Hilton College head's rebuke of opulent parent behaviour wins support
Image: Hilton College/Facebook
Despite mixed reactions on social media, parents at KwaZulu-Natal's Hilton College have reacted positively to headmaster George Harris calling out 'opulent' behaviour at sporting events.
Harris, headmaster at the country's most expensive private school, made headlines when he admonished parents for their flashy behaviour on the sports field sidelines.
Referring to a specific event, a derby-day between Hilton College and fellow posh all-boys high school, Michealhouse, the headmaster called on parents to scale down on trying to one-up each other as it sent a wrong message to learners.
"When hospitality and generosity became self-serving displays of opulence, and began to pull away from what we aspire to be as a community," he wrote in the letter.
Harris added, "For next year, can we ditch the opulence in favour of more wholesome hospitality devoid of showmanship and loud extravagance. When the extravagance stretches into overconsumption, the messaging we send to our children is awkwardly wrong. The community can do better."
Hilton College headmaster George Harris has called out parents on their displays of opulence
Image: Hilton College\Facebook
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Hilton College Director of Advancement, Pete Storrar, told IOL that Harris's message could apply to many schools.
"His letter was not an open letter. It was addressed to our community. The response from Hilton College parents and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. His message seems to have resonated with parents far and wide who want to instill in their children the values we espouse," Storrar said.
Social media reaction
"Was anything the parents did against the school code of conduct, or perhaps illegal? There, enough said," commented Sewraj Girdhurparsadh.
"Me thinks the principal might just be jealous he is not as rich as them," added Uchechi Nwaka.
"He is so correct, two years ago we were playing their 1st team cricket. Having come from Jhb. The Hilton parents announced that they had prepared us lunch, but there was cost to it R150 per person. These are the wealthiest showing how self-focused they are. The headmaster is 100% correct," said Facebook user, Kurt N Kirsten Transport
"Good values, humility and kindness begin at home. How are children supposed to grow up and practice these qualities if parents cannot even watch a sports match and remain 'firmly on the ground'.
"Wars are going on in the world! People are too caught up in themselves and materialism! Our children need to practice more kindness and giving and much less competition comparison and one-upping," said Jodi Tarrant-Phillips.
According to its website, Hilton College fees for 2025 are R430 054.00 per annum.
This fee covers tuition, food and board, games, minor medical attention, the use of the sanatorium, library and laundry. Furthermore, upon acceptance, parents/guardians will need to pay a R105 182.50 non-refundable entrance fee.
IOL
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Say goodbye to pre-wedding nerves: Your bridal survival guide
Don't let pre-wedding nerves ruin your big day. Image: stockking / Freepik For most of us ladies, the idea of our wedding day is something we've probably dreamt about since we were little girls. It's that big, exciting milestone we've pictured countless times. But eventhough planning our big day is meant to be fun and exciting, there are moments when it can be challenging. While it's normal to feel a bit flustered as the big day gets closer, you don't want it to get so bad that you become completely stressed out. Getting a handle on these pre-wedding jitters is key to making sure your day is brilliant and memorable, not just a blur of stress. Here's how you can calm those nerves and actually enjoy the run-up to your "I do." Acknowledge your nerves First things first, it's completely normal to feel a bit anxious or nervous. Don't try to bottle it up or pretend you're fine when you're not. Give yourself permission to feel those emotions. It's a huge life event, and a bit of a wobble is natural. Talking things through with your partner, your bestie or a family member about how you're feeling can really help. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Prioritise self-care When you're swamped with seating plans and flower arrangements, it's easy to forget about caring for yourself. Whether it's a relaxing bath, a good walk in the fresh air, chilling with a book, or even just binge-watching your favourite show, it's important to take a bit of 'me time'. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating properly, and staying hydrated. It makes a massive difference to how you cope with stress. Take some time out. Image: Monstera Production / Pexels Delegate tasks You don't have to do everything yourself! Get your partner involved, rope in your bridesmaids, ask family members to help out, or if your budget allows, consider a wedding planner. Even just offloading a few tasks can make a world of difference. Focus on what matters Sometimes it's the tiny details, like the colour of the napkins or the font on the menu, that can weigh you down. But try to step back and remember that the day is about you and your partner, your love, and the commitment you're making. Try to shift your focus from aiming for absolute "perfection" to simply creating a memorable day to celebrate your love story. Remember that the day is about you and your partner. Image: Alexander Mass / Pexels Limit social media Social media can be a blessing and a curse. While it's great for inspiration, it can also set totally unrealistic expectations and make you compare your wedding to everyone else's. Give yourself a break from endless scrolling through wedding photos and focus on what you want for your day. Remember the end goal When you feel the stress creeping in, just take a breath and remind yourself of the end goal: marrying your best friend and starting an amazing new chapter together. Keep that lovely vision in your mind, and let it spur you on through those final bits of planning. IOL Lifestyle
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
It's time to rethink retirement in South Africa
