The Old Greys’ Union proudly introduces the Committee for the 2024/2025 term. Your time and dedication are invaluable to our mission, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment.
The committee plays a vital role in furthering the Union’s main objectives, such as promoting the Union’s Interests, maintaining the connection between Old boys and present scholars and their alma mater, and supporting The Grey.
We invite all Old Boys interested in contributing to The Grey to consider joining the Old Greys’ Union Committee. If you’re keen to get involved, please reach out to us at . We look forward to hearing from you!
National President: Michael Swanepoel
Bio: Mike (Class of 1987) is a university academic having taught design, business and technology subjects since 1996 and progressing to the role of Head of the Department for Applied Design. In 2018 he was seconded, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, to develop the strategy for the digital transformation of learning and teaching at Nelson Mandela University (formerly (UPE/PE Technikon/Vista University) and in 2022 he was appointed to the role of Director for Digital Learning, Experience Design & Innovation where he has established a unit managing learning technologies as well as providing training, support and learning analytics. He is deeply involved in establishing the university’s Virtual Academy where his team is building the university’s first fully online qualifications as well as a makerspace researching and deploying cutting-edge technologies such as AI, robotics and drones. During COVID Mike assisted Grant Butler, the Headmaster of Grey Junior, by deploying a digital learning management system in lockdown, dubbed the Digital Unicorn, this platform enabled the school to continue teaching through the lockdowns.
He has been a member of the Old Greys’ Union Committee since 2012 and Vice President for the past 4 years. He has been responsible for moving the Union membership from spreadsheets to modern database and communication platforms. Part of that work includes unifying the management of digital platforms of The Grey and developing and launching thegrey.com website which serves as a virtual portal to all other Grey entities. More recently he has been involved with unifying and simplifying Grey’s branding to achieve unified communication and strengthening the sponsorship and fundraising value of the brand.
Vision: A key theme of Mike’s presidency will be the strengthening of ties between Old Greys and exposing them to the opportunities inherent in the vast network of Old Greys worldwide via a dedicated networking platform. This will enable Old Greys to search for fellow old boys by profession, geographic location or year group. The platform caters for Grey scholars and school leavers by connecting them to mentors, internships and job opportunities within the Old Grey network and providing tangible value to being an active member of the Old Grey community no matter where you reside.
Another focus area of Mike’s presidency is the professionalisation of alumni services. This involves dovetailing business processes of the Union and Old Grey Club with those of the Grey Foundation and schools and, where feasible, sharing resources across The Grey entities under the banner “One brand, one community”.
Meet the Committee:
James Flanagan
Class of 1999
Scott Rollo
Class of 1975
Dave Hurr
Class of 1984
Brett Weddell
Class of 1986
Peter Simmons
Class of 1996
Art Janse van Rensburg
Class of 1998
Ex-Officio members:
Grey Junior Headmaster Grant Butler
Grey High Rector Chris Erasmus
Grey Foundation Manager Bev McCarthy
Union Manager Lauren McCleland
A Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing committee member Bryan Knox, Class of 1966, for his dedicated years of service to the Old Greys’ Union. Bryan has been an integral part of our committee, serving as a member, President, Past President, and Foundation Representative. Bryan, your energy and wise counsel have left a lasting impact, and we salute you for your contributions.