Latest news with #StBenedict's
IOL News
07-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Three new boats, one vision - St Benedict's charts course for international success
As South Africa's leading rowing school, St Benedict's continues to strengthen its dominance on the water with a significant new investment in top-tier equipment: a new eight and two pairs. St Benedict's College continues to dominate school rowing, maintaining its unbeaten streak and proudly holding the prestigious title of South Africa's School Rowing Champions for an impressive 30th consecutive years. This month the school's rowing club welcomed three impressive additions to their fleet: an Eight named Gloria Sancti Spiritu (Glory to the Holy Spirit in Latin), and two Pairs named after St Teresa and St Mary. During a special ceremony, the school's chaplain, Father Thabo Mothiba blessed the boats and offered prayers for the future rowers who will compete in them. Darryn Roff, Head of the St Benedict's Rowing Club and proud Old Boy, sees these acquisitions as more than just new equipment. "The arrival of our three new boats this year is a vivid and intentional act to further add to our legacy, which is St Benedict's Rowing. Landing a new first eight in 1999, 2005, 2013 and now in 2025, is symbolic of the success our rowers have achieved since the start of our accomplished rowing club in 1988. This year, these boats will not be the reason we continue to outperform our competitors, nor will it be the highlight or our Rowing Season, but it will yet again etch another showing of Bennies' rowing prowess into the history of our Club.' St Benedict's has consistently produced top-tier rowers who have gone on to compete both nationally and internationally. The investment in new equipment reflects the school's broader vision for rowing, which includes plans for a state-of-the-art rowing center and rowing tank. The school has set ambitious goals to compete in prestigious international events, including Youth Eights at the Head of the Charles Regatta, Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, and developing Bennies rowers to excel at World Championships annually. Reflecting on the significance of this investment, Roff concludes, "Rowing is about legacy and the investment is one which will be enjoyed for decades to come. We are grateful for a visionary leadership team and a community that enables St Benedict's rowing to soar to greater heights. Success breeds success and everyone wants to be part of a winning team. From crew to coaches - we are delighted at the strong representation we have cultivated. We look forward to building on the three decades of unequivocal success, offering our boys the best possible opportunities in South Africa, and abroad.'
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Bedfordview hosts SA Pipe Band Championships for the first time
Bedfordview hosts SA Pipe Band Championships for the first time Community members from far and wide gathered to enjoy the stirring sounds of the Scottish Highlands when the South African Pipe Band Championships were held in Bedfordview. Over 200 competitors from across the country, along with fans and supporters, descended on St Benedict's College on July 26 for the prestigious event. It was the first time the school hosted the championships. ALSO READ: St Benedict's to host national pipe band championships in Bedfordview Top pipe bands from around South Africa showcased their talent and precision throughout the day, delivering powerful performances that resonated across the campus. In addition to the music, visitors enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with a craft market, local food vendors, and a lively beer tent, making it a memorable day for all ages.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
St Benedict's rugby team trains with top UK clubs on international tour
St Benedict's rugby team trains with top UK clubs on international tour Grades eight to 11 rugby players from St Benedict's College recently embarked on an 11-day tour to the United Kingdom. The tour took place during the April holidays. Six coaches accompanied the 51 boys. According to the school's head of marketing, Mpumi Motsabi the tour aimed to improve the boys' rugby skills whilst exposing them to other parts of the world. ALSO READ: St Benedict's College gives back through fundraiser 'The skills objective was achieved through planned training sessions with clubs such as the Sale Sharks. 'Our boys also competed against top academies, namely Saracens Academy,' she said. 'While on the trip, the boys were supported by Old boys living abroad. 'This was especially meaningful for the boys, who exchanged many stories after each match. 'Our boys had the opportunity to see some of the world's largest stadiums. 'They also participated in a training session outside the Aviva stadium – home of Irish rugby and did a stadium tour of Old Trafford,' she added. Cultural excursions included visits to London, St Patrick's Cathedral, and a city tour of Dublin and Cardiff. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
