The Iris Magazine 2019

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

robotics club

Our Robotics Team has grown substantially from five ROBOTICS CLUB
members in 2014 to twenty-eight members in 2019.
There has been a worldwide increase in interest in Back Row (L-R): Danita Naicker, Heather Ten Krooden, Monique
Robotics. This activity is inspiring the Science and van Niekerk, Pavishka Govender, Malaika Miteo, Kego Kau,
Technology leaders of tomorrow. Malaika Kamangu, Grace Lushamba
Middle Row (L-R): Mmarona Mabiletja, Damola Adeyemo,
This year our new Grade 8 learners took part in the Zoey van Wyk, Itohan Zulu, Masana Mashapha, Khumo Mosupye,
Virtual Gear competition as an introduction to Buhle Sindani, Kätja Scherman, Kumiko van der Spuy,
Robotics, whilst the senior girls participated in the Makopoi Letsie
World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) on 3 August at TUT. Front Row (L-R): Reamogetsoe Mokati, Mrs A Mjadu, Victoria
On the day of the competition the teams have 2 hours Selby, Mrs L van Heerden, Amber Beeforth, Duduzile Sindane,
to build a robot and adjust their programmes. Team Eleni Tzouganatos
LED (Malaika Kamangu, Malaika Miteo and Kego
Kau) and team Zenith (Zoey van Wyk and Thashmika SOUND AND LIGHTING
Naiker) competed. On the same day a Soccer Robotics
Tournament was held. Team VAM (Amber Beeforth, Absent: Helena Ahiba, Ann Lee, Lebogang Sathekge, Busisiwe Mathe
Victoria Selby and Monique van Niekerk) competed. Back Row (L-R): Phenyo Tlhoaele, Alwande Mlambo, Chevandré
Potts, Gabriella Rodrigues, Omolemo Makombe, Luvhani Mbedzi,
The biggest event a Robotics Team can participate Lethabo Mathopa, Ponalo Moloko, Goitseone Mothibe, Oregaugtse
in is FIRST Lego league (FLL). This event runs from Sepeng, Oratile Mothibe
August to August of the following year. This year the Front Row (L-R): Hawa Ibrahim, Dimpho September, Bonga Ntuli,
theme was space and the event consisted of three parts: Mrs K Brimecombe, Tlotlo Makgopa, Matema Dhladhla, Jennifer
Research - teams must come up with a practical, Tembon
innovative solution to a problem experienced by
astronauts. Robot game - teams must design and build
a robot. Core values - the team must be able to work
together under stressful, challenging circumstances.
Team Andromeda (Kumiko van der Spuy, Kego Kau,
Ayanda Mashilo, Phaki Mhongo, Kgodiso Tloane,
Yamkelo Xulu, Mmarona Mabiletja, Makapoi Letsie
and Grace Lushamba) competed and won an award
for Research Innovation for their outer space washing
machine.

Team Orbeez (Vaunietta Naidoo, Yolanda Mtimkulu,
Zoey van Wyk, Thashmika Naicker, Malaika Kamangu,
Malaika Miteo, Itohan Zulu and Damola Adeyemo)
received an award for Robot strategy and innovation
and were invited to compete in the National
competition. Team ‘Hey that’s us!’ a community team
(Amber Beeforth, Victoria Selby, Pavishka Govender
and Monique van Niekerk), competed and placed first
at the regional competition and were invited to attend
Nationals where they placed second. The team was
then invited to attend the international competition in
Australia.

Mrs. Mjadu and Mrs. Van Heerden have contributed
endlessly to the Robotics success. They have guided us
through a busy year and ensured that we completed
our aims and achieved our goals. We have been
fortunate to have the expert assistance of Dr Gouws,
our external coach from UNISA, who trained,
explained and led us through the many different
concepts of robotics.

Thank you to a great Robotics Team for an awesome
year!

Victoria Selby
Head of Robotics

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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES fulfilling experience it has been to be unapologetic about
the gospel.
STUDENT CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION Our first big event was the first ever Schools’ United for
Christ gathering with Boys’ High and St Mary’s. It was
‘What God has planned for people who love Him is more a wonderful evening filled with power, prayer and the
that the eyes have seen or the ears have heard. It has never privilege of hearing testimonies. What followed was
even entered our minds’ 1 Cor 2:9 the energetic, life changing camp. The camp was a great
success as many girls gave their lives to Christ and grew in
Indeed the SCA jumpstarted the year holding steadfast to their relationship with God.
this promise that God was going to do something big in
the school. As an army preparing for battle, the SCA com- To Kaylee who started the Girls' High Morning Prayer
mittee prepared for the year ahead unwavering in their group, keep being a warrior for Jesus. To Mrs Ramlaul,
belief and boldly proclaiming that the 2019 slogan for the the pillar of strength and prayer, none of this would
SCA would be ‘Faith on fire’. have been possible without you. To the committee, keep
fighting the good fight. And lastly, to all the SCA girls or
The first thing we hoped for was growth and ultimately anyone seeking Christ, the goal of the SCA is to show that
to fill up the gym. Each Wednesday we gather for praise everybody has a purpose, so keep your faith on fire and
and worship. The ministering of the Word, prayer walks, your eyes fixed on the heavens.
interactive games as well as guest speakers (including
our very own teachers during Woman’s month) are just a Kelebogile Ratsoana
few activities that make our sessions so exciting. What a Head of SCA

STUDENT CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

Absent: Thandiswa Dlamini
Back Row (L-R): Thato Loate, Buhlebenkosi Mgwenya, Nothamsanqa Stephen, Amy Whittle, Boikokobetso Ramashija,
Bonolo Mokatse, Thandeka Dlamini, Celeste Mnguni
Front Row (L-R): Kimberley Hore, Kelebogile Ratsoana (Head), Mrs V Ramlaul, Samukelisiwe Thwala (Deputy Head),
Lwazi Gumbi

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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

TUTOR LEADERS' COMMITTEE

Helping one person might not change the world, but it TUTOR LEADERS' COMMITTEE
could change the world for one person. This is the
motto that I, along with the rest of the tutors of 2019, Absent: Phenyo Tlhoaele, Steph Blair
have dedicatedly applied to the Peer Tutoring Back Row (L-R): Tlalane Ntlalane, Kagiso Marishane,
Committee. Megan Picton, Favour Olumakinde, Reitu Chaisi, Khumisho
Ntlalane, Joyce Tshiswaka
We have had a very difficult year with Ms Turpin’s Middle Row (L-R): Nokwanda Mkhonza, Yanila Makhudu,
sudden illness, but we have had the strong will to carry Moonisah Valley, Dimakatso Maponya, Bonolo Mokatse, Thandeka
on and, with the kind assistance of Miss Lightbody, we Dlamini, Meron Fanna, Mmakgotso Nkwana, Thandiswa Dlamini,
have been able to restore our committee to its former Dimpho Sefor, Nelisa Pamla, Rethabile Thaoge
glory. Front Row (L-R): Princess Boshielo, Thelma Kalima, Kayla Stroud
(Head), Ms A Lightbody, Boikokobetso Ramashija, Unati Msezane
The Peer Tutoring Committee has grown significantly (Deputy Head), Neo Maepa
in number during this year. The support of the learners
has been absolutely astounding. Whenever lists for
Tutor Training are put up on the notice board, they are
flooded with names.

One thing I would like to say to the learners as my term
of service is coming to an end is that there is
absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when you are
asking for help. All of us, at one stage or another in our
lives, have been in need of some form of assistance.
You are all intelligent, young women with boundless
potential, but you may just need a little help at times to
discover this potential within you.

As Maya Angelou once said, ‘We may encounter many
defeats, but we must not be defeated.’

Kayla Stroud
Head of Peer Tutoring

House Tutoring this year faced a few difficulties and USHERS
with the absence of Ms Turpin we were admittedly a
little bit lost. Thankfully Ms Lightbody stepped in as Back Row (L-R): Atlegang Morake, Khutso Malaka, Omphile
the Peer and House Tutoring liaison and helped guide Mabuza, Chevandré Potts, Luvhani Mbedzi, Lerato Rakomane,
us all to success. House Tutoring is now able to help Lethabo Mathopa, Boipelo Tsela, Palesa Lenken, Bavu Mhlonyane,
more girls than before and that is all thanks to the Dimakatso Maponya
collaboration and cooperation of everyone involved. Middle Row (L-R): Yanila Makhudu, Onthatile Madiba, Owethu
Fikeni, Oratile Mothibe, Rorisang Rampai, Kwena Makama, Lilitha
Thank you to all my tutors who went above and beyond Majeke, Goitseone Mothibe, Thendo Raliphada, Didi Moleko,
with their efforts to help the girls learn in a safe and Tatiana Scherman, Keitumetse Rakimane, Marylyne Mitchell
encouraging space. Many thanks go, once again, to Front Row (L-R): Asifiwe Muderhwa, Bianca Nkomo, Rebo
Ms Lightbody whose guidance and support was essen- Maponya, Mamello Malete, Mrs L Smit, Oratile Moche, Waitse
tial to me and this group. To my Deputy Head, Favour, Mmono, Dimpho September, Natasha Mhanda
thank you for always being there to support me and
complete whatever task was needed.

