The Wykeham Collegiate Old Girls

We are reaching out to ask for your support as we take on the 2026 Rhino Peak Challenge, taking place on Saturday, 19 September 2026, in the Southern Drakensberg.

We are Sarah O'Connell (nee Schofield, TWC Class of 2009), Manager at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse and a Counselling Psychologist with a private practice in Pietermaritzburg, and Jessica Liebenberg, a dedicated teacher at St John's Diocesan School for Girls (DSG). Together, we have committed to taking on this incredible challenge to raise funds for wildlife conservation.

The Rhino Peak Challenge is far more than a demanding 21 km hike to the summit of Rhino Peak in the Southern Drakensberg. It is an annual conservation fundraiser where participants pledge to raise funds to help protect South Africa's endangered rhinos, vultures and cranes.

Since its inception in 2016, the Rhino Peak Challenge has raised millions of rand in support of Wildlife ACT, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and the Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme. We are incredibly proud to play a small part in supporting the vital conservation work of these organisations.

As members of our local community, we would be incredibly grateful if your business would consider supporting our fundraising efforts. Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly towards vital conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching efforts, wildlife monitoring, habitat protection, research and environmental education.

You can read more about our story and why we have chosen to take on this challenge by visiting our fundraising page:
https://rhinopeakchallenge.co.za/participants.aspx?participant=d35e703d-aff0-4f92-82d8-877979495d6c

Donating is quick and easy. Simply click on the link above to read more about our journey and make a secure online donation directly through our fundraising page. Alternatively, if you would prefer to make an EFT payment, please use the banking details below:

Account Holder: Wildlife ACT Trust Fund
Bank: FNB
Account Number: 63203518931
Branch Code: 210554
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: RPC2026-00066

Please email proof of payment to [email protected]. EFT payments may take up to 48 hours to reflect on the live fundraising page.

As a token of our appreciation, we would love to acknowledge businesses that support our campaign. With your permission, we will thank our sponsors on our social media platforms throughout our training journey leading up to 19 September 2026, as well as after the Rhino Peak Challenge, recognising the businesses that have helped make a difference for South Africa's wildlife.

Whether your contribution is R100, R500, R1,000 or more, every donation helps us move closer to our fundraising goal and contributes to the protection of our country's precious wildlife for future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting this meaningful cause. Your generosity, encouragement and commitment to conservation would mean so much to us, and to the wildlife that will benefit from it.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to contact either of us. We would be delighted to hear from you.

To the Matric Class of 2026, we wish you all the very best as you begin your Trial Examinations! ✨

Trust in the hard work you’ve put in, stay focused, believe in yourselves, and remember to take it one day at a time. 💙💛🤍

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A true friend is both a shield and a guide, standing beside you through every challenge and celebrating every success.

This Women's Day, we celebrate the strength of sisterhood. The friendships that encourage us, support us, and remind us that we are always stronger together.

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." – Michelle Obama
Happy Women's Day from The Wykeham Collegiate. 💙💛🤍

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“I've never been very good at following the expected path. Even at TWC, I was happiest when I was creating, performing or dreaming up my next adventure. Looking back, that free spirit has quietly shaped every chapter of my life.

Some Old Girls may remember my name on the honours board outside the chapel, where I received Music Honours for representing TWC and South Africa internationally through choral and classical music. After matriculating in 2004, I continued singing as a mezzo-soprano with the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir before joining the Akustika Chamber Singers in Pretoria. One of the highlights of my musical journey came in 2008, when we were crowned Choir of the World at the renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales.

After completing my University studies, I followed my entrepreneurial instincts and launched Lumoo Lifestyle Boutique in Melville Johannesburg - a cafe dedicated to celebrating South African creativity through ready-to-wear fashion designed and made in South Africa by local designers. It was an exciting time, and seeing our collections featured in magazine editorials remains a special memory.

Curiosity and my knack for writing then led me into journalism. In 2012, I entered the Sunday Times Junior Journalist Cadet Programme and, from thousands of applicants, 10 were selected and I was also elected as Head Cadet. That opportunity launched a career across the Sunday Times, Business Day, Sowetan, Sunday World and Business Day TV.

My love of storytelling later evolved into strategic communications when I joined Magna Carta, one of South Africa's leading reputation management and communications consultancies. There, I worked in strategic communications and media advisory, supporting government departments, state-owned enterprises and major brands including Eskom, Bonitas, British American To***co, Standard Bank and Stanbic. The role deepened my understanding of reputation, stakeholder engagement and corporate communications, eventually leading me to Nedbank HQ , where I served as National Communications Manager within Corporate Affairs, leading communications strategy across Business Banking and Retail Banking.

Yet despite enjoying corporate life, a yearning for creativity continued to call me back.

In 2018, following my divorce, I founded Khween Shebar. That chapter of my life gave me the freedom to focus fully on building something deeply meaningful to me, and to this day it remains one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Khween Shebar is a proudly South African , conscious skincare company built on the belief that true luxury lies in simplicity, craftsmanship and respect for nature. As a self-taught skin formulator, I have spent years developing high-performance , minimalist products using premium ingredients that work in harmony with the skin. Sustainability is not simply part of our business; it guides every decision we make.

