Grey College, Bloemfontein
Encyclopedia
Grey College is a public school for boys located in Bloemfontein
, Free State
, South Africa
, one of the 23 elite, historically significant and prestigious Milner Schools. Grey College is not to be confused with Grey High School
in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
.
, the then Governor of the Cape Colony
, paid a visit to the Orange Free State Republic
and donated a sum of money towards the establishment of an institution for higher education. The foundation stone was laid by Jacobus Nicolaas Boshoff, the second President of the Orange Free State Republic, on 13 October 1856.
The school was officially opened on 17 January 1859 and the first headmaster was the Reverend Andrew Murray
. It is the third-oldest school in South Africa
and the oldest north of the Orange River
.
Afrikaans
- and English
-speaking pupils study under one roof, but each language group is educated in separate classrooms and in its own mother tongue.
The college first accepted matriculants
for a full B.A.
course in 1904. In 1906 the tertiary part of Grey College became known as the Grey University College (GUC), but shortly thereafter the school and college separated. GUC grew and evolved into the institution now called the University of the Free State
.
The school celebrated its 150th jubilee during October 2005, when numerous alumni visited their alma mater. The current headmaster at the High School is Johan Volsteedt and the headmaster of the Primary School is Lindsey Mould. A Museum which houses memorable artifacts, such as old rugby jerseys, and paintings, was unveiled in 2005. Each year on 13 October many old-boys hold a reunion.
In 2001 the school won the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament
.
A trademark of the school is the unique handshake, widely recognized and used by students, old boys and members of staff.
Old Greys donate funds to the Jock Meiring Trust, a fund used for the administration of schoolgrounds and granting of scholarships.
The school went on a tour to England where they won all their games except for against Dulwich College.
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and...
, Free State
Free State
The Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, one of the 23 elite, historically significant and prestigious Milner Schools. Grey College is not to be confused with Grey High School
Grey High School
Grey High School is an elite school for boys located in the city of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Grey High School is not to be confused with Grey College in Bloemfontein, Free State.-History:...
in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bhisho, but its two largest cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. It was formed in 1994 out of the "independent" Xhosa homelands of Transkei and Ciskei, together with the eastern portion of the Cape Province...
.
History
Grey College was founded on 13 October 1855 when Sir George GreyGeorge Grey
George Grey may refer to:*Sir George Grey, 2nd Baronet , British politician*George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent *Sir George Grey , Governor of Cape Colony, South Australia and New Zealand...
, the then Governor of the Cape Colony
Cape Colony
The Cape Colony, part of modern South Africa, was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652, with the founding of Cape Town. It was subsequently occupied by the British in 1795 when the Netherlands were occupied by revolutionary France, so that the French revolutionaries could not take...
, paid a visit to the Orange Free State Republic
Orange Free State
The Orange Free State was an independent Boer republic in southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century, and later a British colony and a province of the Union of South Africa. It is the historical precursor to the present-day Free State province...
and donated a sum of money towards the establishment of an institution for higher education. The foundation stone was laid by Jacobus Nicolaas Boshoff, the second President of the Orange Free State Republic, on 13 October 1856.
The school was officially opened on 17 January 1859 and the first headmaster was the Reverend Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray (minister)
Andrew Murray was a South African writer, teacher, and Christian pastor. Murray considered missions to be "the chief end of the church."- Early life and education :...
. It is the third-oldest school in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and the oldest north of the Orange River
Orange River
The Orange River , Gariep River, Groote River or Senqu River is the longest river in South Africa. It rises in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, flowing westwards through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean...
.
Afrikaans
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
- and English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
-speaking pupils study under one roof, but each language group is educated in separate classrooms and in its own mother tongue.
The college first accepted matriculants
Matriculation in South Africa
In South Africa, matriculation is a term commonly used to refer to the final year of high school and the qualification received on graduating from high school, although strictly speaking, it refers to the minimum university entrance requirements. The first formal examination was conducted in...
for a full B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
course in 1904. In 1906 the tertiary part of Grey College became known as the Grey University College (GUC), but shortly thereafter the school and college separated. GUC grew and evolved into the institution now called the University of the Free State
University of the Free State
The University of the Free State is situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State, South Africa. The university also has a satellite campus in Qwaqwa that was, until 2003, part of the University of the North.-Academic Divisions:...
.
Grey College today
The school grounds consist of a number of historic buildings, of which five have been declared national monuments. Extensive sport facilities includes a recently upgraded Olympic-sized swimming pool, a field hockey astro, a shooting range, a new squash court and several hockey, soccer, cricket and rugby fields. The school also has 16 all-weather tennis courts.The school celebrated its 150th jubilee during October 2005, when numerous alumni visited their alma mater. The current headmaster at the High School is Johan Volsteedt and the headmaster of the Primary School is Lindsey Mould. A Museum which houses memorable artifacts, such as old rugby jerseys, and paintings, was unveiled in 2005. Each year on 13 October many old-boys hold a reunion.