Phili Memela
Head of House Tutors

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EVENTS

SPRING FAIR

At a meeting of the Old Girls’ Association in April in mind, today that is £31,325 which is R547 863.
1917 it was decided to have a fête to raise After the expenses (only £69 7s 9d) had been
money for the much-needed playing fields. deducted (in today’s terms, i.e. R65 587),
In fact, land had been donated by the the sum of £255 was donated to the
municipality for this very purpose. South African Red Cross and St Dun-
The school regularly undertook fund- stan's Home for Blinded Soldiers.
raisers, but this fête was to be the A few months later a further £37 6s
greatest one yet. was raised by the sale of things left
Mrs Smuts, wife of General Jan Smuts over from the fête and sent to Mrs
opened the fête on 15 March 1919 Lloyd George for the Sailor's Memorial
"when the moon could be pressed into in the Port of London.
service for the evening". Instead of keeping half the funds raised
The staff and Old Girls worked together to put
together a day and evening of celebration after the to pay for the proposed improvements to the
long years of war. The quads were made colourful playing fields, the money was contributed to the War
with Chinese lanterns, and the stalls were set up Fund.
round them. During the 1930s a memorable Coster Fair was
Tea and cool drinks were served in the hall and the arranged and all the girls and stall-holders dressed
gymnasium became a theatre. Mrs Jarley displayed the part.
a unique collection of waxworks. Miss Lamb's pu-
pils performed various dances. There were also two SPRING FAIR 2019 WAS SUCH A SPECIAL
plays: an amusing farce in Afrikaans, in which the ONE! IT WAS SPRING FAIR 100!
mummy of Pharaoh took the chief part, and Lady I am sure that a fond memory of any lady who has
Gregory's sketch, The Work-house Ward. Each per- had the privilege of being educated at Pretoria High
formance was repeated in the evening, and the total School for Girls, is the Spring Fair.
takings amounted to £46. Many will remember the days when the farmers’
Mrs Bouten conducted a very amusing photographic trucks arrived full of fresh produce, which they sold
studio in the reception room. Mrs Hambloch used directly from the trucks. Others will remember the
her gift for telling fortunes for about seven hours in a class projects – the face painting, the haunted
‘mysterious tent-like’ retreat under the stairs. house, the book stall, the tea garden and so many
There were many contributions (including livestock other activities which have happened and evolved
such as doves and a prize rooster) especially to the over the years.
Toy Stall, for which Mr Barrow made a complete No one will forget the delightful Teddy Bears made
school, and Mr Cleland, a set of furniture. with love and care by the Old Girls. These too, have
There was a presentation on what a High School evolved over the years to depict the slight changes
girl's complete outfit should be, down to the marking in the school uniform.
of her pocket handkerchief. The 2019 Teddy Bears were truly special. There were
Pretty caps and aprons were worn by the stallholders a limited number of unique bears, called HOPE,
and the waitresses wore the Red Cross uniform. The which were available for purchase. HOPE will hold
Boys' Pipe Band played at intervals during the after- a special place in the homes and hearts of the people
noon and evening and Mr Cant was at the organ. In- fortunate enough to purchase her!
cidental music arranged by Miss Troughton was also May your life be truly blessed and may you always
provided between the entertainment items by a small “Work in Hope!”
orchestra.
Mrs PJ Erasmus
Old Girls' town residents worked hard, selling at the Principal
stalls and helping with tennis tournaments and
other amusements.
On the day £579 9s 6d was raised. Bearing inflation

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EVENTS

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EVENTS

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EVENTS

FOUR SCHOOLS ART EXHIBITION

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EVENTS

NEW PARENTS' BRAAI

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EVENTS

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT - FAIRY TALE DAY

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EVENTS

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EVENTS

JACARANDA fm and MATTHEW MOLE

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EVENTS

COLOUR FUN

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TOURS AND OUTINGS

FRENCH TOUR

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TOURS AND OUTINGS

GERMAN OUTING

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TOURS AND OUTINGS

GRAHAMSTOWN / MAKHANDA

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TOURS AND OUTINGS

EEC

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OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION

OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION

The OGA has had an eventful year and amending. This was done with James’ as-
we have accomplished many projects. sistance and we are finalising the amend-
I would like to acknowledge three very ment.
important non-committee members for I would like to take this opportunity to
their part in these projects: Mrs Nicky thank James for all his time and input. We
Selby, Mrs Nicole Trollip and Mr James sincerely appreciate him putting up with
Tubb. us ladies.
Mrs Nicki Selby, mother of Victoria in The Spring Fair was a resounding success
Grade 12, approached the committee in with the sale of Hope and Iris, along with
February this year with an idea to pro- the usual paraphernalia, and a good day
duce 100 limited edition bears, to com- was had by all.
memorate the 100th Spring Fair. Mrs Ni- The OGA would like to thank Mrs Phil-
cole Trollip, an Old Girl and mother of a lipa Erasmus for all the support and en-
Grade 10 learner, Ané, agreed to assist us couragement to the OGA and all our
with all the online sales and documenta- projects.
tion, as well as assisting Nicki at every turn. I am sure Reunions were held in other provinces and abroad. The
Nicole would be able to tell us exactly to the last milli- Johannesburg branch held their AGM in July, to which
metre of ribbon or button that was used. These bears Mrs Erasmus and Mrs Milwidsky accompanied me.
were christened “Hope” and have been a great success, KZN branch had their AGM later in the same month
with very few left for sale. I would like to take this op- and Mrs P McNair attended as always.
portunity to thank both ladies for the endless time, cre- Ladies from Sydney held a reunion and shared many
ativity and love they put into this project. photos and anecdotes with us, as did a group of ladies
Nicky also produced a sister to Hope called Iris who last year who got together in London for a reunion.
was smaller and not a limited edition. It is always heartening to hear about the Old Girls
Mr James Tubb, who as an SGB member offered his abroad.
help to the OGA to get two very important projects of I would like to thank my committee for all their hard
the ground. Alumnet was thus purchased and launched work and dedication. Without you the OGA would not
on 9 April 2019, with his help. Thanks go to the SGB for be what it is.
agreeing to help us with the first year’s subscription: it
is much appreciated. Mrs Rose Spruyt
The OGA constitution was is need of updating and Chairlady of the OGA

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OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION

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GRADE 8

GRADE 8 CAMP

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GRADE 8

GRADE 8 GALA

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VIEWPOINT

ENGLISH CREATIVE WRITING

A Miracle in the Mundane Emma Learmont, Grade 11

The sky was the colour of the inside of an oyster shell A PERFECT STRANGER
and the clouds were its pearls. All around me was the
eager and curious buzzing of the rest of my Grade 8 I can feel her body start to relax as I comb my fingers
English class, lined up outside. Through the buzzing I through her hair, caressing her scalp as her head lies in
could just make out the bump, swoosh of the chalk on my lap. I watch the soft smile that appears on her face
chalk boards. and carefully remove myself from beneath her, making
Like ducklings following their mother, our shiny black sure she does not wake up from her peaceful slumber.
shoes permitted us to follow our teacher. Pitter, patter, Her porcelain skin is blooming with purple and yellow
their soles echoed down the corridor. Tap, tap, tap, we flowers from today’s work: no worries, it can be hidden
scurried down the ‘down’ stairs, peering eagerly into with a little bit of makeup.
the other classes. Scuff, scuff, the shiny shoes stopped. The soft buzzing of a machine reminds me that her
There was the crumpling of a plastic packet and the hair needs to be cut, better now than a struggle when
vague, occasional murmur of a, “Thank you, Ma’am.” she is awake. I’ll never understand the attachments
When it was my turn, a small, colourful and familiar they always have to their hair. I grab the machine next
plastic bottle was placed in my small hands. It was a door and make my way back, careful not to make a
tube of bubbles. noise. Her raven locks are oily and knotted, my fingers
Into the Formal Gardens we wandered. The dew drops were never going to be a sufficient comb. The lack of
were still clinging to the grass, as if peacefully sleeping. maintenance is apparent as I cut the length off before
When woken by black leather, they viciously catapult- the final buzz.
ed off the blade, attacking our ankles and soaking our She starts to stir as my hands make calculated strokes
fresh white socks. The treetops kissed the silver sky as across her head. Slowly but surely the length is gone
the wind slipped and slid through their leaves. “Blow,” and all that remains is a sprinkling of dark hair. The
we were instructed.
The reliable soapy liquid had formed a thin layer in
the ring fastened to the end of my wand. I filled my
lungs, and then released the air. Through this simple
act, a miracle was born. Three perfect spheres floated
gracefully into the world. They travelled up, higher and
higher, until they joined the clouds as pearls in the sky.
The gifts of light and colour were suddenly all around
me. I was surrounded by shimmering orbs of splen-
dour. I filled my lungs, and once again, released the
air. As if by magic, more holographic colour encom-
passed the air, taking it prisoner. The transparent yet
completely opaque sphere did not float up like the
others. It descended until it touched the grass and then
simply ceased to exist. The prisoner was free, only to
be recaptured.
Then I sat down and simply watched. My eyes drank
in the sight of luminous green dresses and shiny shoes
conjuring ethereal prisons and then laughing as they
disappeared. It was so incredibly foreign to see such
glee in the monotonous red brick of High School. It
was beauty in the boredom and exhilaration in the
exhaustion. It was a miracle in the mundane.

Caitlin Regan, Grade 12

172 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

short hair was a good decision - it brings out the VIEWPOINT
hollowness of her starved cheeks and the jagged collar
bones. I think this is my best work yet. Not even I to hide the bruising and brown contacts are put in to
would recognise her as the girl we took just one year hide the silver irises.
ago. I almost tear up as I look at her: my completed project
The aggressive, arrogant teenager is nowhere to be - a ghost of what she used to be, a flame that has long
seen as she wakes up and reaches for the phantom gone out. Her hair, her personality, her mannerisms-
locks. All the water-boarding has taken the fight out all gone. A perfect stranger. The perfect subject for the
of her, but the hunger made it stick. She looks away as final test.
she fights to keep the tears from spilling into the light. We leave the apartment building and head to John’s,
Hair-day is always so emotional. a place the old Lacey knew all too well: her family’s
“Lacey,” I call softly, careful not to frighten her just yet. restaurant. The warm lights reflect in her dull eyes
She turns to me, lethargic from the melatonin running and the sound of laughter can be heard from all sides
through her veins. Her hands are not quick enough of the street. Her face is empty of recognition and
to wipe the tears away from her face. Eyes widen, and warmth. We step inside the restaurant and are greeted
they close as she anticipates what comes next. I make it by everyone inside. So many features of Lacey’s are
my duty not to disappoint her. present in the room. My heart jumps as we are greeted
The slap rings throughout the room. A new flower has by what appears to be her mother and, for a second, I
joined the bouquet on her face, the red fingers melting think that maybe I’m not as good as I thought I was,
into purple. I don’t like to punish my dolls, but she but then as I see her face and the emptiness of her
knows not to cry in front of me. It upsets me. Her head mother’s eyes as she greets us. I know that I have done
looks down at her folded hands in her lap. I’m proud my job. What a perfect stranger I’ve created.
as she whispers an apology to me. The old fire has long Phili Memela, Grade 12
gone out as she trembles in her seat.
My arms cradle her as she trembles, my fingers
stroking her scalp as she gathers herself. It’s time to go An amazing view
now. I get her dressed into the outfit we’ve picked out.
No skin shows to hide her freckles and birth mark that The trickle of the river sounds like fairies dancing with
are too identifiable. A thick layer of makeup is applied tiny bells on their feet. The birds are singing the sweet
melody that accompanies the Fairfolk’s revels. My dad
Vumokuhle Makhetha, Grade 9 is a few steps ahead of me, stepping up the worn path
cutting through the damp green undergrowth. We’re
climbing Table Mountain, shaded by the thick canopy
of trees above us.
As we near the top, the canopy breaks and within
seconds the bright sun, glaring down at us, has caused
me to begin to sweat. Dry grass tickles my legs and
midges try to get into my ears, nose, eyes and mouth.
I swat them away and concentrate on putting one foot
in front of the other. The air is thin and my lungs are
straining while my heart pounds in my head. Beads of
sweat are running down my back and forehead.
My dad is striding ahead, not looking tired in the least.
Determined to prove that I am just as strong as him, I
don’t say anything and instead, trudge forward, trying
to control my laboured breaths. I look around, trying
to distract myself. There is a wisp of a cloud, casting a
slim shadow over some small shrubs, dotted with tiny
purple and yellow flowers.
Grass crunches under my feet as we turn onto a wilder
path. I don’t see the hole until it’s too late. My foot gets
stuck and I stumble, biting my lip in the process. I drag
myself up, the metallic taste of blood in my mouth.
Wearily, I look ahead and see that we’re only a few
metres from our destination – Maclear’s Beacon –

