RIEBEEK COLLEGE MATRIC BANQUET – 1ST OCTOBER 2021
By Mrs G. Bean
 
Our annual Matric Farewell dance was a slightly different event for 2021: a Matric Banquet, a Riebeek-All-Girl event. The function was held at Arabest, owned by Francois Deyzel. 
 
There was no specific theme. Décor included long wooden tables, rose gold under-plates and candle holders, sage green serviettes, golden candelabras and succulent vegetation.  Tiffany chairs added a modern touch to a slightly rustic look.  The venue looked elegant and tasteful. 
 
The Matrics looked stunning in their outfits.  The young ladies walked the stone pathway and red carpet towards the Mocktail  Area with great confidence.  Spectators were able to view the girls and take photographs.  Some girls went into the gardens for photographs.
 
Mr Weidemann, Mrs James, Mrs Gerber and Miacarla Tee, Head of the Media Club, took photographs.  Photo Stations were attractive and colourful.
 
Once in the venue, Mrs Stear welcomed everyone and proposed the toast.  Wade-Lee delivered her speech and Kawkho said grace
 
The Waitresses then served the Starter, a Mini Cheese Platter.  The Waitresses were Sarah McFarlane, Monica Stokwe, Nobuhle Moyo and Ammaarah Allie.  These Grade 11s were friendly, accommodating, efficient and really awesome.
 
This year 23 Surprise Certificates were awarded to Matrics.  Award Categories were spot on. The Matrics know each other well.  Some Matric Teachers also received certificates. The Matrics are perceptive and the certificates were appreciated.
 
The Main Meal was Cordon Bleu Chicken Fillet and Cheese Sauce, served with Potato Mash and Roast Vegetables.  Dessert was Chocolate Mousse served with Berries, Cream and a Chocolate Wafer Stick.  The meal was appetising, enjoyable and attractively presented.  The caterers were Wendy de Vos and Marianette Olivier, their business is ‘Hole In One Catering’.
 
Matrics enjoyed themselves dancing, socialising and having fun.  The DJ was most accommodating and played most of their favourite songs, with their choices having been sent through earlier.
 
Towards the end of the Matric Banquet, girls received their gift:  a sterling sliver bracelet.
 
The Matric banquet was a little different, but certainly enjoyable and memorable because the staff and matrics could mingle more and really celebrate each other.
 
Matric Banquet Awards:
 
Ababalwe Mbambani
Most likely to become an award-winning actress
 
Hasti Pansuriya
Most likely to write a best selling book
 
Mihle Mtyapi
Most likely to have her own reality tv show
 
Bernice Donkor
The Maths guru and most likely to win an Olympic medal
 
Tamlyn Whitebooi
Our very own Beyonce
 
Elihle Jantjies
Future influencer
 
Inganathi Mantewu
Most likely to become President
 
Megan Clingen
The next Miss South Africa
 
Buhle Ndumo
Most likely to be talk show host
 
 
Silindokuhle Nodongwe
Most likely to be a talk show host
 
Sibabalwe September
The next Picasso
 
Kirsten Manasse
The next Masterchef
 
Erinn Kettledas
Most likely to sleep during a zombie apocalypse
(however would still survive)
 
Babalwe Kefile
Sleeping Beauty
 
Leah Rensburg
Most likely to cure the COVID-19 virus
 
Jaymee Swanepoel
Most likely to own a zoo
(but would forget to lock-up all the animals)
 
Kamvelihle Mgobo
Biggest night owl and most dedicated student
 
Grace Terblanche
The Fashionista
 
Simone Lovemore
Most iconic laugh
 
Chulumanco Kilani
Most likely to start her own language
 
Sarah Bagley
Most likely to climb Mount Everest
 
Sadeeka De Long
Most likely to become a Princess
 
Mrs Gerber
ABOVE AND BEYOND  AWARD & THE MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AWARD
ALWAYS GOING THE EXTRA MILE IN ALL HER ENDEAVORS
SOMEONE WHO WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON
 
