News from former students
Course 27
The following members of Course Twenty-seven were awarded Diplomas of the College:
ADDAMS, Rodd George of Odzi.
BALSON, Alan Eric William of Salisbury.
BONTHRONE, Michael George of Mufulira, Zambia with distinction in Farm Management.
CHRISTIE, Angus John of Fort Victoria with distinctions in Animal Husbandry and Farm Management.
CLARKE, Martin Hugh of Kalomo, Zambia.
DARBY, Ian George Herbert of Concession with distinction in Farm Management.
de BLANCHE, Charles Anthony of Lusaka, Zambia.
DOBSON, Anthony David Bennett of Norton First Class Diploma with distinctions in Animal Husbandry and Farm Management.
DUNN, Denzil William Scott of Shamva.
LISTER, Graham of Salisbury First Class Diploma with distinctions in Animal Husbandry and Farm Management.
McKERSIE, Robert Anthony of Mangula.
MEILKE, Eric Morell of Banket First Class Diploma with distinctions in Animal Husbandry, Farm Management and Engineering.
MOOR, Kevin Philip of Norton.
NEWTON-HOWES, Stephen Justin of Salisbury with distinctions in Practical and Engineering.
READER, Nicholas Desmond of Salisbury.
SCORGIE, James Templeton Rae of Johannesburg First Class Diploma with distinctions in Animal Husbandry and Farm Management.
SKEA, Leo Martin of Norton.
STEYL, David Johan of Salisbury.
STRAARUP, Al Fleming of Karoi.
van BLOMMESTEIN, Michael Anton John of Salisbury First Class Diploma with distinctions in Animal Husbandry and Farm Management.
van NIEKERK, Jonathan Paul of Salisbury.
WEBSTER, Gerald Stephen of Bulawayo.
WHELEHAN, Rory Edgeworth of Sandton, South Africa.
WHITFIELD, John Barry of Umtali.
News from students that enrolled with Course 27:
ADDAMS, Rodd George of Odzi.
BALSON, Alan Eric William of Salisbury.
Prior to Gwebi, I did my pre-Gwebi with P J Nel of Waterfalls Farm in Zambia.
He was an amazing farmer and possibly the best person to learn from as a role model. He was Course 15 and was sadly killed in a plane crash in RSA in 1996, way too young.
Once I left Gwebi, I went to work for the Ottersons in Chipinga.
It was interesting in the fact that they did all the work on the farm themselves and had no other workers or labour whatsoever, except for someone around the house and garden.
So I learned a lot there as they had a large cattle farm, and the three of us did all the work -
Jamie, Geoffrey and myself.
I enjoyed my time with them immensely, and learned so much, especially how to really live.
I got to be quite good on a horse.
I left to do my National Service as I was from Zambia.
I went to School of Infantry, Gwelo, and passed out of Intake 161 as best all round Cadet, and got the Commandant's Award. Incidentally, I was there with Mark Hellam, whom enrolled later with Course 30 at Gwebi.
I was posted to 1(Indep) Coy RAR, and 2i/c was there was Lt Neill Jackson from Course 25.
I ended up in Support Commando, RLI as OC Anti-Tank Troop but we all know how it ended.
Thoroughly disgusted, I left the country, despite a lot of friends telling me it was going to be fine, and joined my family in Papua New Guinea.
I worked for Illimo ‘iLLimo’ Farm, where it was a learning experience of the highest degree.
Everyone chewed betel nut, and were so relaxed, nothing mattered.
We did chickens... (haha Rhomil Shield) breeders and broilers, pigs, cattle, market gardening, sorghum and crocodiles. They had a hatchery and a feed mill for the intensive livestock, with a pellet press.
The good thing was that it was so warm there that we hardly had to heat up the tallow to put it in the mill.
This was a bizarre country to go to after Rhodesia!
Everyone was happy, and the lowest worker would just call you by name, no matter who you were.
I think Illimo Farm had a gang of about 300 workers at the main intensive Farm and about 100 workers at the grain Farm.
I learned how to organize like never before.
There were a few incidents there that would be memorable for anyone, but a couple stand out - here is one.
One morning I went to line, where usually everyone waited for their tasks for the day, and there was no one there, except an old man with a crutch.
I asked the "trainee" manager, whom I was coaching, "Where is everyone today? Can't do much with the gang of workers."
Possibly the most astounding answer ever "The village (Pinu) has gone Wallaby hunting!"
