Old Johannians gathered for An Evening with Dale Jackson to mark the beginning of a new chapter at St John’s College. The event provided an opportunity to connect with Dale Jackson as he steps into his role as 17th Executive Headmaster and to engage with the future direction of St John’s College.
We are pleased to share the full report on our 2025 St John's College Giving Day: The Next Chapter, which took place on 29 and 30 October last year.
As we draw near to the holiday season, it is a pleasure to share with you the latest edition of The Old Johannian Newsletter.
Dr Matthew Street (Head of School |Alston 1996) joined St John’s College in 1991 and served as Head of School in his matric year, 1996. During his time at the College, he distinguished himself both academically and on the sports field, embodying the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence.
Former Preparatory School Headmaster Mr Tim Evans passed away in Hilton on Monday, 30 November 2025. Remembered for his kindness, tremendous work ethic and faultless professionalism, Evans headed the Prep during a pivotal time in the School’s development and growth – a time of great change both physically and organisationally – as well as being Head during the first democratic election in 1994.
Sazi Bongwe (Nash 2021) becomes the 23rd Old Johannian to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, joining a century-long tradition of St John's graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to South African society and beyond.
As we look ahead to 2026, when Dale Jackson will join us as the 17th Executive Head, let us introduce you more personally to the man who will lead our school into its next chapter — a man who chose St John's not once, but twice.
Legendary cricket umpire, Harold “Dickie” Bird, passed away at his home in Yorkshire on 22 September 2025. One of the most respected umpires in cricket history, and recognised with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 for his contribution to cricket and charity. A little-known fact about Bird was that he coached at St John’s College between 1973 and 1976.
Cameron Fullerton (Clayton 2019) took a big step forward in a hockey journey that hasn’t always been smooth sailing when he was included in the Senior Men’s High-Performance squad.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Randell Du Bourg, a proud member of the Old Johannians, who matriculated in 1957 (Alston).
On the evenings of 9 and 10 July, 160 voices of the Chapel Choir, supported by an orchestra of 19 players, raised the roof with Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria.
The year 2025 has emerged as a pivotal moment for the global blue economy. With growing recognition of the ocean’s vital role as a source of oxygen, food security, climate regulation, and economic opportunity, momentum is building to address decades of underinvestment in ocean health.