Ayabulela Dada

School: Rondebosch Boys’ High School, 2020 – 2024

Currently: Grade 11

An early interest in rugby while at George Preparatory School catapulted Ayabulela Dada to Grade 8 at Rondebosch Boys’ High School in 2020.

A move to Outeniqua Primary School in Grade 4 saw his sporting abilities flourish – he was the opening bowler for the first cricket team, represented South Western Districts at athletics, and rugby at the annual Craven Week tournament in 2019.

Aya’s talents are not confined to the field. He has excelled in mathematics – participating in several Olympiads – and has leadership abilities underlined by his selection as a prefect in his last year at the prep school.

‘He is a very humble boy, shy and doesn’t talk much,’ says his caregiver, Thuliwe Nogqala. ‘He knows how to balance his life, ensuring that his sport doesn’t get in the way of his studies. It has been an enormous privilege for me to raise this young man.’

Rondebosch, one of the country’s finest schools, has a rich heritage of rugby Springboks and includes the likes of Gcobani Bobo, Hanyani Shimange and, more recently, Zane Davids among those alumni to have donned the green and gold. Aya is Rondebosch’s first Rialto Project bursary recipient.