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VIEWPOINT that boldly states that we were all humans until race
marking the highest point on Table Mountain. disconnected us, religion separated us, politics divided
With renewed vigour, I skip up to the very top of the us and wealth classified us. On the contrary, my race
huge pile of rocks. I look around and I am speechless. as a black woman, my religion as a Christian, my sta-
To the one side is the ocean – a vast, blue body of wa- tus as middle-class and my political belief in economic
ter dotted with a few ships that look like toys. A thin freedom for all are what in fact makes me human.
strip of white sand separates it from the city which is So, join me today as we bury this definition of human-
a bustling ants’ nest, with people and tiny cars crawl- ity and birth a new one. Because whether you believe
ing around everywhere. On the mountain behind me, we started with an apple on a tree or the evolution of
the grass that was tickling me earlier is rippling in the apes, we are here and we are the human race.
breeze, and so is my hair. I shake the strands of golden But before we move on I need to verify whether you
thread away from my face and breathe in deeply. Even qualify as being human: Have you ever found yourself
though the air is thin, it’s clean and fresh and welcom- full-on laughing with someone and you both keep
ing now that I’m not fighting for oxygen. It smells of adding things, which makes it funnier - so much so
seaweed and I love it. that you can hardly breathe? Do you stare into space
A bird cries out and I look up, surprised that it’s flying then realise that you’re staring into space, but then
so high. I follow its path as it disappears behind the you’re too lazy to move your eyes, so you continue
mountain, flying towards the sea. I spot the cable car staring into space? Have you ever walked into a room
and wonder if my mom and sister have come up on and forget what you wanted to in that particular room,
it yet. I don’t want to leave this amazing view behind, then take a few steps back in an attempt to remember?
but my stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven’t If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then
eaten lunch yet. A ship’s horn bellows in the distance congratulations - you are a homo sapien - the most
as if saluting me as I say my silent goodbye and walk intelligent of all species on Earth. Sadly our intelli-
away in the direction of the cable car. gence seems to be the main reason that we are destroy-
Emily Hawkes, Grade 9 ing that same Earth. If we continue this destructive
course and manage to kill ourselves, I believe our obit-
uary would include the following disastrous events:
BEING HUMAN We have bright ideas of drawing lines on a map and
making shapes we could have wars about. WW1 vs
We are gathered here today to lay to rest a fellow WW2: millions of lives lost 100 years ago yet today in
human being. May an eternal light shine upon his Israel a boy is waking up blind due to a 15-year-long
soul as we remember his life. He was neither black nor war. The Amazon is dying as more and more species
white. Not Christian, Muslim nor atheist. He did not are disappearing and in South Africa our citizens are
support the ANC, DA or even follow Julius Malema engulfed in violence and poverty.
on Twitter. And no one knows if he lived below the But not all is lost. As humans we do have a couple of
poverty line or if he drove the newest Tesla. He was a things to brag about: our great leaders; genius inven-
mediocre man and the most unfortunate thing about tors who discovered how to grow organs; the march
him was that HE DID NOT EXIST, NEVER HAS, for freedom; and dreams beyond the stars that sent
AND NOW, NEVER WILL. us to walk on the moon. We are powerful beyond our
Thus, I find myself disagreeing with the famous quote imagination. We are relentless. We are conquerors.
But no matter how high humanity rises, no matter
Cameron Burgess, Grade 10 how many challenges we conquer, catastrophe is still
lurking just around the corner. This dawned on me as
I looked around my dying grandfather’s ward after his
second stroke. Utter catastrophe! Yet I am comforted
by the fact that as humans we manage to show com-
passion in times of tragedy.
As I sat beside my grandfather on his death-bed, I
looked around and saw a diverse ward showcasing
different races, religions, classes and views. Discrim-
ination had no room in a place filled with pain and
death, as people were too busy expressing love - the
deepest form of compassion - to notice their

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differences. Thus, I believe we can finalise our proces- VIEWPOINT
sion as I have found that the true definition of being
human is being an oxymoron. You and I are beautiful I am captivated and step into the water. The tempera-
disasters. We simultaneously suck and are awesome. ture of the water sends a shock up my spine. Within a
We hurt and we heal. We build and we break. We hate, second my ten toes are numb, so numb that I do not
but when it matters most, we love. feel any pain. The ocean is cathartic in this way. The
The only place where I learnt how to love is where I magnitude of its power awakens me and I feel small.
learnt to be human …my race, religion, politics and Yet at the same time, a new sense of purpose washes
class. So, Rest in Peace to the belief that being human over me as I stand and marvel at the powerful sea
is being stripped of these qualities. As you leave the before me.
funeral and continue with your daily lives, I ask you to The wind picks up and the waves bite the sand more
answer this final question: Do you realise how many violently. My hair is whipped in every direction. I take
events, choices, divisions (good and bad) had to have a deep breath in. The salty air dries my mouth instant-
happened since the birth of the universe, leading to the ly and burns my eyes and nose. I blink rapidly. I do not
making of you, just exactly the way you are? want to miss anything, not even the seagulls diving in
Answer yes to this question, because, my beautiful and out of the sea.
mess, now you know what it truly means to be human. The powerful ocean has put me under a spell. I feel
Kelebogile Ratsoana, Grade 12 refreshed and have a renewed faith in something
bigger and better. I am immensely grateful that I
Dani van Zyl, Grade 11 always have the ocean near me to remind me of the
splendour and beauty of the world. The colossal ocean
A SINGLE GRAIN OF SAND IN reminds me to look at the bigger picture.
THE HUGE OCEAN OF LIFE Zoe Sithole, Grade 10

The beach stretches on for ages and I have to walk JUST GO!
a distance before I finally reach the water. Finally I
reach the sand where the waves gently lap at the shore. Pretoria High School for Girls is a wonderful place of
Behind me I see the long trail of my footsteps leading learning, friends, culture, and sport. But it’s also the
back to where my towel lies. I did not come here to home of blocked up arteries and veins leading and
look behind me, though. It is the beautiful ocean in crossing to different destinations. I believe the techni-
front of me that I came to admire. cal term for these congealed routes is corridors.
Looking down, I see millions of different shells being The problem with these so-called corridors is that you
tossed by the waves. Foam from the waves fizzes near will often find a gaggle of Girls’ High girls sauntering
my toes and the white foam looks out of place against around like mindless geese, walking around with little
the many different shades of brown of the sand. I to no purpose. And what’s even worse, is that you’ll
let my eyes wander up and my breath catches in my never find one girl walking slowly, but still being cour-
throat. Huge waves crash and tumble before me and teous enough to leave space for people to pass. No, of
behind the waves, there is a sky of the most delicate course not! You will either find that singular creation
pinks and oranges greeting me. walking in the middle of the corridor, allowing noth-
ing, but the concept of time to pass, or, more likely, a
cluster of girls walking, much to their credit, in single
file, not behind each other, but next to each other.
Now, I like to think of myself as a patient person,
giving grace to people when it comes to their flaws.
What I don’t give grace to is allowing no one to pass,
even though you are breathing heavily down their
backs and have tried to pass multiple times, because
the bell rang three minutes ago and you’re already
late and your teacher is really nice, but also somewhat
scary, and you don’t want to get a death stare, which
you are already so familiar with that you’re practically
family.
I often hear stories, told by my close friends and peers,

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 175

VIEWPOINT rious and ancient sensation. I did not pay attention to
of trying and dangerous times, linked to the swarming this strong, sinister impression even though I should
corridors. My favourite, probably because of the way it have. It was the first sign and I missed it.
was told, is the story of my friend rushing to class, About two months later I started to notice that objects
every other route unavailable, all walks of life moved around the flat. I do not mean literally, they did
crammed into a narrow walking space, no one moving. not grow legs and walked away. No, they were mis-
She then heard a teacher, asking for the girls to keep placed. One morning I found my toothbrush inside
moving. My friend’s internal response was, ‘to where?’ the oven. Another time my toaster was sitting on the
and then she apologised for not being able to sprout balcony. I did find it strange, but I thought I was just
her wings and fly over the blockage. tired, and I simply did not remember moving them.
Now, I really don’t think it’s that hard to walk at a However, I knew something was not okay when I start-
reasonable pace, at a reasonable distance apart from ed smelling smoke inside the rooms. I certainly did
your chum, without stopping abruptly to change not smoke and neither did my neighbours. But smoke
direction, have a conversation, or hug in the middle of was only one of the several smells: in the mornings I
nowhere. smelled perfume I have never owned. After lunch on
Don’t get me wrong, I too have fallen prey to the Sundays I smelled rotten fish. That was when cleaning
charms of this misconduct in the corridor. I will admit on Sundays became a habit.
to stopping without warning, causing a blockage, and There was more. Every time I stood outside my door
changing direction without putting my indicator on and was about to enter, I could hear chatter and clatter
and looking before I go. I guess all I can say for myself from inside. as if a large group of people were inside
is this: Girls’ High corridors - congested since 1902. my home. But every time I opened the door there was
Diane Pretorius, Grade 12 nothing inside. No sound and certainly no people.
Other times I heard Jazz music playing from the next
room. I had a million questions and no explanation. I
NEVER ALONE was on the verge of a breakdown.
One evening I went to the kitchen to fetch some water.
This is not an ordinary story. It is not about mundane I had just closed the tap when I HEARD IT. Voices.
things such as a teenage romance or a day in my life. Talking. In my living room! I hurried to the door and
My story deals with nature’s darker side: the super- peeked in. I will never forget what I saw that night.
natural. I do not have an explanation to why it had There was something next the window. At first my eyes
happened, or why to me. All I know is that I saw what could not take in the sight. It seemed to be floating in
I saw, and I want to share it with you, so you will never the air as hair floats in water. It was white with a shiny
make the mistakes I made. aura. And it was transparent: I could see the neigh-
It started when I moved into my new flat ten years bour’s house behind it through the window.
ago. It was quite large compared to the other flats in I could not breathe. My mind and body were frozen.
the same price category. (I soon realised why …) There It looked in my direction and growled. Then only I
remember hearing myself scream.
Oratile Sukazi, Grade 11 It was then that I made a decision. Two, actually. Deci-
was plenty of room for all of my furniture. The win- sion one: I will never live alone again. decision two: I
dows were old and so tall my curtains did not cover am moving, right away.
them completely. All in all, the whole flat had a myste- Needless to say, I was not on top mentally for the next
couple of months. Although I have found a nice place
with a good roommate in a safe area – near to a police
station -, I never felt entirely safe. Or alone for that
matter. I felt as if that creature has never left me, it was
just lurking around waiting for the perfect moment to
strike again.
At that time, I did not know how right I was.
The next summer I was on vacation with some of my
friends. The moment we arrived at the house on the
shore I had a bad feeling. I knew something was about
to happen. As the days went by, I was more certain that
something else was in the house with us. I ignored that

