Port Rex Technical High School

Michiefield High School - College
Cnr 6 st Matthews & 4 Belgrave Road southern wood East London

This is the Official Port Rex Technical High School page. Until 1847, East London was named Port Rex. Mr Neville Rudman became headmaster in 1997.

Port Rex Technical High School has its roots in the Technical Section of the East London Technical College [1928 - 1968]. In 1968, day scholars of the Technical and Commercial divisions separated from the Technical College to form the East London Technical High School and the East London Commercial High School. In 1974, on a suggestion by the then headmaster, Dr Johan Brittz, the East London Techn

ical High School changed its name to Port Rex Technical High School. The name Port Rex has its origin in George Rex, a British sea captain who landed at the mouth of the Buffalo River in 1823. Dr Brittz was also instrumental in the design of the current Port Rex school badge. By the early 1980s, the premises in Lukin Road had become too cramped to house three separate educational institutions. Urgent attempts were made to look for an alternative location for Port Rex Technical High School. The De La Salle College [1935 - 1976] in Devereaux Avenue became available. The premises were purchased from the Irish Catholic Brothers, for R6 million. Dr Brittz was again influential in negotiations with the Public Works Department so that the De La Salle property was allocated to Port Rex Technical High School. After major extensions amounting to R3 million, the pupils and teachers trekked to the new premises on 9 August 1982. In recognition of our former tenants, the school hall was named the De La Salle Hall. In 1983, Mr Piet Venter was appointed as the new headmaster and an immediate effort were made to find suitable sportsfields. Port Rex Technical High School made use of the John Griffin sportsfields before building its own rugby fields, which were officially declared open in 1988. In 1989, girls were permitted to attend Port Rex Technical High School. In 1993, Port Rex Technical High School became a Model C School with other race groups being enrolled. He was succeeded, in 1999, Mr Rob Piderit. Since Mr Piderit’s passing the following people have served as acting-headmasters: Mr Dennis Fairlamb (May - December 2015), Mr Willie Dalton (January 2016 - March 2018) and our current headmaster is Mr Ettiene Theron. The school colours, Cambridge University blue and maroon, have an interesting history. Mr Lorton, early Head of Technology at the East London Technical College, studied at the Imperial College in London, where maroon was worn. Similarly, Mr Shannon, early Head of Commerce at the East London Technical College, studied at Cambridge University, hence that institution's blue colour. Our motto, "Mente-et-Manu" - meaning "With mind and hand", has its origin in the former East London Technical College. The four Houses: CHRISTOPHER, BISSEKER, COWIE, and BOWIE were named after four Board Councillors who served the East London Technical College and contributed much to Technical Education in the Border Region.

Photos from Port Rex Technical High School's post

20/08/2026

On the 15th of August, the annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists regional competition took place at Walter Sisulu University, showcasing student scientific research and engineering projects from across the region. Two learners represented Port Rex Technical High School: Grade 11 learner Milani Mjiji and Grade 10 learner Ahluma Vumazonke.

Milani entered the Chemistry and Biochemistry category with a comparative study evaluating the water purification properties of moringa seeds against pineapple peels. The project reflected two years of rigorous research and development, conducted under the dedicated mentorship and guidance of her Physical Sciences teacher, Mrs Daisy John.

Ahluma Vumazonke competed in the Energy category, designing and presenting a functional model of a power-generating trailer that converts kinetic energy into usable electricity. Applying principles from his Electrical Technology coursework, Ahluma developed the prototype to address the widespread challenge of affordable electricity access across South African communities, supported by mentors Mrs Lereen Goosen and Mr Stuart Harding.

Both learners achieved exceptional results, each earning a gold medal as well as special recognition awards for the top projects in their respective categories. Capping off her success, Milani was awarded a prestigious bursary from Rhodes University to pursue any degree within the Faculty of Science.

Bolstered by these individual triumphs, Port Rex Technical High School concluded the event by being awarded as the top-performing school in the region.

18/08/2026

05/08/2026

Join us as Port Rex Technical High School hosts Cathcart High School in what promises to be an exciting day of competitive rugby.
📅 Date: Thursday, 06 August 2026
Fixture Schedule
J.M. Brittz Field
U16A – 15:00
1st XV – 16:10
P.A. Venter Field
U14A – 15:00

31/07/2026

29/07/2026

Due to the fields being waterlogged, we have taken the decision to postpone some matches to give the fields time to dry.

Please see the updated times.

27/07/2026

What an exciting week lies ahead at Port Rex Technical High School!

We are proud to welcome our past pupils back for our annual Founders' Day Assembly and Reunion weekend.

We also look forward to hosting Cambridge High School for our annual derby. It promises to be a fantastic occasion and a wonderful advertisement for school sport.

We can't wait to share this special week with our school community and hope to see many of you there.

24/07/2026

🏌️ PORT REX RUGBY GOLF DAY

Support our rugby boys by joining us at West Bank Golf Club.

📅 Friday, 2 October 2026
✔ Individual – R600
✔ 4 Ball – R2 400
✔ Company Sponsor & Play – R3 500
✔ Hole Sponsor – R3 000
Braai & Drinks Included.

Registration link.

https://forms.gle/AqytVHBtysWQvwdD9

Call & WhatsApp:
Mr S. Gija
📞 066 250 2744

23/07/2026

First derby of Term 3 is here as we welcome Marlow to Port Rex in what is going to be a great day of schoolboy rugby.

21/07/2026

Thank you to the family of the late Noel McNamara for the donation of a Radial Arm Saw to Port Rex.

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Location

East London

Telephone

+27437265324

Website

http://www.portrexths.co.za/

Address

East London

Opening Hours

Monday	07:20 - 15:00
Tuesday	07:20 - 15:00
Wednesday	07:20 - 15:00
Thursday	07:20 - 15:00
Friday	07:20 - 15:00

Port Rex Technical High School

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