Mrs Stroebel
THE ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
A TEACHER WITH EXCELLENT ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS AND WHO ALWAYS LISTENS TO OUR IDEAS
 
Mrs Bean
BEST ENCOURAGER
ALWAYS ENCOURAGING HER STUDENTS TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES
 
Miss Oliphant
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE AWARD
FOR SPREADING SUNSHINE AND SMILES
 
Mrs James
THE GROWTH AWARD
SOMEONE WHO HAS GROWN WITH US AND MOLDED US ALONG THE WAY
 
 
Miss Potgieter
THE PI PATEL AWARD
FOR CONTINUAL PERSISTENCE IN HER TEACHING AND CALMING ALL STORMS WITH A CUP OF COFFEE
 
Mrs Peltason
THE SMARTIE AWARD
A TEACHER WHO BROADNS OUR VOCABULARY AND TREATS US WITH SWEETS
 
Mrs Ferreira
THE MOTHER AWARD
WHO HOLDS THE SPATULA TO OUR HEARTS
 
Head Girl’s Matric Banquet Speech: A TWIST IN THE TALE
By Wade Lee Muller
 
Good evening to Mrs Stear, our matric teachers, and the ladies of the hour.
 
It is an honour and privilege to welcome everyone to the Matric Banquet of 2021.
 
Honestly, I thought it would be appropriate to start off the speech with a quote...one to describe the year we had or the type of grade that we are. But nothing quite could describe this year nor could describe this grade.
 
So instead, I’ll start off with this: To the Class of 2021, a diverse group of incredible Riebeek ladies who have endured a year full of adversity and yet held a spirit of hope, resilience, and laughter amidst it all.
 
It is safe to say, that none of us would ever have imagined our matric year to turn out like this, nor would we have ever imagined our farewell to unfold in such away.
 
The year 2020 really said “PLOT TWIST” and now we find ourselves living in a “Twist in the Tale.” Once upon a time in the young Grade 7 days, we dreamt of the perfect Matric Farewell. We wished for the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, the perfect hairstyle, the perfect makeup look, and perhaps even the perfect partner. Now many of those things came true, yet the twist is that we face many restrictions, and of course... there aren’t any boys around! But I mean even “Cinderella never asked for a prince. She asked for a night off and a dress..” we got a night off and a dress. She got the prince though.
 
Although everything is quite different from a typical Matric Farewell, I am beyond fortunate to celebrate this night with all of you beautiful young ladies. We have made it thus far together. One thing I would tell our Grade 4 selves, is that we would eventually grow into those overly large blazers and ankle-length skirts. Now we strut proudly and with elegance in our black matric heels and white jerseys. Ever since Inganathi Knono’s phone rang in Grade 7, with the ringtone “Work” by Rihanna, I knew the journey ahead would be a blast. And indeed without a doubt, I would not have wanted to spend the last 9 years with any other group of girls. The laughs we’ve shared, the trouble we’ve caused, the memories we’ve made have been absolute joy.
 
But enough reminiscing, we came here to celebrate. So despite the restrictions, we may face, this will remain to be-cue in high school musical - ‘The night of nights, a night to remember, a night to last forever. It is still going to be our night.’
 
Although, this night would not have been possible without our teachers. Therefore, I would like to extend a heartily thank you to Mrs Stear, Mrs Stroebel, Mrs Bean, Mrs Kruger, and all our matric teachers for their efforts and dedication in ensuring this special evening was possible. On behalf of the matric body, we are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to dress up but more importantly to celebrate the evening together. Our teachers have guided us, molded us, and empowered us, and for that, we are forever thankful.
 
Once again, to the Class of 2021, may you remember that although our fairytale farewell, had a slight “Twist in the Tale”, we still have the opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience tonight. So embrace the night, and make some beautiful memories!