176 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

feeling, again … VIEWPOINT
One night I was walking on the shore admiring the Maggie takes the baby and shakes her head. The young
pitch-back sky filled with millions of stars. The air was woman already knew that he was gone.
warm and humid and filled with the waves’ rhythmi- Her new-born bouncing baby boy is gone.
cal fluctuation. It could have been the most beautiful People never saw her weeping and mourning
moment of my life. painfully, but her body shows the pain she carries in
her soul. The woman, Jo-Anne, is left alone in her
Amy Marshall, Grade 10 grandmother’s house. She’s an orphan with the
Suddenly the warm breeze turned into cold wind and inheritance of a kingdom.
the stars were no longer the only source of light on Years pass without Jo-Anne leaving the town. She
that shore. I looked out to the ocean and saw a patch walks around with a smile of a million children, filled
of white light glide towards the shore. I stopped and with light and life. Things change when she wants to
stared at it for minutes before I realised the true nature head to the city to further her studies in agriculture
of the light. It was too late, but I still tried to run away. and commercial farming. She is able to go to North
My feet slumped into the deep sand and I did not West University for three years to get her
make it further than only a few metres. I could see the qualifications.
sand light up around me when the creature got closer. Jo-Anne uses most of her money to build the
I attempted a scream, but it was useless. Everything community up and keep the small town from severe
went white, then dark. poverty. She is worried that when she leaves, things
Eszter Király , Grade 12 will corrode and return to how they were.
The green lush fields that she leaves for a while are dry
THE POWER OF WOMEN and have withered away. Her beautiful home cannot
be seen over the long weeds and trees that have grown.
The importance of a woman is endless, but the What she predicted might happen, has come to pass.
evidence of a woman can be seen through the life of a The disappointment towards her elders and
young woman - a young woman waking up at 3 o’clock neighbours, for not managing her home and keeping
at night while the small town of Lethabong is fast the harvested food and crops selectively for the greedy,
asleep. She rushes out with her baby boy. He is sleep- only upsets her.
ing without a pulse. He is still and almost purple. With She comes back to feed the children who are not her
tears in her eyes she runs to her neighbour. Mama own. Every boy she sees, she tries to help, to try to
connect with her own baby boy. She establishes a
farming community with her selfless nature so that
the community can keep the fruits of their labour. The
selfless act brings prosperity and promise to the past,
present and future. Now many people flock to her
multifunctional small town.
Her work gives hope and opportunity to the young
children who go to big universities and come back to
plough their land.

Véronique Lung, Grade 11

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 177

VIEWPOINT August 12, 2030. Mrs Backley is being transferred to
Mexico City’s Prison to finish off her time there. It is
This is just one of the thousands of women giving life also the same day a group of five- to eight-year-old
and changing lives. To empower women is feeding a boys are traveling to an art museum. Fifteen kids. All
nation, making the lives of people better. using the same bridge. The Golden Bridge in Ohio has
Beyond all circumstances the strength of a woman is always been loaded with traffic and ‘mild tempered’
equal to that of a thousand men. The pain, sorrow and drivers.
heartache make Jo-Anne as natural as rain. ‘Are we there yet?’ a tiny boy leans over the bus driver’s
Hope Mpe, Grade 12 seat excitedly.
‘Sit, Damen. We will get there when we get there,’ the
driver says impatiently.
‘What is that supposed to mean?’ Damen persists.
‘It means when the traffic has cleared, we will get there.
Soon.’
Damen throws himself back on his seat.
‘Soon. It means we will never get there. Or it will take
us 52 years to get there.’
‘I don’t think you can count to 52, Damen.’
‘I can!’
Damen begins counting from zero to 52.
‘One, two, three . . . forty one . . .’
A drunk truck driver, driving at 200km/h smashes into
the school bus, causing it to roll off the bridge and into
the water underneath it. The school bus takes a taxi
and the car transporting Mrs. Backley with it into the
dark water.

Chloe Britz, Grade 11 Coni Espinoza, Grade 10

She Wasn’t Who I Thought
She Was

In the year 2020 the legal system had an unexpected
change. The third industrial revolution, computers and
technology, expanded beyond scientist’s expectations.
The legal system was quicker and all homo sapiens
received a fair judgement. Or so we thought.
Mrs. Eideth Backley was sentenced to fourteen years
in prison for a medical error. Leaving a scalpel inside
a patient’s stomach does not seem like a common mis-
take. Like most defendants in court claim, she said she
did not do it. She was top in her class, a ninety percent
student. Eideth had a family who loved her but had a
mysterious side that most people found creepy.
Something about her piercing green eyes, or the way
you would find her staring at you made her appear
dodgy.

178 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

Nobody will ever know if Mrs. Backley deliberately VIEWPOINT
left a knife inside her ex-husband’s stomach. Or if her and control my gift, so she sent me to The Academy.
observant eyes were what saved people. But one thing That is how I ended up in this labyrinth with my
that is most definitely true is that, she gave fifteen friends, Leo and Magnus.
young boys their lives. Some boys say she managed to We were sent on a mission by The Academy to retrieve
do it with her hand-cuffs on. Calling her Iron Woman. an artefact. It all went horribly wrong when we met
Police officers were just as gobsmacked as E-News Blue Chaos, the elemental-turned-bad, who is now
Prime Time when they found her turning herself in chasing us in the labyrinth in a very high-stakes game
after the accident. ‘Eideth.B: A Golden Heart,’ read the of cat and mouse.
headline on every front page. She wasn’t who I thought We take the next right and then a left.
she was. We are completely lost. I can hear Blue Chaos. She
Nakiti Motsa, Grade 9 is catching up to us. We take another left and reach
a dead end. We turn around, looking frantically for
Misha Patel, Grade 11 another way out. It’s no use as we come face to face
with Chaos.
THE WRONG TURN She blasts Leo with what looks like darkness as black
as ink. Her eyes look empty and void like an abyss. I
At a young age I was able to do things that were not can hear her talking to me, but her mouth isn't mov-
considered normal. I was able to control the howling ing… she’s in my head. She tells me that she’s going to
winds and thunderstorms a little too well for the liking make me feel pain like I’ve never felt before. I start to
of my peers. I quickly learnt that what I was able to do re-live my most painful memories. They join together
was not acceptable, so I tried to forget. I felt like a part like a collage. I can’t take it; I drop to my knees. I’m
of me was missing all those magicless years. sobbing and my heart feels like it’s about to explode.
On my sixteenth birthday my mother told me that I My vision starts to blur and I pass out.
was an elemental and that this gift ran in her family. I awake to the sound of Magnus’s screams. I have no
She told me that it was time I learnt how to harness idea what she is doing to him, but his eyes are wild
like those of a deer in headlights. Shaking, I stand up.
I muster what strength I have left and summon the
biggest gale of wind I can think of. The gale howls like
a trapped beast, hits Blue Chaos and sends her flying. I
turn the gale into a tornado with Chaos in the middle.
I slowly make my way over to Magnus, who is curled
up on the floor in a ball. He is alive, but he looks as if
his heart is in his mouth. Leo is slumping down, lean-
ing against the wall. He tells me that his leg is broken,
but he will live. ‘What!?’ I ask him.
Through laughter he says that we should have turned
right.
Victoria Selby, Grade 12

Yerin Oh, Grade 8

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 179

VIEWPOINT

Afrikaans stelwerk

Local Is Lekker, man! wat ‘n kortbroek aan het, moet nie geskok wees nie. Hy
was by die strand. Dit is normaal. Durban is in die hart
Goeie môre, good morning, sawubona, molweni en van KwaZulu-Natal en daar sal jy die Moses Mabida
dumelang! Dit is net vyf van die elf tale wat Suid-Afri- stadion, Ushaka Marine World en die wêreldberoemde
kaners praat. Dit is die klank van Jozi, met die taxi’s en strande vind.
die manne wat brille verkoop en die gogo’s met bakke In Suid-Afrika baklei ons baie. Elke dag is daar ‘n
vol vetkoeke. Net soos die “Trompies” gesê het, Local nuwe ding waaroor ons baklei. Daar is twee dinge wat
is lekker, man! ons almal saambring: Twitter en Eskom se beurtkrag!
Bunnychows, kota’s en boerewors. Mzansi is trots op Local is lekker, man!
ons kos! Dit is nie ‘n braai sonder boerewors en Mrs. Sisanda Shozi, Graad 11
Ball’s Chutney nie! En wat van die Castle vir die ooms
en die tannies? Daar is geen ander plek in die wêreld
met bunnychows en geen ander plek waar mense Al die klein dingetjies
soveel van kota’s hou (met die listeriosie en al) nie.
“Nkalakatha” van Mandoza is die volkstem van Dit is die klein dingetjies wat die lewe sinvol maak,
Suid-Afrika. Dit maak nie saak as jy by ‘n rugby- of soos die son se reis oor die horison, die son wat in
‘n sokkerwedstryd is nie, almal ken die lied. Ons het helder oranje op die water skyn en die donker in sy lig
Qgom, Kwaito, Afrikaanse musiek, Afro-soul, afspoel.
Afro-pop, Afro-alles! Dit is dingetjies soos die wind wat met die wolke speel
As jy in Durban is en jy sien ‘n man wat baie rooi is, en dans soos ‘n krulhaar baba wat deur die fonteine in
‘n winkelsentrum speel en hardloop wat die lewe
Noa Abramovich, Grade 12 sinvol maak. Tot die wolke se hartseer is mooi
wanneer die reëndruppels van my vingers afloop.
Dit is dingetjies soos die bome op die rivieroewer wie
se blare deur die wind omgeblaai word asof hulle die
bladsye van ‘n boek is met woorde wat deel word van
jou drome en jou lewe stadig verander met druppende
swart ink, wat die lewe sinvol maak.
Dit is dingetjies soos jou kitaar se snare waarop jy vir
my ‘n liefdesliedjie speel wanneer ons op jou bed sit en
oor alles en niks praat wat die lewe sinvol maak.
Dit is die dingetjies soos jou drukkies om nag te sê
en die blink sterre wat oor ons wag hou wat ons lewe
sinvol maak. Die sterre is soos diamante wat vassit in
die berg se rots soos die naïew liefde wat ek in my hart
vir jou het.
Dit is al die klein dingetjies wat my lewe sinvol maak.
Christy du Preez, Graad 11

Niemand het die moed om
iets te sê nie, maar ons is
almal bang: VRêKBANG!!!

