August has been another action-packed month at Vryheid High School, with learners making their mark in leadership, sport, music, environmental initiatives and cultural activities. From outstanding sporting performances to an inspiring choir festival, our Mambas continue to live out the school motto: Victory through Perseverance.
MEET THE LEADERS OF 2027
On 21 August, Vryheid High School proudly announced its 2027 Leadership Team. We congratulate all our newly appointed leaders and wish them every success as they prepare to serve the school community in the year ahead.
Boys
Izak Breytenbach • Siphesihle Bulunga • Lwazi Buthelezi • Lyndon Fourie • Suhail Dhooma • Mpilo Khoza • Smelokuhle Mbatha • Bongakonke Mlotshwa • Ntando Mnguni • Thato Mokoena • Esethu Ndwandwe • Lizwe Rakometsi • Boitumelo Simelane • Nqubeko Zondi • Elihle Zuma
Girls
Owami Cele • Mercy Chituku • Logan Hugo • Usemhle Magudulela • Lwandle Mazibuko • Phiwayinkosi Mbatha • Ayabonga Mbense • Luyanda Mchunu • Zenani Ndlovu • Nontuthuko Nkosi • Liyama Nsimbi • Promise Odekpe • Samirah Rehman • Angela Stoltenkamp
We wish our 2027 leaders wisdom, courage and integrity as they take on their new responsibilities. Lead proudly and make the Mamba Pack proud!
MAMBAS SHINE AT THE PIONIER TOURNAMENT
The weekend of 21–22 August saw our 7’s Rugby, Hockey and Fast 5 Netball teams competing at the Pionier Tournament.
Our U/15 A Rugby team recorded impressive victories over Newcastle, Gelofde and Pionier before losing to Griffins in the Cup Semi-Final. The U/15 B team also showed tremendous determination, defeating Amajuba 46–0 in the Bowl Semi-Final before narrowly losing to Newcastle in the final.
The U/17 Rugby team defeated Sarel Cilliers 38–10 and Amajuba 33–19, before progressing to the Plate Semi-Final.
Our hockey teams produced outstanding results. The U/15 Girls finished third, while the U/17 Girls were crowned champions, defeating Pionier 1–0 in the semi-final and Ferrum 1–0 in the final.
Fast 5 Netball also brought plenty of excitement. The U/17 team finished runners-up, narrowly losing 11–13 to Pionier in the final. The U/15 team claimed the tournament title, defeating Newcastle 8–5 in the final.
These performances are a wonderful reflection of the commitment and determination of our players and coaches.
SPORTING SUCCESS CONTINUES
Our girls’ cricket team travelled to Pongola for a tournament, gaining valuable experience against strong opposition. Raeesa Patel and Emma Mattison were selected among the top-performing players for the exhibition match.
On 24 August, our soccer and chess teams faced Inkamana. The 1st Girls won 4–1, the U/15 Boys won 4–2 and the 1st Boys secured a 1–0 victory. Our chess team also came away with a 3–2 win.
On 26 August, our teams faced Utrecht. The 2nd Team drew 0–0, the 1st Girls drew 2–2, while the U/15 Boys lost 1–5. The 1st Boys produced an exciting 3–2 victory.
Our 1st Team Boys’ cricket side also enjoyed a convincing 98-run victory over Pongola Akademie.
U/17 7’S RUGBY TAKES ON DURBAN
On 28 August, our U/17 7’s Rugby boys travelled to Durban for an exciting rugby weekend. The team enjoyed watching the Sharks take on the Bulls at Kings Park Stadium before competing at Durban High School.
The team recorded a memorable 21–17 victory over Midlands and narrowly lost 24–26 to Urban in the Bowl Final.
ECOBRICKS: 162 BOTTLES, ONE BIG DIFFERENCE
Our EcoClub learners have demonstrated that small actions can create a big impact. Learners were challenged to produce ecobricks by filling 2-litre bottles with plastic and other non-biodegradable waste.
From January to August, an incredible 162 ecobricks were produced!
Group B was the winning group with 71 bottles, while Chardaé Jordaan was the top individual contributor with an impressive 23 ecobricks. Muhammad Sahib followed with 13.
Thank you to every learner who participated, and to SPUR for sponsoring food vouchers for the winning group.
The ecobricks will be used to construct an eco-bench with Risen Son learners in Term 4.
A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND CULTURE
VRYHEID HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS INTER-SCHOOL CHOIR FESTIVAL
On 29 August 2026, the Vryheid High School hall came alive with music as we hosted our annual Inter-School Choir Festival, bringing together eight choirs from across northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The festival featured performances from Nuwe Republic School, Inkamana High School, Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School, Umlilo Youth Choir, Dundee High School, Newcastle High School and Vryheid High School, together with the vibrant sounds of the VHS Marimba Band.
Our VHS Choir, under the direction of Mr S.N. Shabangu, closed the festival with a powerful performance of Dies Irae, The Acclamation and the Rababona Medley.
The event celebrated an incredible range of musical traditions, from classical composers such as Handel and Mozart to contemporary African and gospel-inspired music.
A highlight of the festival was the spirit of unity and fellowship shared between the participating schools. The learners demonstrated that music is more than performance — it is a way of sharing stories, celebrating heritage and bringing communities together.
The festival concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr S. Shabangu and Choir Head Girl Owami Cele, followed by closing remarks and prayer from Choir Coordinator Ms C. Caluza.
EIGHT CHOIRS. ONE LANGUAGE. MUSIC.
As August draws to a close, we celebrate every learner, coach, educator and supporter who continues to contribute to the success of Vryheid High School.
From leadership and sport to music and environmental responsibility, our learners continue to Strike for Greatness.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
4 & 5 September- VHS 7’s Rugby, hockey and fast 5 Netball tournament
Congratulations, Mambas – keep striving, keep believing and keep making us proud!
Victory through Perseverance.
