At the heart of the Maritzburg College brotherhood lies something deeply powerful – a lifelong bond that stretches across years, continents, and life’s most challenging moments.
This year, we honour Hayden Driemeyer (OC 2009), a proud College Old Boy whose remarkable courage and resilience continue to inspire us all.
In April 2020, while living and working in the United States, Hayden was involved in a devastating car accident. His injuries were critical – the most severe being a traumatic brain injury. Due to the strict COVID-19 restrictions at the time, repatriating Hayden to South Africa seemed almost impossible.
But it was the College brotherhood that changed everything.
Through the network of Old Boys, Hayden’s story reached a fellow OC, Michael Usher (OC 1985) – the pilot of one of the final South African Airways repatriation flights. Michael picked up the phone and said the words that still echo in Hayden’s sister’s hearts today: “I’ll bring your brother home.”
In a quiet yet powerful gesture, Mike wore his Old Boys tie on the flight – a symbol of solidarity and pride that spoke volumes. This was not just an act of kindness – it was a demonstration of what it means to be a Maritzburg College Old Boy. Brotherhood in action.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Hayden’s journey continues to inspire. Through immense determination, he has made extraordinary strides in his recovery. To raise awareness about head injuries and to honour Hayden’s progress, his sister Fran Steart and her husband, along with a team of close friends, are running their first Comrades Marathon.
But this is no ordinary run.
Shaun Black, a close family friend and veteran runner, will be taking on his 11th Comrades Marathon, donning his green number for the first time. He will be pushing Hayden in a wheelchair – lovingly dubbed the “Red Ferrari” – all 90km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
This is more than a race. It’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of community. Together, Shaun and Hayden are running not just for personal triumph, but to raise awareness and funds for Headway Natal, an organisation in Westville supporting those affected by brain injuries.
Hayden, your journey is one of extraordinary courage. You represent everything we stand for as Old Boys – resilience, brotherhood, and never backing down. You are a true inspiration to all of us, especially to the young OCs.
To our global OC community:
Thank you for always showing up. From a pilot’s call in 2020 to the running shoes on the road in 2025 – your support continues to define what it means to be part of this brotherhood.
And to the next generation of college men:
May you be inspired to live boldly, care deeply, and give back generously. Hayden’s story reminds us that life may challenge us, but with brotherhood beside us, we rise – and we run…together.
We don’t just run for ourselves. We run for those who can’t (yet). And we run to remind the world that Old Boys never leave a brother behind.