Ons is bang vir die ewige donkerte in ons koppe. Ons
is bang om alleen te wees. Ons is bang vir ons

180 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

Sebastienne Richmuller, Grade 10 VIEWPOINT
Toe ek Eksieperfeksie begin het, het mense gedink ek
gedagtes. Ons is bang, maar natuurlik sal ons jou nooit is mal. Dit was niks soos wat mense al ooit gesien het
vertel nie. nie. In die begin was ek en Linda ‘n klein besigheidjie
wat poppe gemaak het. Dit was nie genoeg nie. Ek het
Die donkerte wat in ons koppe is, word daagliks groter gevoel ons moet iets groter doen. Dit was die begin
en groter tot die punt dat niks meer saak maak nie. van ons sukses.
Ons skryf bladsye vol van hoe ons beplan om die dood Eksieperfeksie maak vir jou die ideale vriendin.
te ontmoet. Ons lewe nie meer nie, ons is net lewen- Natuurlik is dit baie duur. Maar dink só daaraan: ‘n
dig. Ons siele het weggevlieg soos spoke in ‘n begraf- vriendin wat alles doen wat jy sê, wat dink jy is die
plaas....... soos spokies in ‘n begrafplaas. belangrikste persoon in die wêreld! Sy kan enige kleur
Ons trane sout ons liggame in die laat ure van die hare hê en as jy ekstra betaal, enige kleur oë. Sy kan
(nag)aand. Hierdie was nie vrywillig nie. Dit was nie ook enige taal verstaan. Wat kan verkeerd gaan?
ons besluit nie. Hierdie is ‘n siekte wat ons invaar elke “Linda, aangesien alles klaar is, kan jy haar aanskakel?”
keer as ons alleen is. Ons het hulp nodig. Die lig in “Okei. Wat is haar naam?” vra Linda. “Mev. Baker het
ons lewens is lankal weg en sal waarskynlik nooit weer nie gesê nie. Ek dink ons kan haar ons eie naam gee. Jy
terug kom nie. Dit was nie die plan nie. Die lewe moes kan een kies,” sê ek.
beter gewees het, maar ons is die ongelukkiges vir wie PEEP! PEEP! Die vriendin is klaar en gereed om
die verkeerde kaarte gedeel was./ wie die verkeerde wakker te word.
kaarte gespeel het. “Ek sal haar Fluffy noem. Hallo, Fluffy!” “Woef!” blaf
Om net te sê dat ons depressief is, maak ons bang. Fluffy, die oulikste robothond in die land!
Vrêkbang. Doodbang. Mense sal ons sien as niks meer Die ideale vriendin. Die robothond.
as stukkende poppe/poppies in ‘n perfekte wêreld. Sisanda Shozi, Graad 11
Ons verkies om stil te bly tot ons die meer kan nie, tot
ons selfmoord pleeg. Dit is die enigste manier om ooit Annebelle Visser, Grade 11
weer rustig te voel, maar tot dan sal niemand weet nie,
want ons is te bang om iets te sê en mense is te blind
om te vra.

Annebelle Visser, Graad 11


Die ideale vriendin

“Linda, gee vir my gou-gou die oë. My hand bewe te
veel.” “Die blou of die groen oë?” vra Linda.
“Groen, mev. Baker wil groen hê. Maak vinnig!” Linda
gee vir my die oë en ek sit hulle in die kop. “Eksie
perfeksie,” sê ek tevrede. Ek vra Linda of sy klaar met
die program is. “Ek is klaar en alles lyk goed. Haar
sintuie, haar gevoelens, al haar programme werk
perfek,” antwoord sy.

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 181

VIEWPOINT stadiger te loop, sy wil nie weggaan nie! Sy sal alles
mis. Die meisie se ma sit haar sak vol klere in die trein
Die klein mensies in die en sy gee die meisie die grootste drukkie. Hulle sit daar
biblioteek vir ‘n rukkie in die trein stasie. Die ma sit die meisie
op die trein en waai vir haar as die trein wegrol.
Welkom by Betta se biblioteek waar kleinmensies Sem van Straaten, Graad 10
huisies uit ou boeke van die biblioteek maak. Elke
aand wanneer al die ligte in die biblioteek af is, kruip Die groen in ‘n grys
die klein- mensies uit die boeke uit om te speel te kuier wêreld
en saam met ander kleinmensies te eet. Hulle eet al die
nuwe boeke in die biblioteek en wanneer die horlosie Dit was amper twee jaar gelede toe ek my man,
twaalfuur slaan, sit hulle in ‘n kring om die vuur en Brandon, ontmoet het. Ek was besig om langs ‘n
vertel vir almal van hulle dag. Hulle maak papiersop koffiehuis te loop toe ek hom vir die eerste keer gesien
en papierbrood. het.
Wanneer hulle kos klaar is, hardloop hulle vir ‘n lang Hy was op die hoek van die koffiehuis met ‘n blikkie
tyd op en af, op en af teen die boekrakke. Voor die vis in sy hand. Ek het hom hoor snaakse geluide maak
kinders moet gaan slaap, kry hulle tou en stel strikke amper asof hy besig was om met ‘n baba te praat. Toe
vir die grootmense wat die biblioteek besoek. Wanneer ek hom gevra het waarmee hy besig was, was sy oë só
die kinders slaap, soek al die mammas en pappas nuwe groen – ek het gevoel ek was besig om deur ‘n bos te
boeke om te eet. loop.
Die bibliotekaris draai die sleutel in die slot en stoot Toe ek weer terug in die grys, stink straat was, het ek
die deur oop en skakel die ligte aan. Al die kleinmen- hom iets hoor brom van “katte” en “red”. Ek het besluit
sies is weg. Hulle kruip weg in die ou boeke. In die dag om hom te help.
sit die kleinmensies in hulle boekhuise en wag geduld- Na net ‘n paar maande van mekaar ken, is ons getroud.
ig en hoop dat ‘n grootmens hulle boek sal lees. Tydens on eerste huweliksherdenking by ons
Eendag het ‘n grootmens hulle boek uitgeneem om te gunsteling restaurant het Brandon opeens van sy stoel
lees en nooit weer teruggebring nie! ‘n Klein
familietjie van vyf het in daardie boek gebly en hulle is Oratile Sukazi, Grade 11
nooit weer gesien nie. Hulle bly nou in iemand se huis
op ‘n boekrak, skoon vergete.
Robyn Kingsley, Graad 9

Die meisie op die
platform

Die meisie hou vas haar ma se hand. Die trein stasie
is baie vol ander kinders en hulle ouers. Baie mense
huil en gee drukkies en sê totsiens vir hulle kinders.
Die meisie lees die kaartjie op haar rokkie, dit het haar
naam op en waar sy moet gaan en waar sy van die
trein moet af klim.
Sy wil nie weggaan nie. Sy sal haar ma en pa mis en
sy sal in ‘n vreemde plek wees met ‘n tante wie sy nie
regtig ken nie.
Die meisie begin saggies te huil en haar ma hou haar
hand stywer vas. Haar ma huil ook. Die meisie dink
aan haar pa, hy veg in die oorlog, sy is bang dat sy hom
sal vergeet, sy het al klaar vergeet hoe hy praat. Sy wil
net by die huis wees. Met haar ma en pa, sy wil weer
bly wees.
Hulle is nou naby aan die trein, die meisie begin om

182 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

geval. Dit was dié aand dat ons uitgevind het hy het VIEWPOINT
breinkanker gehad.
Op een van Brandon se laaste dae was hy besig met sy ek haar en ons lêtoe op die grasgroen veld. Ons kyk op
lewensdoel om al die rondloperkatte in New York te na die pikswart hemelruim en piepklein sterretjies wat
blink. Ons lag van geluk tot daar trane teen ons wange
Ateyeh Boroujerdi, Grade 12 afrol.
red. Ek was saam met hom toe ons ‘n klein gestreepte Ons besluit dit is tyd om huis toe te gaan. Ek wou nie
katjie gesien het. Ongelukkig het ons nie geslaag om óf deur my ma gevang word nie. Dan sou ek vir my hele
die katjie óf die Brandon te red nie. matriekjaar gehok wees, wie weet, miskien my hele
Na ‘n paar maande, toe dit nie meer so pynlik was nie, lewe. Amie klim eerste deur die stadion se draad en
het ek langs die koffiehuis geloop. Daar het ek weer toe ek. Toe sien ons die polisie wat vir ons om die draai
dieselfde katjie gesien, maar dié keer het ek iets opge- wag.
merk wat ek voorheen nie gesien het nie. Die katjie se Die polisieman gryp my, maar Amie kom weg. Toe sy
oë was net so groen soos Brandon se oë. dit sien, hardloop sy terug en gee die polisieman haar
Isabelle Wanders , Graad 11 hande. Hy neem ons altwee in hegtenis en sit ons in
die vangwa.Terwyl ons na my huis toe ry, stel Amie
My beste vriendin ‘n plan voor. Sy pleit by die polisieman dat net sy in
die moeilikheid moet kom. Die polisieman laai my af
Ek en Amie klim versigtig uit my kamervenster.Ons sonder dat my ma weet en vat vir Amie huis toe.
het groot planne vir vanaand! Ons kyk links en regs
om seker te maak niemand sien ons nie. Vinnig hard- Amie se ouers het haar vir ses maande sonder ‘n sel-
loop ons na die heining en knip die draad om deur te foon gehok. Sy het my lewe gered en ek was verskriklik
kom. dankbaar daarvoor. Ek kon nie vir ‘n beter vriendin
Ons het in Loftus Versveld ingebreek. Amie dans orals vra nie. Sy is ‘n ware vriendin. Die ideale vriendin.
rond en lag terwyl ek doodbang alleen staan. Toe volg Aileen White, Graad 11

Die meisie op die trein

Die son breek deur die venster om haar warm te hou.
Haar hare word goud soos wat sy haar kop teen die
venster druk. Sy sit met haar bene gekruis op die
bankie. Haar sagte en warm geaardheid lok almal
nader. Selfs die voëls sou saam wou kuier.
Sy maak ‘n donkerrooi boek met ‘n goue prentjie
op die buiteblad in die middel oop. Sy neem ‘n diep
asemteug en haar oë begin die bladsye absorbeer. Soos
sy lees, groei ‘n glimlag aan die kant van haar mond al
hoe groter. Sy verstewig haar greep op die boek versig-
tig om nie die boek te beskadig nie. Sy jaag die woorde
met haar oë, al vinniger en vinniger. Iets gaan gebeur!
Sy is amper daar …
Sy woon nou in hulle wêreld. Alles wat gebeur voel sy.
Met elke bladsy verander haar emosies wat maklik op
haar gesig gelees kan word. Sy blaai versigtig en sag-
gies. Sy voel die bladsy soos sy die woorde voel.
Skielik maak sy ‘n geluid. Trane vorm in haar oë tot
sy nie meer kan sien nie. Sy klap die boek vining toe.
Haar bene is nou teen haar bors en haar arms hou
hulle vas. Haar gesig kruip weg tussen haar bene en
hare.
Wat het gebeur? Is iemand dood? Hoekom huil sy?
Ek sal die meisie op die trein nooit vergeet nie.
Tatiana Sherman, Graad 10