In 2001 the school won the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament
Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament
The Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament is a prestigious international rugby union tournament for 15-a-side youth teams which is held every year during the Golden Week holidays in Fukuoka prefecture, Japan...
.
A trademark of the school is the unique handshake, widely recognized and used by students, old boys and members of staff.
Old Greys donate funds to the Jock Meiring Trust, a fund used for the administration of schoolgrounds and granting of scholarships.
The school went on a tour to England where they won all their games except for against Dulwich College.
Notable alumni
- Dr Louis BrabowLouis BrabowDoctor Louis Babrow was a South African rugby union player and medical doctor. He was of Jewish origins.-Playing career:...
, rugby player. - Heinrich BrussowHeinrich BrussowHeinrich Wilhelm Brüssow is a South African rugby union footballer. He plays for the Free State Cheetahs provincial team, Cheetahs in the international Super Rugby competition and the Springboks...
, Springbok rugby player - Hansie CronjeHansie CronjeWessel Johannes "Hansie" Cronje was a South African cricketer and captain of the South African national cricket team in the 1990s...
, former South African cricket captain, whose Ashes are kept at the school - Naka DrotskéNaka DrotskeAllen Erasmus 'Naka' Drotské is a former South African rugby union player, who played for the South Africa national rugby union team between 1993 and 1999.He played as a hooker ....
, Rugby World Cup winning Springbok - Bismarck du PlessisBismarck du PlessisBismarck du Plessis is a South African rugby union player, who plays for South Africa internationally, the Natal Sharks in the domestic Currie Cup, and the Sharks in Super Rugby.-Career:...
, current Sharks and SpringboksSouth Africa national rugby union teamThe South African national rugby union team are 2009 British and Irish Lions Series winners. They are currently ranked as the fourth best team in the IRB World Rankings and were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.Although South Africa was instrumental...
rugby player - Jannie du PlessisJannie du PlessisJan Nathaniel "Jannie" du Plessis is a South African rugby union player, who plays as a prop for South Africa and the Sharks in Super Rugby...
, current Sharks and Springboks rugby player; Bismarck's older brother - Morne du PlessisMorne du PlessisMorne du Plessis is a former South African rugby union player. He is often described as one of the Springboks' most successful captains. Playing at number 8, his national career spanned ten years, five of which he was captain...
, former Springboks captain and member of the International Rugby Hall of FameInternational Rugby Hall of FameThe International Rugby Hall of Fame is a hall of fame for rugby union. It was created in 1997 in New Zealand and is run as a charitable trust with an address at Chiswick in London. Most of the trustees are also inductees. IRHOF accepts new inductees every two years... - Wian du PreezWian du PreezWian du Preez is a rugby union player for Munster in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup. He plays as a prop, primarily at loosehead.-Cheetahs:du Preez, a native of Free State, played for the Cheetahs from 2007 until 2010...
, Springbok rugby player - General Dennis Earp, former chief of the South African Air ForceSouth African Air ForceThe South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...
- Bram FischerBram FischerAbram Louis Fischer, commonly known as Bram Fischer, was a South African lawyer of Afrikaner descent, notable for anti-apartheid activism and for the legal defence of anti-apartheid figures, including Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial.-Tributes:Fischer is widely acknowledged as a key figure in...
, anti-apartheid activist and advocate for Nelson MandelaNelson MandelaNelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
in the Rivonia TrialRivonia TrialThe Rivonia Trial was a trial that took place in South Africa between 1963 and 1964, in which ten leaders of the African National Congress were tried for 221 acts of sabotage designed to overthrow the apartheid system.-Origins:... - Blen Franklin, leading QC (Mandela's counsel in his striking off application), Supreme Court Judge and Sports Administrator.
- Steve HofmeyrSteve Hofmeyr-Career:Hofmeyr matriculated in 1982 at Grey College. After two years compulsory army and border duty, he went to Pretoria Technikon Drama School.-Recording star and performer:...
, South African singer, songwriter and actor - Ruben KrugerRuben KrugerRuben Jacobus Kruger, born in Vrede , was a South African rugby union player. He played as a flanker.-Career:...
, Rugby World Cup winning Springbok - Ollie le RouxOllie le RouxAndre-Henri "Ollie" le Roux is a South African rugby union footballer who currently plays for Leinster.-Rugby career:...
, former Springbok rugby player - Tiaan LiebenbergTiaan LiebenbergTiaan Liebenberg is a South African rugby union footballer who plays for the Western Province provincial team and the Stormers Super 14 team.- External links :***...
, Springbok rugby player - Ryan McLarenRyan McLarenRyan McLaren is a South African cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler....
