The Old Diocesan Issue 12 - Magazine - Page 10
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
A year of change
A message from the ODU committee chair
T
his past year has been
one of significant change,
particularly in addressing
the somewhat misconceived
view that the ODU is not a major
stakeholder of Bishops. There are
others – including current parents,
boys, staff (many of whom are
ODs), the Church, and the broader
community – but the ODU remains
a primary stakeholder, particularly
in terms of financial contribution
and brand stewardship.
With Council reduced to seven
members as of late 2024, and with
only two ODs on it in the previous
year, ODU elections were held
to fill the vacancies. Fifteen ODs
stood for four Council positions,
though the candidates who
received the highest number of
votes were not initially elected.
This anomaly was corrected in
October 2025, when the top three
candidates by vote were appointed.
The current OD Committee (ODC)
6 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
firmly believes that the interests
of the school are best served when
there is strong OD representation
on Council. While we acknowledge
our difference in opinions on
the ongoing Rhodes Scholarship
action, we look forward to the
imminent election of the new
Chair of Council, and to working
constructively with him and
his members.
The most notable change
at The Mitre has been the
appointment of a full-time
executive director of the ODU, and
an office and events coordinator.
Given the administrative and
representational duties required
in the daily running of the Union,
these were long overdue, and we
welcome Andy Wood (1977G) and
Gisela Zunckel into their respective
roles. We were sad to say goodbye
to Lynn Swanevelder and Dedry
Weich, who served as half-day
secretaries, and we thank them
Simon Koch
(1977S), on
behalf of
the ODU
committee
To find out more about the
ODC, Andy Wood, ODU news
and a summary of our focus in
the coming year, see page 112.
THE MITRE PHOTOGRAPH DAVID ROGERS (1981G)
To enquire about using The Mitre
or to connect with the ODU office,
email odu@bishops.org.za.
sincerely for their service.
Congratulations, too, to Dedry
on her son’s outstanding matric
results (see page 14).
Since taking up the job in July
last year, Andy has worked closely
with OD Ambassador Paul Murray
and the ODC to develop existing
events, initiate new ones, and
communicate with ODs, so as
to bring them back to the school
and encourage connections.
Webb Attorneys generously
hosted several events, including
a talk by Helen Zille that attracted
more than 200 attendees. Other
events were hosted by Stonehage
Fleming, with special thanks to
Monean Winterbach. The inaugural
OD Braai Day was a great success,
opening in Auckland and closing
in California, as was the first Old
Boys Sevens, held at Lutgensvale
under the guidance of Russell
Adams. Both will become regular
fixtures on our calendar.
Finally, thank you to all the
advertisers and supporters of
The Old Diocesan, to Tim Richman
and his team, and to Alan Ramsay,
a true mensch, who has put such
effort into making it a success.
And to the outstanding team of
ODs currently serving on the ODC:
you are an exceptional group, and
your commitment and energy are
deeply appreciated.
