Grey High School has taken a bold step in prioritising arts and culture with the construction of a state-of-the-art ±R15 million Music & Arts Centre. However, this decision came at the expense of the school gym—a facility that played a vital role in supporting rugby, a sport that has long been central to Grey High’s identity as one of South Africa’s top rugby schools.
While it is commendable to see arts and culture being promoted, the move raises questions about the balance between fostering cultural excellence and maintaining a strong tradition in sports. Rugby at Grey High has never been just about the game. It is a cornerstone of the school’s identity, drawing large crowds, instilling pride, and uniting the broader school community—including old boys, parents, and supporters.
The success of rugby, and by extension the school, is no accident. There is a well-thought-out ecosystem behind it, from rigorous training programmes to state-of-the-art facilities. Rugby has historically been a key contributor to Grey High’s reputation, serving as a platform to attract prospective students and retain the loyalty of alumni.
However, Grey’s sporting facilities, which were once a source of pride, have fallen far behind. In this region, smaller schools such as Graeme College, Kingswood College, Pearson High, and Framesby have all invested in modern indoor sports facilities. Grey, on the other hand, has chosen to remove its gymnasium in favour of an elaborate music centre, overlooking the need for an indoor facility that could have been utilised by all scholars and their families. With a student total of about 900, only around 100 pupils are believed to be actively involved in music. This raises questions about whether the decision truly reflects the broader needs of the school community.
It’s also important to consider the rugby statistics since the current Headmaster took leadership seven years ago. Looking at the results, it becomes evident that the Grey community should be asking questions about the leadership of the Headmaster and the School Governing Body (SGB), headed up by a non-Old Grey Chairman. Are their decisions impacting negatively on the school’s rugby programme—Grey’s pride and joy, as previously highlighted? The removal of the gymnasium in favour of a grandiose music centre appears to be a questionable decision and perhaps not the most efficient use of resources, particularly when it involves donations from Grey Old Boys to the Grey Foundation.
Compounding this issue is talk of a lack of substantial financial support from Grey High Old Boys in recent years. Although the Grey Foundation is a large contributor towards the funding of the new Music & Arts Centre, many old boys, while vocal in their passion for the school, have failed to contribute meaningfully to its ongoing development. Their financial involvement—crucial for maintaining and advancing the school’s legacy—has often fallen short, despite their vocal support. Now is the time for Old Greys to step up and to change this culture.
Ultimately, decisions like these underline the importance of strategic planning that considers the diverse passions and priorities of a school’s community. For Grey High to maintain its stature as a leading institution, it will need to ensure that all aspects of its identity—academic, cultural, and sporting—continue to receive the support they deserve.
One thing is for sure, Grey needs a new gym quickly!
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