On Friday, 1 December 2017, Garlicke & Bousfield hosted a celebratory function at Butcher Block in Umhlanga, to mark their year end and their 150th birthday. Staff at the event were surprised by three guests of honour from Durban High School. Head Master, Tony Pinheiro together with the DHS Chairman of the Governing Body, Winston Owen and CEO of the DHS Foundation Trust, Louis Ardé were invited to attend as special guests bearing gifts.
“There are not many organisations nor institutions in Durban that can boast being 150 years old,” Mr Pinheiro said, whilst handing over a gift from the School to the Firm. The gift is a plaque bearing the insignia of Garlicke & Bousfield, the School badge, and the wording “Welcome to the 150 Club.” Durban High School celebrated its 150th year last year.
In his address, Mr Pinheiro acknowledged Garlicke & Bousfield as being exceptional for withstanding so many years and overcoming many changes and challenges along the way. “It is an achievement to reach 150 years and it says something about the values of your organisation,” he said. Pinheiro wished the firm “all the best” for their “next 150 years.”
Winston Owen, who also consults to Garlicke & Bousfield, stated that there are some common traits between G&B and DHS that have enabled both to survive and thrive for 150 years. “Both have a culture that pursues excellence, integrity and a desire and belief in being the best, even through hard times.” Mr Owen named the current DHS Old Boys at Garlicke & Bousfield as Richard Cookson and Rob Mun-Gavin, both class of ’69 and Director, Bruce Rist from the class of ’85..
Mr Louis Ardé handed over a signed copy of “The History of Rugby at DHS”. The book was written by Mr Jeremy Oddy, noted historian of the school. Mr Ardé encouraged the Firm to “buy shares in DHS” because it is “on an upward trajectory”.
In response, Mr Bongani Mgaga, CEO of Garlicke & Bousfield, mentioned that his research had left him astounded at the great people that DHS has produced, including “no fewer than ten South African Judges, including the Honourable Malcolm Wallis (PhD), currently Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal. Personally, I can say that he is the Judge that I most admire,” Mgaga candidly stated. “In fact, the luminaries and leaders that DHS has produced over the years in every sphere of society, runs to pages and pages, and is simply incredible.”
As a congratulatory gesture of the company’s 150th birthday, the gifts the DHS representatives presented were a Durban High School 2016 Year Book, a coffee table book commemorating the School’s 150th Anniversary, the plaque and the Rugby book.
Garlicke & Bousfield Incorporated is one of South Africa’s leading law firms, offering a full range of specialised legal and related services. Durban High School is the oldest school in Durban and one of the top in the Country, having produced a number of sportsman, businessmen, judges, politicians, scientists, artists and educators. Together, both institutions will now move forward as members of “The 150 Club”.
