Many remember their high school years as nothing but fun and the best years of their lives. While others share traumatic experiences of bullism and segregation. Renowned Sports broadcaster and author Robert Marawa says his time at the prestigious Hilton College where he matriculated in 1991 has left some scars, so much so that he has not been able to visit the school until recently in October 2024.

MAKING A VOW

He attended the private school from 1987 until 1991 at the end of the Apartheid era. He says his experience of being one of the few black children was traumatic, so much so, that he did not attend any reunions prior to last year. "I took a stance that I would not go back to the school once I had left," he said. "Because of all this anger that I'd had, I didn't see the need why I must go back."

ISOLATED

Coming from rural KwaZulu-Natal, he first attended a primary school at a farm in Eshowe. The adjustment to Hilton was a challenge. "I had no idea what rugby was," he said. "I had no idea what water polo was; I had no idea what swimming was. But we were isolated and made to sit there by the pool and dip our feet in the water."

CHANGE

As a sports broadcaster, one would assume, he was athletic, but he says only years later he decided to take up Hockey and Tennis and basketball became his favourite. "I played first team for two years; I captained it in my last year and then played for Natal midlands." He says it is only after a new open-minded headmaster George Harris, he felt validated. "He carries with him an aura of respectability.'