What began with me making cold-process soap at home has grown into a nationally recognised online business. Today, Khween Shebar products are available throughout South Africa online, through our website at www.khweenshebar.com, and at Beauty on Tap stores in Canal Walk CapeTown, Sandton City, Fourways Mall, Mall of Africa in Midrand , Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban, and Hemingways Mall in East London. We have also been serving a growing international customer base, and we are excited to continue expanding our global footprint.

Our best-seller Koosh Kream - is designed for the whole family, from babies to the elderly, including those living with eczema and highly sensitive skin. We advocate a minimalist approach to skincare, choosing fewer, exceptional products over unnecessary complexity.

As a woman who has intentionally chosen a life less defined by convention, I have had the privilege of pouring my energy into building a business and lifestyle that reflect my values. Looking back, I credit much of my independence, resilience and willingness to forge my own path to the foundation laid during my beautiful years at TWC.” Mosa Skosana (TWC Class of 2004)

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the diverse journeys of our alumni and the many ways they continue to make a difference in South Africa and around the world. 💙💛🤍

Meet Ashley Bennet (TWC Class of 2020) and Kate Jarvie (TWC Class of 2018), two Wykeham Collegiate Old Girls whose friendship began long before they did. Their mothers met at Wykeham, and years later, their shared creative journeys and love for natural living inspired them to launch Nathi – an all-natural, macadamia oil-based skincare brand.

Built on simple, conscious formulations and a passion for creating products that are kind to both skin and nature, Nathi is the result of lifelong friendship, creativity, and determination. While balancing full-time careers, Ashley and Kate have spent the past year growing their business from the ground up – a journey we are so proud to celebrate.

We love seeing our Old Girls turning their passions into purpose and wish Ashley and Kate every success as they continue to grow Nathi. 🌿✨

Learn more about Nathi on their website and follow their page on Instagram
www.nathiskin.co.za
skin

We are delighted to share an update from Tayla Hoepfl (TWC Class of 2013), who has reached out from London and kindly shared a glimpse into her journey since leaving school.

After matriculating in 2013, Tayla studied Art and Visual Culture at Rhodes University, which led her into a career in the South African art world. She went on to work as an Art Curator at Everard Read, one of South Africa’s leading contemporary galleries, where she developed a strong appreciation for visual storytelling.

Her path later took her to London, where she continued working in galleries while building a new life abroad. In 2024, she welcomed her son and, like many new parents, took time away from her career during this important season of change and growth.

Tayla has since returned to the art world in a role that is closely aligned with her values. She is now working as an Art Curator at Body & Soul Studios in London, a photography studio and women’s community space that focuses on helping women see themselves through a new and empowering lens. In her role, she guides clients through their portrait reveal experience and helps create bespoke artwork and albums that celebrate strength, resilience, and beauty.

Body & Soul Studios describes itself as more than a photography studio, but rather a community where women are supported, uplifted, and empowered.

They are currently preparing for an exciting initiative this August, aiming to photograph 1,000 women in 12 hours in an attempt to set a world record. Women in London are invited to take part.

More information can be found via:
Body and Soul Studios Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bodyandsoulstudios_/

Body and Soul World Record Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZH__93IY5p/

Website:
https://bodyandsoulstudios.uk/

We are pleased to share this opportunity with our Old Girls community in London and encourage anyone interested to explore and support this initiative. 💛💙🤍

Some of our wonderful Class of 1996 ladies striking their best Rosie Pose at the 2026 Reunion Weekend:

Lisemelo Khojane
Caryn Rich
Tanya Wimble (Steyn)
Diana Chetwynd-Palmer (de Rauvilla)
Lisa Miller (Dales)
Sulungeka Dazana

What an incredible celebration of friendship, memories, laughter, and 30 years of sisterhood.

If you missed this year's reunion, don't make the same mistake twice! Mark your calendars and start making plans now for Reunion Weekend 2027. We can't wait to welcome even more Old Girls back home.

📅 Save the Date – Reunion Weekend 2027!

🌟💙💛🤍TWC Glow Party 2026 is Here! 💙💛🤍🌟

Get ready for the most electrifying night of the year as the TWC Old Girls’ Guild and Parents Association present the ultimate Glow Party! ✨🎶🕺💃

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with glowing lights, great music, dancing, delicious food, and endless fun. Whether you're lighting up the dance floor or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, this is one event you won't want to miss!

📅 Friday, 31 July 2026
📍 TWC Theatre

🕔 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Grades RRR – 2
🕖 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Grades 3 – 7

🎟️ Tickets: R150 via TWC Connect
https://twcconnect.co.za/product/glow-party-2/

Parents are welcome to attend free of charge, and we look forward to welcoming learners from our invited schools for a night to remember.

✨ Wear your brightest colours, bring your best dance moves, and let's glow crazy together! ✨