A RICHARDS Bay learner and former Arboretum Primary pupil made history when he was appointed as the first Afrikaans-speaking Head of School for 2017 at the prestigious Westville Boys High School (WBHS), which ranks under the top 50 best schools in the world.
Sheldon Veldsman, also the first border to become Head of School, received a standing ovation from the audience when his name was announced.
Sheldon enrolled at WBHS in Grade 8 and had to switch from Afrikaans to English as his main medium of instruction.
Despite this challenge and being far from home, he went from strength to strength.
Sheldon is known as a humble person despite his remarkable achievements and popularity.
Headmaster Trevor Hall said he has never before seen a Head of School receive such an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience.
He said because WBHS is rated among the Top 50 schools in the world and the only one in Africa on that list, Sheldon will be able to get a bursary at any university in the world.
He will likely also travel overseas next year to represent WBHS.
The Zululander is also a versatile sportsman, especially in rugby, and will be playing in an international junior rugby tournament in Dubai next week.
Sheldon’s mother, Zululand Observer’s Advertising head,Yolandé Veldsman, said they were obviously very proud of their boy. ‘He did this all by himself.’
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