On Friday 28 July, the greater Helderberg community and its surrounds mourned the tragic loss of a remarkable individual, Thobela Terrence Nduna, who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered, including his alma maters Somerset West Methodist Primary School, also known by the name given to its rugby team the Metho Squirrels, and Gordon High School. Nduna was also the head boy at the former.
A strong advocate of expressing the South African cultures and having respect for every culture he embodied a truly ubuntu spirit. Born on 15 February 1980, Nduna’s life journey was one of creativity, inspiration, and the celebration of heritage. He will forever be remembered by the Metho Squirrels for his iconic contribution – the Metho Spirit haka, a work that transcended borders and united people through its powerful message.
In 1993, Nduna penned the Metho Spirit haka, a piece that would later become his defining masterpiece. Rooted in his South African heritage, the haka was a vibrant fusion of words and movements, drawing inspiration from traditional African storytelling and Maori haka practices. The Metho Spirit haka showcased Nduna’s innate ability to blend cultures and convey emotions that resonated deeply with those who experienced it. The Metho Spirit haka was written originally in English, but it was Nduna’s contribution to the translation process that embodied the very essence that would still have an impact when performed three decades later.
“The Metho Spirit haka wasn’t just a performance, but a representation of our shared history and resilience,” remarked Winston Baard, rugby coordinator of the Metho Squirrels for nearly 40 years, in his condolences to the Nduna family. “Terrence’s translation united our team, instilling a sense of pride and strength in every player. His passing is a great loss, not only for the artistic and rugby world but also for our Metho Squirrels family. We will forever be grateful for the Metho Spirit he ignited within us.”
The Metho Spirit haka’s impact was felt on a global scale. In 1996, the Metho Squirrels performed the Metho Spirit to a touring All Blacks side at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West. It was this performance that was blasted across nearly every news channel in New Zealand, which set in motion what would become a historic tour to the Land of The Long White Cloud. Xavier Sinden, the captain of the 1997 Metho Squirrels touring team, expressed his condolences on behalf of the class of 1997. He made it known it was this inspiration of Nduna that made it possible for them to pave the way for the Metho Squirrels to become a school that set the bar very high despite not having, until today, a field of their own.
“We were shocked when we learnt of Terrence’s passing, but once the shock subsided sadness overcame most of our group,” Sinden said of Nduna’s tragic death. “Terrence made it possible for us, through the Metho Spirit, to tour to New Zealand and then subsequently open the doors for many generations after that first historic tour in 1997. Terrence’s loss opens the wound of the tragic passing of another teammate of ours, Dale Hindley, who passed in 2018. We will remember them with fond and endearing memories.”
As news of Nduna’s untimely passing spread, tributes poured in from around the world. His influence was felt not only within artistic circles, but also in educational institutions and cultural organisations. His work will continue to serve as a guiding light for aspiring artists, storytellers, and advocates of cultural exchange.
In remembering Nduna, the Metho Squirrels will honour not only his contributions to the literature and culture of the Metho Squirrels but also his enduring impact on humanity’s shared journey. The Metho Spirit haka remains a testament to his ability to transcend boundaries and connect people through the universal language of art. Though he may have left this world too soon his legacy will forever echo through the words he penned and the spirit he infused into the Metho Spirit.
