HOERSKOOL BEN VORSTER
School History
Tzaneen ( from the sotho word “Tsaneng” – which means “the place where people gather”) is situated in the foothills of the impressive Wolkberg, in the northern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountian range, in the Limpopo province. Hoërskool Ben Vorster was established in 1962 with 479 pupils. At present it functions as a dual-medium school where learners are taught in both Afrikaans and English. Ben Vorster is a dynamic school on all fronts. The school has recently achieved its finest academic, sporting and cultural results in its history. The school is exceptionally well equipped, boasting facilities such as a modern gymnasium, a heated swimming pool, an all-weather cricket facility, an indoor hockey field, a dance academy as well as an auditorium for performing arts.
School Information:
Name: Ben Vorster
Founded: 1962
Pupils: 924
Motto: Stry tot oorwinning (Strive to overcome)
Rugby jersey: Red with white shoulder stripes and black shorts
Rugby at Ben Vorster
Though Tzaneen may be removed from the bigger rugby centres in South Africa, it is not short of passionate and good rugby. Ben Vorster has, over the years, produced exceptional rugby sides on par with any sides around. It has a long list of rugby achievements, dating back to 1969 when it was crowned provincial winner and made the quarterfinals of the Director’s trophy. In 1987 they went one better, reaches the semifinals after winning the provincial title. Ben Vorster has recently produced some very strong sides, winning the provincial league in 2004, 2006 and 2007, while reaching the Beeld trophy quarterfinals. In 2006 it shared the Beeld trophy with traditional rivals Merensky in the medium-schools section, but since 2007 has competed with the bigger rugby schools in the top-section. Alec Mhlanga and Trevor Nyakane were chosen for the SA Schools academy side in 2007. Both players, as well as Glen Mafumo and Patricak Oosthuizen are currently contracted to the Cheetahs. In the last four years alone, 24 players have been selected for Craven Week, where Kallie Erasmus and Eugene Pohl were both selected as captains.Andre Hay has coached the First XV since 2000.