, South African cricket player who also played for Kent and Mumbai IndiansMumbai IndiansMumbai Indians , is a franchise cricket team representing Mumbai in the Indian Premier League. The team is one of the eight founding members of the IPL in 2008. Mumbai Indians are currently led by Sachin Tendulkar, who is the Icon Player for the team and is coached by Robin Singh... - Pieter MullerPieter MullerPieter Muller is a former international South Africa rugby union player. A centre, he was known for his strength and direct running. He played his club rugby Greystones R.F.C.in Ireland and for Cardiff Blues...
, former Springbok rugby player - Ryk NeethlingRyk NeethlingRyk Neethling is a South African swimmer. He won an Olympic gold medal in the 4×100 m freestyle relay at the 2004 Summer Olympics. He is the former joint owner of the 4×100 m freestyle relay world record and holds several South African records...
, Olympic gold medalist swimmer - Coenie OosthuizenCoenie OosthuizenCoenrad Victor Oosthuizen is a professional rugby union player who plays for Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, Toyota Cheetahs in Super Rugby and was chosen for the Springboks squad in 2010 and 2011. He was schooled at Grey College.Coenie Oosthuizen plays in the loose-head prop position,...
, Springbok rugby player - Ruan PienaarRuan PienaarRuan Pienaar is a South African rugby union footballer who plays either as a scrum-half or as a fly-half. He joined Ulster for the 2010/2011 Magners League campaign....
, current Ulster and Springboks rugby player - Deneys ReitzDeneys ReitzDeneys Reitz , son of Francis William Reitz, was a Boer soldier, later a South African soldier in the First World War, and a politician....
, a Boer soldier, South African soldier in the First World War,and politician. - Deon StegmannDeon StegmannDeon Stegmann is a professional South African rugby union player, who represents the Springboks and Bulls at openside flank. He made his Super 14 debut for the Bulls in 2008 at the age of 21....
, Springbok rugby player - Francois SteynFrançois SteynFrancois Steyn is a South African rugby union player, who plays for the South African national team; and Racing Métro 92 in Paris. He was a member of the South African team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup...
, current Racing Metro and Springboks rugby player - Martinus Theunis SteynMartinus Theunis SteynMartinus Theunis Steyn was a South African lawyer, politician, and statesman, sixth and last president of the independent Orange Free State from 1896 to 1902....
, president of the Orange Free StateOrange Free StateThe Orange Free State was an independent Boer republic in southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century, and later a British colony and a province of the Union of South Africa. It is the historical precursor to the present-day Free State province... - Adriaan StraussAdriaan StraussJan Adriaan Strauss, is a rugby hooker who represents Free State Cheetahs in the ABSA Currie Cup and Super 14. He made his international debut for South Africa on 19 July 2008 coming off the bench against Australia in the Tri Nations...
, Springbok rugby player - Popeye StrydomPopeye StrydomCoenraad Frederik "Popeye" Strydom was a South Africa national rugby union team player. In all, Strydom made six appearances for the Springboks between 1955 and 1958....
, former Springbok rugby player - CJ van der LindeCJ van der LindeCJ van der Linde is a South African rugby union footballer. His usual position is prop. He played for Leinster Rugby in the international Magners League from 2008–10, and currently plays for the Stormers....
, Springbok rugby player - Flip van der MerweFlip van der MerweFlip van der Merwe is a South African rugby union footballer who plays in the lock position. In June 2010 he was selected to represent the South African national team, the Springboks, in the June 12 test against France. In 2009, van der Merwe was recruited by the successful Super 14 team the Blue...
, Springbok rugby player - Laurens van der PostLaurens van der PostSir Laurens Jan van der Post, CBE was a 20th century Afrikaner author of many books, farmer, war hero, political adviser to British heads of government, close friend of Prince Charles, godfather of Prince William, educator, journalist, humanitarian, philosopher, explorer, and...
, famous South African writer. - Pierre Van RyneveldPierre van RyneveldGeneral Sir Hesperus Andrias van Ryneveld, KBE, CB, DSO, MC was a South African military commander.He began his military career in World War I, in which he served in the Royal Flying Corps , where he distinguished himself as a fighter ace.After the war, van Ryneveld was called back to South Africa...
- L.J. van Zyl, South African and Commonwealth GamesCommonwealth GamesThe Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years....
champion in the 400m - Kepler WesselsKepler WesselsKepler Christoffel Wessels is a former South African cricketer who captained South Africa after playing 24 Tests for Australia. He was the first man to have played One Day International cricket for two countries....
, former South African cricket captain - WA de Klerk, Afrikaans writer
- Johan Cronje, South African Olympic Athlete
- Pieter Uys, Vodacom CEO
- Gerrie Britz, Springbok Rugby Player
- Pine Pienaar, Blue Bulls rugby coach
- Richardt StraussRichardt StraussRichardt Strauss is a South African rugby union player for Leinster Rugby. Strauss' choice of position is Hooker.-Career:...
, Leinster Rugby player