PINETOWN Boys’ High School has bid goodbye to a pillar of the school community, Bheko Mvelase, a groundsman who dedicated 28 years to the institution.

Mvelase started working at the school on September 12, 1996.

The school described Mvelase as a meticulous professional who often went beyond the call of duty.

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“His departure signifies the conclusion of a remarkable era — one that has profoundly shaped the very heart and soul of the institution.”

Principal Sunil Sing said Mvelase started working under the leadership of Mr Brocklehurst, at a time when the school was a well-oiled machine of academic excellence and sporting prowess.

“Yet, Mvelase was not just a custodian of the school’s grounds — he was a leader, a mentor, and a confidant whose influence extended far beyond the fields he meticulously maintained,” said Sing.

Over the years, Sing said Mvelase’s unparalleled precision and tireless commitment saw him rise to the position of grounds manager, overseeing operations with military-like precision and an unyielding pursuit of perfection.

Phiwe Mbatha, who worked closely with Mvelase for many years, said, “Whether it was curating lush, tournament-ready sports fields, orchestrating the seamless execution of the school’s bustling sports calendar, or ensuring that every blade of grass stood at attention, his work reflected his deep-seated pride and devotion to Pinetown Boys’ High.

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“His unwavering sense of duty did not go unnoticed — students, staff, and alumni alike held him in the highest regard, recognising his indelible impact on the school’s legacy. His hands have shaped the very soil upon which generations of young men have honed their skills, chased their dreams, and built lifelong memories.”

As Pinetown Boys’ High School bids farewell to one of its most distinguished figures, the principal added that Mvelase’s legacy, relentless spirit and unwavering service will continue to echo through the corridors, classrooms, and sporting fields he so passionately tended.

“His departure is not just the end of a chapter — it is the closing of a golden era of excellence.”