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 183

VIEWPOINT

DINGWALWANA TšA SEPEDI

Ke be ke sa le yo lete ya mphiwafela.
monnyane fela ke sa O tla ba bona bakgekolo le bakgalabje mesong. E bile
gopola gabotsebotse ka letšatši leo ba tsoga pele ga ge le dikgogo di lla. Ba
itokišetša go yo amogela ditšhelete tša bona. Ke re le
Ga go letšatši leo nka tsogago ke le lebetše go swana bona bo mapimpana o tla ba bona ba tšhepile, ba fele-
le di 29 Hlakola 2012. Ke letšatši leo ke tsebišitšwego getša bokoko le borakgolo ba bona. Difahlego tša bona
ka lehu la bokoko ba ka bao ke bego ke ba rata kudu di fo myemyela, ba tseba gore koko o tlile go ba lahlela
kudu. Le ge ke be ke sa na le mengwaga ye lesome, ke ka ya go reka dipongpong le ditšhokolete.
sa gopola tiragalo yeo gabotsebotse. Le fihlile letšatši la mphiwafela. O tla ba bona baše-
Tšatši leo ke makaditšwe ke ge ke latwa ke sesi se- mane ba kgoga dinyaope le mabake, ba hlabile thedi
kolong, e sego bomma. Ke no ipotša gore bomma ba
na le mabaka ao a ba paledišitšego go ntata. Re tšamile Liah McEwen, Grade 11
re swere magang e bile re dira metlae, go sa laetše gore mebileng, ba emetše batšofe ba Modimo ge ba boa. Ba
go na le bothata. itira o ka re ba nyaka go thuša, kgane ka mo mena-
Ge re fihla gae, ra ya ka phapošing ya ka ya boroba- ganong ba naganne go swara poo. Naa bakgekolo ba
lo. Sesi a mpotša gore bokoko ba letše ba re tlogetše batho ba tla fihla gae go fihla gona?
maabane bošego. Ke ile ka mo lebelela ka letšhogo ke Letšatši le la mphiwafela re a tseba gore ga le thabelwe
nagana gore mohlomongwe o hlakane bjaša. A nte- ke batšofe le bagolofadi fela. Le thabelwa kudu ke bona
belela ka sefahlego sa manyami, ka bona gore ga se basetsana ba dikhethiana, ba go dira bana ba sa nkga
nonwane, ke therešo. mekgatho goba ba sa šome. Lebaka la gore ba be le
Ke ile ka lla gore ke be ke felelwe ke lentšu. Ba lekile go bana ke lona letšatši le. Ba a tseba gore ba tlo hwetša
nkhomotša fela gwa pala. Beke yeo ka moka ga go selo tšhelete gomme tšhelete yeo e ka se felele go ngwana
seo ke bego ke se kwa seo ba bego ba se ruta sekolong. fela. Ngwana o tla no rekelwa tshitswananyana ya mas-
Ka Labohlano re ile ra ya gae fao bokoko ba dulago wi gomme ya ba moka. Ye nngwe e ya diaparong tša go
gona. E be e le maitemogelo a ka a mathomo ka ga
lehu la motho yo ke bego ke mo tseba e bile ke mo rata
kudu. Le ge ke be ke le yo monnyane, bohloko bjo ke
bo kwelego ke sa bo gopola le lehono.
Poloko ya bokoko o be o ka re ya kgošigadi. E be e le la
mathomo ke bona batho ba bantši go swana le bao ba
bego ba le polokong ya bokoko. Batho ba gona o be o
ka re mabu le matlakala. Ke nnete gore batho bao re ba
ratago le Modimo o a ba nyaka.
Khensani Mangolele, Grade 12

Le fihlile letšatši la
mphiwafela

Mašabašaba a batho a tlabe a tletše, ba fotše methaladi
yeo o ka re go e ka fihla maleng a lefase. Go thoma go
bona bakgekolo, bakgalabje, go ya go bona bagolofadi
le ba bangwe ba go ba le mabaka a go fapafapana a go
gola. Ka moka ba fotše yona methaladi yeo, ba swere
dikarata tša bona tša SASSA, ba tlile go amogela tšhe-

184 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

tšhepha, le ya go reka mabjala le go ya boipshinong. Ke VIEWPOINT
gore ruri rena bana ba matšatši a re tsenwe ke eng? Go
tla thweng? Eunbin Kang, Grade 10
Ga go na gore ba mmušo ba tlogele go fa tšhelete ye. gona.Ra furalela badimo ba rena , ra ba bitša mainam-
Ga se batho ka moka bao ba e šomišago bošaedi. Go abe. A re hlompheng malopo gomme re ithute ka ga
na le bao ba e hlokago mola ba bangwe ba sa tšeele seo wona ka ge a phetha karolo ye kgolo setšong sa gabo
hlogong. rena.
Moyahabo Lentsoane, Grade 12 Neo Malahlela, Grade 11

Malopo Ge nkebe e se ka lena

Sepedi se re rutang bana ditaola le se ye natšo ba- Le nkhweditše ka boima kudu. Go be yo sena motho
dimong . Hleng re a dumela gore badimo ba gona, yo o a ka le thušago efela le swere thipa ka bogaleng.
malopo re iphetoša difofu ge bo bolelwa ka malopo?. Ke ra lena bomma. Le nthomile ke sa le yo monyane
Malopo a tloga a hlaloša setšo le bohwa bja bathobaso. kudu go fihla letšatši le ke kgonnego go le bitša mma.
A tloga a hlaloša gore re tšwa re le kae bjalo ka batho Ke be ke se na maikarabelo gomme ka tlhokomelo
ba baso. Go tloga kgale mola maswika a sa le boleta, ya lena la ntira motho yo mokaone. Lehono ke na
bomakgolokhukhu le bo rakgolokhukhu ba be kgolwa le maikarabelo ka lebaka la lena mma. Le nthekgile
go dilo tša badimo. Ba tseba gore Malopo ke tsela ya mola batho ba ntlhapetše diatla, la ntira gore ke be le
go bolela le bao ba robetšego boroko bjo bogolo. Malo- boitshepo. Ke be ke bitšwa lešilapuleng, eupša lena
po setšong sa rena bjale ka bathobaso e tšea karolo ye la mpitša ngwana wa bohlale wa mabjoko. Le kgon-
kgolo kudu. Gore Motho o na le malopo ga se dihlong thišišitše gore, ke ba le mowe ke fihlago hlogo gomme
efela ke mpho ye botse go tšwa go badimo ba rena. ke ye malaong ke jele. Ke lena le kwago sello sa ka
Le rena bjalo ka bathobaso, re swanetše go gopola ka kudu go feta batho kamoka lefaseng. Gape ke lena le
setšo sa rena gomme re se ke ra se hlaswa goba go se mponago gore ke thakgetše goba ke nyamile.
nyatša. Re se ke ra se nyefola goba go se tlontlolla. Ee, Ke lena le tlišago lethabo le legolo kudu bophelong
motho mang le mang o kgolwa go seo a nyakago go bjaka. Le mphile lerato leo nka se tsogilego ke le leb-
kgolwelwa go sona fela re seke ra lebala moo re tšwago etše. Lehono ke lekgarebe la goba le tlhompho, lerato
le boikokobetšo ka lebaka la lena fela mma. Le ge o be
Nkateko Mkhonto, Grade 8 o sena sa gago o netefaditše gore rena bana ba gago re
hwetša bophelo bjo bo kganyago le dithuto tšeo lena le
sa kgonago go di fihlelela
Ruri ge nke e se ka lena ga ke tsebe gore nke ke le kae
ka sebaka se. Le nthutile gore ge o le motho o swanetše
goba le kwelobohloko le pelo ye telele. Mamohla ke
nna yo ke kgona le go bolela sekgowa, go bala le go
thuša batho bao ba sa kgonego. Ke re ditebogo šedio
mma waka.
Thabang Mashishi, Grade 10

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 185

VIEWPOINT Motswadi waka

Ke tla mo rata go ya go Motswadi waka o bohlokwa go nna kudu. E re ke le
ile botšeng ka yena. Yena o tloga a na le ledumedišego.
O belegwe di 17 tša Moranang 1972. Ke yo mobotse
E be e le letšatši la go fiša kudu kudu kua nageng ya kudu. Ka mahlong a ka, ke yo mobotse go phala basadi
Limpopo, Ga- Chuene. Ka ge go be go fiša tšhiritšhiri kamoka mo lefaseng. O na le lešata le lentši kudu.
re ile ra kwana go ya letamong la go rutha la Ga- Sesego sa gagwe se dira lešata, efela ka nako tše dintši
Chuene go rutha le go ithabiša. Bomma ba ile ba roma se ka go thabiša goba sa go segiša. Leina la gagwe ke
bomalome go reka nama gore ba kgone go beša pele Priscella Skhosana. Bomma ba swara barutwana ka
re ka sepela. Ge bomalome ba sa ile go yo reka dinama moka o kare ke bana ba bona ba madi. Ba nthutile gore
basadi ba šala ba apea magobe le disalate go sepetšana motho ke motho ka batho ba bangwe. Ka mehla ba
le nama. nkgopotša gore ke thuše bao ba hlokago, ka ge bana ba
Go fihleng ga rena re ile ra aparo diaparo tša rena tša motho ba ngwathelana hlogwana ya tšie.
Gobaneng bomma ba le bohlokwa ka tsela ye? Ke ka
Rachel Meyer, Grade 11 lebaka la gore o na le lerato le lentši la batho. O na le
go rutha, ra leba meetseng. Pele re ka tsena meetseng pelo ye botse kudu. O a ntlhokomela ebile o rekela
mamogolo o ile a re bitša a re botša tsebe gokwa gore lapa la gešo dinyakwa le tše re sa di hlokeng. O tloga a
re se ke ra ya magareng a letangwana la boruthelo ka na le kgodišo ye botse. O dula a ntlhohleletša gore ke
ge meetse o tla re kgama. dire mošomo waka wa sekolo, ka ge a re thuto ke kotse
Re ile ra se theeletše mamogolo ge a bolela ra napa ra yeo o ka se e tšeelwego ke motho. O lefela tšhelete ya
tsena magareng ga meetse. Ka morago ga metsotson- sekolo gore ke kgone go rutega ke be le bokamoso
yana re ile ra kgangwa ke meetse. Batswala baka ba ile bjo bobotse, bja go phadima. Ke morutiši sekolong sa
ba kgona go tšwa ka meetseng efela nna ka palelwa, Ke “Pretoria High School for Girls”. O ruta Sepedi gomme
ile ka goelela kudu gomme mma a nkwa. O ile a tsena o hlohleletša barutwana go kgotlelela sekolo. Bomma
ka meetseng a leka go mphološa efela le yena o ile a ba ka direla bana ba bona selo se sengwe le se sengwe.
kgangwa ke meetse. Ebile ba hwela bana ba bona. Ke rata mma ka pelo
Ge ba fetša go re phološa ke ile ka nagana ka tsela yeo yaka kamoka.
mma a nthatago ka gona le gore a beye bophelo bja Bjale le a tseba gore motswadi wa ka ke mang le gore
gagwe kotsing go mphološa. Ke ka fao ke tla mo ratang ke ka lebaka la eng a le bohlokwa go nna. Ke mosadi
go ya go ile. gare ga basadi. Ke lebiša ditheto le ditebogo go wena
Motshewa Madiga, Grade 9 Pheladi’a Mahlako. Ke re tšwela pele o sware thipa ka
bogaleng. Yogodimo a re godišetše wena, o tšwele pele
le go hlahla setšhaba sa Thulare.
Nonkululeko Skhosana, Grade 8

