Maritzburg College Old Boys Association (MCOBA)

19/08/2026

This Friday, we stand together for one of our own.

Jeremy Swan (OC 2017) and his family need our support.

Join us at Woodburn Stadium as the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV take on the Fidelity ADT Lions, with 100% of match proceeds going to the Swan family.

📅 Friday, 21 August
⏰ 19h15
📍 Woodburn Stadium, Pietermaritzburg

We’d love to see as many Old Collegians as possible there. Wear your Red, Black and White and let’s show Jeremy and his family the incredible strength of the MCOBA and Maritzburg College community.

Together for Jeremy. ❤️🖤🤍

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

Join us on Friday, 4 September 2026 at The Stables Café, Shelly Beach for our South Coast Old Collegians Gathering!

🕔 17:00 – Maritzburg College Information Evening
🕕 18:00 – MCOBA South Coast Branch Function

Come along for a relaxed evening of catching up with fellow Old Collegians and celebrating our Maritzburg College connection.

🍽️ Light snacks & selected complimentary drinks
🍴 Restaurant meals available at your own cost
🍷 BYO beverages
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids welcome
👔 Smart Casual – Red, Black & White or OC Blazer

We’re delighted to be collaborating with Maritzburg College to bring our South Coast College community together.

👉 RSVP here: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6972928/rsvp-for-south-coast-branch-function-2026 or link in bio


MariMaritzburg Collegeitzburg College Foundation

17/08/2026

We are incredibly proud to see Old Collegian Devon van der Merwe (OC 2003) leading Team South Africa at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium.

Devon attended Maritzburg College from 1999 to 2003, representing the 1st XI from 2000 to 2003, making his debut towards the end of his Form 3 year.

His talent was evident from an early age:

🇿🇦 SA U16A – 2000 & 2001
🇿🇦 SA U18B – 2002
🇿🇦 SA U18A – 2003

Now, more than two decades later, Devon takes charge of the national men’s team on hockey’s biggest stage, having already coached the national side on 44 occasions.

From the fields of Maritzburg College to leading South Africa at a Hockey World Cup, what an incredible journey.

We are immensely proud of you, Devon. Your leadership, expertise and commitment to the game are an inspiration to the next generation of Maritzburg College hockey players.

Wishing Devon and Team South Africa every success in Belgium!

Maritzburg College

Hilton College’s Director of Hockey, Devon van der Merwe, is leading Team South Africa at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium.
Having coached the national men's team no fewer than 44 times, Devon now takes charge of the national men’s team on hockey’s biggest stage.
We are proud to see his expertise, leadership and commitment to excellence recognised at the highest level of the game.
Wishing Devon and Team South Africa every success in Belgium.

14/08/2026

Two weeks ago today, we came together for an unforgettable Johannesburg Gathering!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special. It was fantastic to reconnect, reminisce, share stories, and create new memories with fellow Old Collegians, College Connectors, partners, and friends.

A special thank you to Modise Sefume (OC 2010) for being such a fantastic host and MC, bringing our OCs together and creating an incredible atmosphere throughout the evening.

We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to Alan Redfern, Maritzburg College Headmaster, for joining us in Johannesburg. Your presence and support meant a great deal to our Old Collegians and made the gathering even more special.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening possible and continues to strengthen the bonds that connect us.

Here’s a little look back at a memorable evening…

13/08/2026

With great sadness, we mourn the passing of Ian Cairns (OC 1968), who passed away peacefully on 12 August 2026, surrounded by love and with his wife by his side.

Ian was a much-loved member of the Maritzburg College family and a familiar face on the rugby sidelines for many years. For decades, he regularly refereed College rugby teams, including many 1st XV matches, earning the respect and affection of generations of Old Collegians.

Ian’s connection to Maritzburg College remained strong throughout his life, and in 2023 he returned from New Zealand to attend assembly and present the old leather rugby ball used in the historic third Test of 1937 between Philip Nel’s Springboks and the All Blacks.

On that visit, the College Archives took the opportunity to sit down with Ian and hear him share some wonderful memories from his refereeing days, including the legendary story of “Faff, go blind!”

We encourage our Old Collegians to take a few minutes to listen to Ian telling the story himself back in 2023. His wonderful sense of humour, his memories and his love for College shine through.

Listen to Ian’s interview here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1654656954994189

Ian was not only a proud Old Collegian, but a beloved husband, devoted dad, proud Bamps and true friend to many.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ian’s family and all who loved him.

Rest peacefully, Ian. Thank you for the memories. You will always be part of the Maritzburg College story. Maritzburg College Maritzburg College Foundation

24.04.1949 – 12.08.2026

12/08/2026

We have officially sold all our 2026 ties for the Class of 2026 – we are SOLD OUT!

Can you believe it? In just 10 days! A new record for MCOBA.

Thank you to everyone who helped promote and support the tie sponsorship – it has been a fantastic response from our Old Collegians.

What a result!

12/08/2026

Some traditions become special because of what they represent.

The Bronze Basher is one of them, a tradition started by Kevin Trodd (OC 1986), a Past President of MCOBA, and one that has continued to be passed from one President to the next.

On 7 August 2026, at the Kent Pavilion, with the MCOBA Presidents’ Board behind them, honouring those who have led MCOBA before them, outgoing President Jon Hoatson (OC 1998) passed the Bronze Basher to Grant Hooper (OC 1993), marking the beginning of Grant’s term as the 49th President of the Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Association.

The setting could not have been more fitting.

The names of past Presidents looking on as one chapter closed and another began. This is a reminder that while Presidents may change, the spirit, traditions and purpose of MCOBA continue.

For Jon, this marks the closing of his chapter as President. For Grant, it is the beginning of a new one.

We thank Jon for his leadership, dedication and service to MCOBA, and look forward to seeing Grant take the Association forward.

You’ve got this, Grant Hooper (OC 1993)!

One Basher.
Many Presidents.
Generations of Old Collegians.

The story continues....

11/08/2026

Every year, a new group of young men becomes part of the proud tradition of Maritzburg College.

For just R190, An OC can sponsor a tie for a member of the Class of 2026, a small gesture that becomes part of their journey and a lasting memory of their Induction.

Sponsor a tie. Support a young Collegian. Be part of the tradition.

You can purchase a tie or more here: https://www.collegeoldboys.com/product/2026-induction-tie/

For more information, please get in touch with Jackie Ponsford at MCOBA on [email protected]

Pro Aris et Focis ❤️🖤🤍

09/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the incredible women who have played, and continue to play, an important role in the lives of our Old Collegians and in the wider Maritzburg College family.

From mothers, wives, daughters, aunties and sisters, to teachers, mentors, colleagues and friends, your strength, encouragement, wisdom and support have helped shape generations of our Maritzburg College community.

Thank you to all the women who inspire, guide, support and make a difference every day.

Today, we celebrate you and the important part you play in our story.

🌸 Happy Women’s Day! ❤️🖤🤍