Some individuals choose to continue working, many of then out of necessity, says the writer. Image: RDNE Stock project/ WHEN should we stop working? It is a question that many South Africans encounter at some point, yet the answer is increasingly complex and deeply personal. Let us first clarify what the law states regarding retirement age in South Africa. There is no universal retirement age mandated by South African law. In the private sector, the retirement age is determined by employment contracts, company policies, or pension fund rules. If these terms are not specified, section 187(2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act stipulates that it is only legally fair to dismiss an employee on the grounds of age if they have reached the "normal or agreed retirement age" for their specific role. In the public sector, the governing legislation is the Public Service Act of 1994, which establishes the normal retirement age at 60. It also permits early retirement starting at age 55. These provisions have remained unchanged. Traditionally, retirement has been linked to a specific age, often 60 or 65, when individuals typically leave formal employment. This model may have been more appropriate for previous generations when life expectancy was shorter, pension systems were more generous, and extended family support networks were stronger. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, times have changed. Many South Africans now struggle to afford retirement at this age due to various modern challenges, including social, economic, and personal circumstances. The question should not be 'How old is too old to work?' Instead, we should ask: Is the individual still capable, passionate, and productive? If the answer is yes, there is little reason to arbitrarily limit their ability to earn, contribute, and find meaning through work. Recently, the Standard Bank Group announced a change to its executive retirement age, increasing the normal retirement age for executives from 60 to 63 years. This adjustment is part of the group's ongoing commitment to attracting, retaining, and nurturing top-tier talent. There is a clear trend in the corporate environment towards extending the productive working life, as people are remaining healthy, energetic, and engaged for much longer. While some individuals may choose to continue working, many do so out of necessity. In South Africa, the prospect of a comfortable retirement is discouraging. Many citizens are not financially prepared to retire. Recent research indicates that fewer than 10% of South Africans can retire comfortably. For everyone else, state pensions - though essential - are often insufficient to cover basic needs, let alone unexpected medical expenses or the rising cost of living. The reasons for this situation are diverse. Low earnings, limited access to employer-sponsored pension funds, inconsistent employment histories, and a lack of financial literacy have left a generation vulnerable. Even those who save diligently have watched their savings diminish due to inflation and economic instability. Consequently, many older South Africans continue to work simply because they have no alternative. So, what can be done? It is crucial to understand that starting retirement planning early can lead to better outcomes. Even small amounts saved consistently over time can grow significantly. Encouraging young individuals to start saving and investing for retirement as soon as they begin working helps them appreciate the importance of managing their finances effectively. However, not everyone has the chance to start saving early. For those nearing retirement with limited savings, taking practical steps such as careful budgeting, eliminating unnecessary expenses, and seeking guidance from accredited financial advisors can help them effectively manage and extend their available resources. Employers play a crucial role in supporting their employees' financial well-being throughout their careers. They should offer retirement planning workshops, encourage contributions to pension plans and annuities, and provide flexible options for older workers who wish to reduce their hours rather than retire completely. A phased retirement model can facilitate knowledge transfer while easing the transition from full-time work. We need to challenge the stigma around working later in life. Many retirees seeking to re-enter the workforce - whether for financial reasons or personal fulfilment - often get overlooked. Yet, they bring valuable experience and maturity, essential for mentorship and leadership roles. Retirement should be viewed as a transition into a new phase, such as consulting or community involvement. It should remain a choice rather than a result of economic necessity or age discrimination. Retirement is no longer a single event; it is a gradual process and a journey that requires careful planning, support, and respect. If society can move beyond rigid assumptions and start viewing retirement through the lenses of capability and dignity, we can create a system that genuinely works for all South Africans. Jennifer Reddy Image: File Jennifer Reddy is the CEO of Morar Incorporated. THE POST
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Discover the best fairs in Durban this weekend
Getting ready for a feast of fairs this Saturday are Anne Barbour, Kathy Naidu, Linda Nhlumayo and Mhelo Sibindi. Image: Supplied. A Festival of Fairs Musgrave Road is the destination for bargain hunters, browsers and shopaholics with both Musgrave Methodist and St Thomas Churches hosting fairs, just a stone's throw apart from each other. Operating times have been synchronised, with St Thomas opening its doors at 8.30am for early birds and Musgrave Methodist opening its doors at 10.30am in time for morning tea and wrapping up at 2.30pm. Musgrave Methodist is doing a Christmas in July theme and will be hanging out their tinsel, munching on mince pies and pulling their Christmas crackers while the St Thomas Market will boast fashion, craft stalls, jewelry, books, cakes, sweets, fruit and veg and preserves. And for those who really want to make a festival of fairs, there is also the regular St Olav Market and the weekly Essenwood Market, both nearby. Where: Musgrave Methodist and St Thomas Churches in Musgrave. When: Saturday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Director of "God's Work" Michael James with Lucky Dlungwane and Zwelithini Ndadane, who are homeless consultants, actor Thobani Nzuza and Dr Raymond Perrier, director of the Denis Hurley Centre. Image: Illa Thompson. "God's Work" The feature film, "God's Work", which made its debut at the 2025 Durban International Film Festival, has a free screening at the Denis Hurley Centre. Inspired whilst filming a documentary about homeless shelters at the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban during the pandemic, "God's Work" doesn't ask for pity; it demands attention. It confronts viewers with the brutal poetry of life on the margins and the stubborn humanity that persists there. After the screening, the director and producer will be there will be a chance for people to talk in small groups with the homeless people present and hear their voices directly. Where: Denis Hurley Centre. When: Saturday at 1pm.
