 2025 Lamond
ACADEMIC AWARDS
The Ian McAllister Prize for Academic Progress Z Nkosi
MERIT CERTIFICATES
A Akoonjee, LN Bhengu, S Durgaparsad, KJ Ekstrand, CS Gibbs, K Govender, MW Greeff, SV Gwala, BN Hlophe, EJ McAllister, A Mkhize, M Naidoo, NRK Pembridge, KS Phungula, and CPJ van Heerden.
SUBJECT PRIZES
Prize for Business Studies TD Naidoo
Prize for Computer Applications Technology LC Wassink
Prize for Dramatic Arts TW Ambler
Prize for Mathematical Literacy C van Rooyen
Merit Certificate and the Prize for Afrikaans S Naidoo
Merit Certificate and the Prize for Agricultural Sciences AD Taylor
Merit Certificate and the Prize for Life Sciences DC Naidoo
Merit Certificate, Prize for English, and Val Harley Trophy for Creative Writing JD Moneyvalu
Merit Certificate, Prize for History, and Shaun Olley Prize for History & English HM Maluleke
SPECIAL PRIZES
Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Association Prize for Service to the School E Bester, CM Cherayi, JC Steyn
Phelps-Cannon Prize for Service to the School AB Hadebe
The Charles Taylor Award for Good Fellowship AB Hadebe
The Nora Cook Trophy for Altruistic Service JC Steyn
Merit Certificate, the Prize for isiZulu, and Prize for Achievement in Academics & Culture BI Pepu
Merit Certificate, the Prize for Music, and Prize for Achievement in Academics and Sport CTB Gould
The Mike Brown Five Pillars Award E Bester
(R) Merit Certificate, the Prize for Mathematics, the PWC Prize for Accounting, the PKF Trophy for Economics and the Colenbrander Accountants Prize for THIRD IN FORM
CM Mundell
(L) Merit Certificate, the Prizes for Engineering Graphics and Design and Physical Science, the joint Prize for Information Technology; the KickstArt Prize for Visual Arts; the Epoch Optima Prize for Further Studies Mathematics, and the Nedbank Proxime Accessit for SECOND IN FORM
D Brunkhorst
(C) Merit Certificate, the Prizes for Geography and Life Orientation, the joint Prize for Information Technology, the 1880 High School Memorial Prize and the Levinsohn Trophy for the DUX OF MARITZBURG COLLEGE
M Brunkhorst