Genique Preller, Grade 8

186 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

VIEWPOINT

RéDACTIONS CRéATIVES

La maison hantée Klasien Havenga, Grade 10

"Je n'arrive pas à croire que tu nous obliges à venir hochant la tête de Rafael en signe de compréhension et
ici..." Alaina se plaignait en regardant la grande cabane en pénétrant à l'intérieur.
sombre devant nous. Il neigeait, il faisait froid et nos La neige devenait de plus en plus lourde et tout ce que
bottes étaient mouillées, mais rien n'empêchait Alaina l'on entendait ici, c'était le vent fort qui frappait les
de gémir. Même si c'était une cabane chaude en bois grands arbres. Pas d'oiseaux. Pas d'animaux. Aucun
pendant que nous étions dans le froid glacial. signe de vie à des kilomètres à la ronde, sauf pour les
"C'est bon, Alaina. Tu peux t’asseoir ici pendant que le adolescents à l'intérieur de la cabane. La lumière du
reste d'entre nous se réchauffe à l'intérieur ", dit Rafael soleil commençait à se retirer derrière les hautes mon-
en prenant les sacs dans la vieille mini-fourgonnette tagnes et le froid s'infiltrait. J'étais sur le point d'attrap-
rouillée. Aliana a claqué sa langue sur lui pendant que er mes sacs lorsqu'un bruit de claquement retentit dans
Romeo se frottait contre la neige qui recouvrait le pan- les bois environnants. Je suis restée immobile. Ce bruit
neau métallique à côté de l'escalier du porche. m'a fait frissonner de froid dans la colonne vertébrale,
"Camp Lakewood..." Il a lu à haute voix, "c’est comme plus froid que le vent glacial. J'ai regardé autour de
quelque chose du film “Friday the 13th”! Ne me dis moi, examinant attentivement les buissons et les arbres
pas qu'il y a aussi un tueur en série ici", rit Roméo en pour voir s'il y avait du mouvement, mais rien ne s'est
levant les yeux. "C'est drôle que tu dises ça..." Rafael passé. J'ai eu une drôle de sensation quand j'ai attrapé
sourit : "Ne me dis pas que tu nous as emmenés dans mes sacs et que j'ai lentement pénétré à l'intérieur,
un endroit où il y a un tueur en série !" cria Jade, la tout en cherchant ce qui aurait pu faire ce bruit. C'était
panique dans sa voix. "Non, relax. Il n'y a pas de tueur peut-être juste mon imagination...
en série ici. Tout ce que je dis, c'est que quand j'étais Vers 22 heures, tout le monde riait et s'amusait. Des
jeune, ma grand-mère me disait de ne pas sortir trop tasses à chocolat chaud occupaient les tables et des
tard le soir, sinon le Boucher de la Nuit viendrait après
moi." Rafael a expliqué. Jade saisit immédiatement ses
sacs et courut dans la maison, visiblement terrifiée,
tandis que Rafael riait.
Jade saisit immédiatement ses sacs et courut dans la
maison, visiblement terrifiée, tandis que Rafael riait.
"Alors, ton histoire est fausse ?" demanda Roméo. "Oh,
non, c'est vrai." Rafael répondit : "Ma grand-mère
détestait venir ici. Elle s'asseyait et regardait par la
fenêtre pendant des heures. Mais elle était folle, c'est
juste une vieille histoire !" Il a dit.
Alaina m'a jeté un coup d'œil prudent, sur moi, puis
sur Roméo, avant de prendre ses sacs et d'entrer dans
la maison. "Je vais à l'intérieur, c'est flippant ici..."
Roméo acquiesça de la tête. "Moi aussi." et il a suivi
Alaina à l'intérieur.
Rafael posa ses sacs sur son épaule avant de se tenir à
côté de moi, admirant les arbres couverts de neige qui
dominaient la cabine. "C'est magnifique ici, non ?" Il a
demandé. "C'est calme..." J'ai dit, en regardant autour
de moi. Il s'est mis à marcher vers la maison mais s'est
arrêté à la porte et m'a regardé en arrière, "Est-ce que
tu rentres, Rayne?"
"Donnez-moi juste un peu de temps", je répondis en

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 187

VIEWPOINT Nous devions nous cacher et nous devions nous cacher
rapidement.
piles de cartes étaient disposées sur le sol. Tout le "Rayne ! Où es-tu ?! Je ne vois rien !" Rafael a appelé.
monde s'est assis autour du feu ardent, essayant d'ob- Je montais tranquillement les escaliers avec Alaina, en
tenir autant de chaleur que possible pour survivre à la sanglotant dans mes bras. Un fort bruit d'explosion
nuit froide. est sorti de la porte, faisant battre mon cœur plus vite.
Alaina se pencha et prit une autre carte dans la pile. Il y eut un moment de silence avant que de grosses
"Jade," dit-elle, "C'est ton tour." Elle a dit. Jade se leva marches lourdes ne se déplacent au rez-de-chaussée
et posa ses cartes. "Je veux juste une autre boisson du rez-de-chaussée. Il était à l'intérieur. Il était réel. Le
fraîche", a-t-elle annoncé. "Il n'y en a plus dans le Boucher de la Nuit.
frigo, les autres sont dans la voiture. Tu vas devoir aller J'ai senti une petite armoire dans le couloir et je l'ai
les chercher dehors." explique Rafael. Jade fronça les discrètement ouverte. J'ai tapé Alaina dans l'épaule.
sourcils, "Es-tu fou ?! Je ne sortirai pas la nuit!” s'écria- "Cache-toi là-dedans." J'ai chuchoté. Alaina s'est
t-elle en pleurant. "Oh, allez, Jade ! C'était juste une lentement agenouillée et s'est glissée dans l'armoire
blague." Roméo a roulé des yeux. Jade croisa les bras et avant que je la ferme. Mes mains ont fouillé les murs
secoua la tête. "Je n'y vais pas." pour essayer de savoir où j'étais. J'ai senti un bouton de
Roméo soupira fortement et se leva, prit les clés de la porte et je l'ai tourné doucement. Un grand cri réson-
voiture sur la table et se dirigea vers la porte. "Tu es nait dans la maison, me faisant peur quand j'ouvrais la
bête, Jade." Il gémit, déverrouillant la porte et la fer- porte. Des bruits forts et un cri sans fin qui appartenait
mant en sortant. Jade a rejoint le groupe et nous avons à Rafael remplissaient la maison. Je me couvrais la
continué le jeu. 2 minutes. 5 minutes. 10 minutes. 15 bouche pour cacher les sanglots et essuyer les larmes.
minutes plus tard, Roméo n'était toujours pas revenu Ma jambe a heurté ce qui ressemblait à un poteau de
de la voiture. Et après notre troisième partie de cartes, lit et je me suis immédiatement mise sur le ventre et
on a remarqué. je me suis glissée sous le lit. J'étais dans la chambre
"Il va probablement me faire peur d'une seconde à principale et c'était la seule cachette à part l'armoire
l'autre." dit Jade, en regardant autour de lui. "Il doit à vêtements. Tout était encore sombre et seules les
être gelé dehors. Ça fait 15 minutes. Qu'est-ce qu'il images du cadavre de Roméo me remplissaient l'esprit,
fait ?" Alaina se leva et se dirigea vers la fenêtre. Elle a me faisant pleurer encore plus à travers tous les cris
lentement déplacé le rideau et a poussé un cri perçant, d'angoisse venant du rez-de-chaussée.
se couvrant la bouche après. Nous avons tous levé les Ils se sont finalement arrêtés au bout de quelques min-
yeux en état de choc. Ses genoux tremblaient et ses utes et mon cœur a recommencé à battre rapidement
yeux commençaient à rougir. Par la fenêtre, un cadavre lorsque les marches lentes et bruyantes ont grimpé les
ensanglanté pendait à l'un des arbres. Le corps ensang- escaliers. Un sifflement chantant accompagnait les pas
lanté de Roméo. Du sang a coulé de sa tête et a taché la assourdissants avant qu'une voix méchante, dure et
neige en dessous de lui. Ses vêtements étaient déchirés grave ne s'élève.
et ses blessures par coups de couteau étaient visibles.
Jade a éclaté en larmes et a sauté. Elle a couru à l'étage, “Il était un tueur de rial, Qui allait au caban. Il portait
essayant de l'empêcher de pleurer fort pendant que le sur son tête Deux têtes dans un panier. Les têtes faisa-
reste d'entre nous se levait et fixait le corps en état de ient rouli-roula, Les têtes faisaient rouli-roula, Trois pas
choc. "Appelle la police ! Appelle-les tout de suite !" J'ai en avant, Trois pas en arrière, Trois pas sur l’côté, Trois
crié pendant que Rafael cherchait son téléphone. pas sur l’autre côté.”
J'ai attrapé la main d'Alaina et je l'ai tirée avec moi loin La chair de poule s'est formée sur ma peau lorsque
de la fenêtre. Les mains de Rafael tremblaient alors la porte de ma chambre s'est ouverte, un grincement
qu'il attrapait son téléphone de la table. Il a composé le venant des charnières.
numéro et les a contactés. "Allô ?! Oui, nous avons be- Il cherchait une troisième tête. Où pourrait-il être ? Les
soin d'aide ! Notre ami vient d'être assassiné... Bonjour pas s'arrêtèrent devant le lit.
?! Vous m'entendez ?! Mon ami... Quelqu'un vient de "Sous le lit..." chuchota-t-il. "Elle est sous le lit tantine."
le tuer !"
Soudain, l'électricité a été coupée et nous étions en- Daniella McGuire, Grade 11
tourés d'une obscurité totale. Alaina a poussé un autre
cri avant que je lui couvre la bouche de ma main et
la tienne dans mes bras pendant qu'elle pleurait. "La
ferme !" J'ai exigé qu'on l'emmène en haut. Je savais
que nous devions partir, et être en bas était la pire
décision que nous pouvions prendre.

