ABOUT THE
CLIFTON OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION
The Clifton Old Boys’ Association, fondly known as ‘COBWEB’, is the connecting point for all our old boys and former staff members. The association welcomes all boys who have attended the school, whether during the Preparatory School phase or those who joined the College in Grade 8. As an association it is growing yearly, with reunion functions now held in different cities in South Africa. Of course, the highlight each year is ‘Reunion Week’ which is held in early May and culminates in the Old Boys’ Dinner on the Friday night and a derby day against a traditional rival on the Saturday.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Chairman of the Old Boys’ Association
Mr Byron Johnstone
It’s often said that the true value of a school is not only in the lessons it teaches but in the relationships it nurtures.
The COBWEB is the most powerful way to keep those relationships alive.
Our network extends far beyond these walls, and as alumni we’ve walked the same halls, shared the same challenges, and celebrated the same victories. The connections we build here aren’t just for today – they’re for life.
By maintaining a strong Old Boys network, we ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the wisdom, support, and opportunities that only a tight-knit community can offer.
This is not just about networking for the sake of business or success; it’s about creating a community where we continue to lift each other up, where we help guide and mentor those who follow in our footsteps, and where we share in the pride of seeing our school Clifton thrive.
Let’s keep this legacy alive and pass it forward, so that the strength of our community continues to grow, and so that we can continue making a difference together.
Byron Johnstone
CHAIRMAN
HOW WE REMEMBER
Every November, a Remembrance Day Service is held on Founders’ Lawns at Clifton. The purpose of the service is to take a moment to reflect on the loss of lives in conflicts around the world and to remember the Clifton Prep Old Boys who fell in World War II. Their names are now immortalised on the plaques on the Memorial Gates outside the Helen Joseph Library.
In 2021, a Memorial Wall and Garden was created in a peaceful corner of the campus. The intention of this corner was to provide a place where plaques could be attached to commemorate the passing of boys, Old Boys, and staff. A garden was planted around this space, providing a quiet place for contemplation and prayer.
New plaques are dedicated each year at a simple, but moving service on the Friday of ‘Reunion Week’.
HOW YOU CAN GIVE BACK
The Centenary Legacy Appeal, launched during our Old Boys Reunion Dinner in May 2023, is a significant effort to establish a lasting legacy for future generations of Clifton boys. The campaign began with Prep Old Boy Jason Georghiou, who became the first donor to secure a legacy plaque, setting a powerful example for others to follow.
This appeal reflects the spirit of our centenary celebrations, focusing on raising funds essential to strengthening our bursary programme. Robust bursary endowments are vital to Clifton, as they provide sustainable, long-term financial support to ensure boys from all financial backgrounds have access to quality education.
As a way of appreciation, the names of Old Boys and current pupils who contribute to this initiative will be honored with legacy plaques displayed on our Centenary Wall. These plaques are designed to occupy a place of pride on the Clifton campus, seamlessly integrating into our evolving structural landscape; they remain highly visible to all Old Boys, visitors, current pupils, and staff.
Clifton’s legacy of offering a quality education to boys from all walks of life is ingrained into our community. As we look ahead, we remain committed to adapting to the changing educational environment in South Africa, guaranteeing that Clifton maintains its standard of educational excellence for future generations.
OLD BOYS’ EVENTS
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