The past few weeks at Vryheid High School have been filled with meaningful initiatives, strong sporting performances, and creative achievements from learners across a variety of activities.

Anti-bullying campaign promotes awareness

One of the highlights was the Anti-Bullying Awareness Campaign, where the Art Club and Interact Club joined forces to raise awareness about bullying. As part of the initiative, learners participated in an anti-bullying poster competition, creating powerful posters that conveyed messages of kindness, respect, and standing up against bullying. The competition showcased the creativity and passion of VHS learners.

The winners were:
First place: Mvelo Mlotshwa
Second place: Chardae Jordan
Third place: Nabeelah Sujee

Blood drive makes life-saving impact

Another successful event was the school blood donation drive, which took place on Thursday. The response from learners and the school community was outstanding. A total of 163 donors participated, resulting in 102 units of blood collected, which has the potential to save up to 306 lives. Vryheid High School is proud of the learners who contributed to making a real difference in the lives of others.

Drama club showcases talent

The Drama Club also hosted a wonderful afternoon of poetry and prose performances on March 6 at 14:00. The event gave learners the opportunity to showcase pieces they have been preparing for upcoming competitions. Performances included:

• Annabelle Job – Life Doesn’t Frighten Me at All by Maya Angelou
• Nqubeko Zondi – Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
• Joy Ntshangase – I Saw My Teacher on Saturday
• Kwanele Joaquim – The Winter Man
• Emma Mattison – Bitterbessie Dagbreek by Ingrid Jonker
• Chloe Stoltz and Emma Mattison – Sproeireën by DJ Opperman

DJ Opperman, a former alumnus of Vryheid High School, remains an inspiration to learners. In honour of his legacy, members of the Drama Club also wrote and performed their own spoken word poetry pieces. These included:

• Kwanele Joaquim – Losing a Friend
• Annabelle Job – 2026
• Sphe Nokwena – Choosing Old Friends
• Joy Ntshangase – Hate
• Chloe Stoltz – Passion
• Emma Mattison – I Can’t Write a Poem
• Nqubeko Zondi – Identity and Finding Me

Hockey players progress to next level

On the sports field, VHS learners continue to excel. Several girls’ hockey players have progressed to the next round of Inland trials:

• Zipho Nkosi (U16)
• Sisanda Mdlalose (U14)
• Emihle Buthelezi (U14)

The following players were selected for the extended Country Districts squads:

• Amahle Khumalo (U18)
• Siyamthanda Ngcobo (U14)

A special congratulations also goes to Jaden Dunn (U18) who has been selected for the Country Districts boys’ hockey team.

Netball players selected at trials

Vryheid High School’s netball players also performed exceptionally well during the Bhekuzulu Netball trials held at Pionier on Wednesday. The following players were selected:

U14
Zime Buthelezi
Malwande Sosibo
Ongezwa Mbonambi

U15
Mia Swanepoel
Faith Phaswana

U16
Oletha Ziqubu
Oluhle Masuku

U17
Promise Odekpe
Nongcebo Mhlongo
Nontuthuko Nkosi
Amahle Ntuli

Grade 8 welcome builds school spirit

On Friday, the school hosted a lively Grade 8 welcome celebration. The Grade 8 learners were divided into groups representing the school’s core values: perseverance, honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility. Through energetic dance performances featuring genres such as Maskandi, Afrikaans music, Amapiano, and South African gospel, the learners creatively showcased these values. The event highlighted the enthusiasm of the new learners and helped foster a strong sense of school spirit. Appreciation is extended to the leaders, Mrs Booyens, Mrs Hein and Mr Scholtz for helping make the event a success.

Strong results against Ladysmith High

Over the past weekend, VHS competed against Ladysmith High School in a full day of sport with impressive results.

Rugby Results:
U14: 27 – 0
U15: 34 – 7
U16: 52 – 20
Second team: 38 – 12
First team: 22 – 12

Netball Results:
U14A: 17 – 15
U14B: 3 – 4
U15B: 2 – 13
U15A: 10 – 15
Second team: 12 – 15
First team: 30 – 16

Hockey Results:
U14 Girls: 5 – 0
U16 Girls: 10 – 0
1st Girls: 3 – 1
2nd Boys: 1 – 2
1st Boys: 0 – 4

Chess:
VHS: 5.5
Ladysmith: 4.5

Upcoming fixture

Looking ahead, the school has several important events on the calendar:

• March 21: Sports fixtures vs Sarel Cilliers

Vryheid High School continues to thrive through the dedication of its learners and staff, with achievements in academics, sport, culture, and community service.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.