188 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

VIEWPOINT

KREATIVES SCHREIBEN

Vergnügungen 2019

Der erste Blick auf dem Handy am Morgen
Alte Fotos finden
YouTube Videos
Fernbedienungen, Kanäle wechseln
Das Radio
Der Hund
Google Übersetzer
Essen, spielen
Alte Musik
Baggy Kleidung
Etwas erledigen
Neue Musik
Aufpassen, schlafen
Zu Hause bleiben
Tanzen
Respektiert werden.
Benzile Mntambo und Mia Hayes, Klasse 11

Erin Maschek, Grade 11 Perla Lobo Tabora, Grade 8
Malozi, ihr Umemulo. Es ist ein Coming-of-Age-Fest,
UMEMULO wo man die Reise der jungen Frau in die Fraulichkeit
feiert. Man feiert auch den Respekt des Mädchens
“Molo,molo,molo! Hum ee ha! Hum ee ha!” vor sich selbst und ihrer Familie. Und das bedeutet,
Ich heiße Unathi Nelisiwe Msezane, Mashoba, Vezi, dass sie jetzt hieraten kann. Diese Zeremonie tritt auf,
Ntumbese. Ich bin ein Zulu Mädchen. Für diejenigen, wenn man 21 Jahre alt wird.
die nicht wissen, das waren meine Klan-Namen. Zulu Das Mädchen gilt als eine “Braut” und ihre Freudin-
Leute grüßen einander ganz formell und benutzen nen und Familienmitglieder sind ihre Brautjungfern.
Wörter wie “Sie” und “Ihnen” auf Deutsch, um ihre Für eine Woche kann die Braut das Zimmer nicht
Familie und Vorfahren zu loben. So zeigt man einen verlassen, deshalb ist es die Arbeit der Brautjungfern
Stolz auf seine Familienerbe. alles zu bringen, was die Braut gerade braucht. Ich
Zulu Menschen haben verschiedene Zeromonien, um glaube, ich würde hauptsächlich Essen für Malozi aus
verschiedene wichtige Anlässe in einem Leben zu fei- dem Haupthaus brauchen.
ern. Zum Beispiel gibt es Umemulo für die Mädchen.
Am achten Dezember 2014 hatte meine Cousine, Am Abend vor der Zeremonie der Braut, gibt die Fam-
ilie der Braut eine Kuh. Sie wird dann, ganz bedeckt,
genommen, um ihre Kuh zu begrüßen. Die Kuh wird
für Essen geschlachtet und wird auch für wichtige Rit-
uale verwendet. Bei den wichtigsten Ritualen muss der
Vater, der ältere Bruder oder eine Vaterfigur die Gal-
blase der Kuh auf den Fingern, Zehnen und der Stirn
der Braut streuen. Es hilft der Braut beim Verbindung
mit ihren Vorfahren.

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 189

VIEWPOINT die “Tenor-Stöcke” genannt werden, und dass die Be-
Am Morgen bekommt die Braut ein Speer, dass ihre wegungen “Schnörkel” genannt werden.
Sieg und die Stärke symbolisiert. Dann werden sie und Das war der Tag, als ich gewusst habe, dass ich Ten-
ihre Brautjungfern in spezifische Kleidung gekleidet, or-Schlagzeugerin werden wollte. Ich habe am Ende
weil sie vor der Gemeinschaft tanzen und singen müs- von Klasse 6 angefangen zu lernen und in Klasse 7
sen. Wenn die Braut und ihre Brautjungfern singen konnte ich schon spielen. In Klasse 7 habe ich für eine
und tanzen, bekommen sie Geld. Das Geld wird als Klasse viel gespielt und danach, ab Klasse acht, spielte
Geschenk bezeichnet und in einen Hut gesammelt. ich in der Boys High Jungend-Band.
Sobald der Hut der Braut voller Geld ist, geht sie zu Beim lernen habe ich die besten Tutoren gehabt. Ich
der Vorderseite ihres Hauses und wirft ihr Speer. Dort weiβ, wenn ich diesen Lehrer nicht hätte, wäre ich
wo es landet, muss ihr Vater, älterer Bruder oder eine nicht die Schlagzeugerin, die ich heute bin.
Vaterfigur Worte von Lob schreien. Es symbolisiert Es gibt insgesammt sechs Bandnoten. Auf der Schuls-
seine Dankbarkeit, Aufregung, Liebe und Stolz vor der tufe gibt es zwei: Novice-Juvenile (das ist die unterste
Gemeinschaft. Der letzte Teil der Tradition ist für die Stufe) und Juvenile. Auβerhalb der Schule gibt es eine
Braut, ihre Brautjungfern, ihre Familie und die Ge- Klasse vier Band, Klasse drei Band, Klasse zwei Band
meinschaft, um die Festilichkeiten zu genießen. Nach und Klasse eins Band, aber wir haben keine Klasse
dem Umemulo meiner Cousine, habe ich beschlossen, eins Bands in Südafrika, weil die allerbesten Spieler
dass ich auch ein Umemulo für meinen einundzwan- natürlich in Schottland spielen. Am Ende 2017 habe
zigsten Geburtstag haben möchte. ich bei den Pretoria Highlanders aufgetreten in einer
“Amatombazana!” Klasse drei Band, und das war super.
Unathi Msezane, Klasse 12 Als Uniform trage ich ein weiβes Hemd, eine
Krawatte, ein Schottenrock, Socken, schwarze Brogues,
Kumiko van der Spuy, Grade 9 ein Sporran, eine Blinker und ein Glen Garry. Ich
muss schnell die Uniformen wechseln nachdem ich
Pfeifenband gespielt habe, weil ich in zwei Bands spiele und nicht
zu viel Zeit dazwischen habe.
Meine Familie war immer, soweit ich weiß, Teil von Ein normaler Wettkampf beginnt zwischen acht und
einer Pfeifenband. Mein älterer Bruder, Daniel, hat neun Uhr. Wir kommen zum Wettbewerb, packen
in der Grundschule schon angefangen Dudelsack zu unsere Instrumente aus, fangen an ein bisschen Musik
spielen. Er hat seitdem dauernd gespielt und hat nur zu spielen, um uns aufzuwärmen, und dann treten wir
eine kleine Pause vor der Oberschule genommen. auf. Die Anfänger der Jungendband tun das Gleiche.
Mein jüngerer Bruder, Matthew, ist auch in der Gr- Unser erste Abschnitt ist ungefähr fünf Minuten lang.
undschule Teil der Band geworden und hat gelernt, die Wenn wir mit dem Spielen fertig sind, nehmen wir
kleine Trommel zu spielen. Ich bin mit meiner Familie unsere Instrumente zum Boys High Zelt und ich ziehe
ein paar Pfeifenband-Wettkämpfe besuchen gegangen mich um.
und so habe ich die Bass-Section – besonders die Ten- Der Tag beginnt normalerweise mit den Schul-
or-Trommel – besonders interessant gefunden. bands, dann den Anfänger-Bands, und dann die
Die Tenor-Trommel ist Teil der Bass-Section. Es ist Jugend-Bands. Dann spielt die Klassen vier, drei, und
ähnlich, aber nicht ganz wie die Bass-Trommel. Als zwei Bands. Am Ende des Tages haben wir Massen
ich jünger war, habe ich einen Tenor-Schlagzeuger Dudelsack und Schlagzeug. Wir spielen ein paar Melo-
wirklich cool gefunden, mit seinen Trommelstöcken, dien und hören die Werte vom Tag. Ich habe in mein-
die er herumwirbelte. Später habe ich gefunden, dass en ersten Solo-Wettbewerben gespielt und dreimal den
ersten Platz gewonnen. Beim Meisterschaftswettbe-
werb hat ein internationaler Richter einer Schottischen
Klasse eins Band mir den dritten Platz gegeben.
Im Moment spiele ich nur die Tenor-Trommel, aber
ich habe vor in der Zukunft alle vier Instrumente zu
lernen. Nach dem Abitur möchte ich zurück nach
Boys High gehen um weiter zu lehren. Dann hoffe
ich noch viele Jahre für die Pretoria Highlanders zu
spielen.

Samantha Meyer, Klasse 12

190 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

ART

ART - GRADE 8

Itumeleng Sekgobela Ayanda Mtshotshisa
Hope Kayinamura
Zoë Hawker

Tetelo Kekana Tendai Chauke Hannah Ngale
Caitlin Smit Basetsana Monnapula

Danita Naicker Rumbidzai Mutero

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 191

ART

ART - GRADE 9

Keneiloe Malete Nakiti Motsa

Tiffany Skinner

Juin van Graan

Preena Devchand Tathum Augus

Paige Carter Ngwedi Moshidi

Frankie Spies

Tamryn Roos

Siya Mgijima

Gomolemo Sefoka

Georgie Dillon

Kareena Jivan

Dylan Bosch

Emily Hawkes Ziyanda Makhanya Imi Qwelane Shreeya Thakur Mewalal

192 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

ART

ART - GRADE 10

Mira Cortese Julia Lourens

Aelyn Mascini

Kaitlyn Rofail Cameron Burgess

Eunbin Kang

Sebastienne Rischmüller

Zwavhudi Nthambeleni

Monique van Niekerk Jené Fourie Veani Smit Jenna Grobler

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 193

ART

ART - GRADE 11

Dani van Zyl Oratile Sukazi Liah McEwen

Celine Hendricks Emma Learmont Misha Patel Véronique Lung

Annebelle Visser Reese Maitisa Rachel Meyer

Lesedi Mampa

Nicole van Niekerk Kwena Makama Palesa Mopeli Uthimna Nape

194 The Iris PHSG 1902 - 2019

ART

ART - GRADE 12

Noa Abramovitz Emma van Schalkwyk Dominique Steeman

Monica Martins Michael Booysen

Michelle Cazalet

Atiyeh Boroujerdi Mokgadi Mongalo Rizwaanah Saloojee

PHSG 1902 - 2019 The Iris 193

We Work in Hope

The school was opened with the earnest
hope that here girls of different races
and denominations might meet in that
commonwealth of letters which gave

Erasmus and Shakespeare to the world;
to acquire there, in accordance with

the ideals of Christian duty, the healthy
physique, the trained mind and the
disciplined character which should fit

each to live worthily in that state of life
into which it should please
God to call her.
Edith Aitken.