Of course they did... Everyone... Apparently, once a year the whole village upped and went wallaby hunting for 5 days, and then took the weekend to smoke and sort out the meat, and have a huge party.
I tried to explain that this is not how farming works, but to no avail.
The whole of Illimo was managed by Australian expatriates, who were on par with Gwebi at parties!
Anyway I was sent inland to learn how to plant and manage Palm Oil production, as the farm wanted to venture into that.
I was amazed at the pay at Illimo, I got $800 a month, but in Rhodesia, while at Gwebi, I got $200 a month working at the sharp end in Mtepatepa for Pat Taffs doing Cotton and Tobacco, and we used to supply all the farm stores in the district. Mrs. Taffs ran that business.
Anyway, after a year at Illimo Farm, I called it quits, and went to visit my girlfriend in Canada. We were married within 3 months.
I got a job as a feed salesman for intensive livestock, with a Feed Mill and got offered a job on a chicken broiler and also broiler breeder operation.
Here in Canada, it was a good job as I the experience from working for the Ottersons, as you do everything yourself.
I worked there until 1986, and then was offered a partnership to run a Broiler and Broiler breeder farm for another farmer, as a 50/50 owner.
At Gwebi Mr Chard said we always have to have a goal, and try to stick to it. The one he mentioned was specifically this: "Own a farm by the time you are 30".
I did, just a few months short of my 30th birthday, in 1986.
We added Turkeys with another farm in 1988, and sold one farm in 1993.
One of the Nielsen twins visited us on our farm in Beiseker, Alberta, and so did Robbie Kroeger, both were from Course 28.
We sold our farm in 2006, and I went into the Alberta Oilpatch as a consultant on reclamation and remediation of oil well sites and this was a never ending project.
My wife retired from Real Estate in 2011, and I retired from the oil and gas industry in December 2021.
We have three children and 5 grand-children. We live in an unassuming bungalow in Beiseker, Alberta (pop 780).
We are enjoying retirement, and look forward to travelling again once everything opens up.
BARTON, Steve D.
BASSON, Chris W.
BONTHRONE, Michael George of Mufulira, Zambia.
CHRISTIE, Angus John of Fort Victoria.
CLARKE, Martin Hugh of Kalomo, Zambia.
DARBY, Ian George Herbert of Concession.
de BLANCHE, Charles Anthony of Lusaka, Zambia.
DOBSON, Anthony David Bennett "Tony" of Norton.
DUNN, Denzil William Scott "Billy" of Shamva.
Billy represented the college in both rugby and cricket and was awarded the Seed Certifying Agencies Award for his essay on Seed production.
It was with a heavy heart that his father collected the posthumous diploma and award from Mrs Rollo Hayman, wife of the former Minister for Agriculture, on Diploma Day in 1977. This is the account that he wrote:
"On Tuesday evening, September 13, my son Billy was gunned down in cold blood by rabid young animals called, for want of a better name, terrorists. He was a lad who, not only I, his father, but I believe all who knew him, were proud to call "friend".
He was the epitome of young Rhodesian manhood who, after completing his national service as a soldier, recently graduated from Gwebi College and was ready and willing to live and work for his country. He was visibly thrilled at his recent transfer into the BSAP Field Reserve from his army unit, which would allow him to do his security commitments in the company of those he lived and worked with.
He was popular with European and African alike, but unfortunately had not yet been with his new labour force long enough to establish the very close relationship that would have warned him of his peril.
That evening, as he returned from his duties irrigating his lands he was captured when armed thugs pushed a brave lady, Mrs Ogilvy, whom they had captured while she was walking, at gunpoint in front of his vehicle. His chivalry prevented him from making a break for it, for I am certain it would have required a terrific struggle for this group of young thugs to capture him without the aid of a hostage.
In a similar manner he was forced to drive behind this gallant lady, who was made to walk at gunpoint immediately in front of his vehicle, to her homestead approximately a kilometre away. There they waited for Mr Ogilvy to arrive.
Details are not clear but it was obvious that soon after his arrival both men attempted to intervene when one terrorist broke into the house after Mrs Ogilvy had managed to lock herself in and shooting commenced. The two men were gunned down.
Acknowledgement to Gwebi Echoes, posts on social media and Kevin Moor's 'Spook Moor a rambling blog, Billy and Flash, Flash and Billy'. There is more information on the Gwebi 'Roll of Honour'
EWING, Mark B.
Mark enjoyed his cricket and was Secretary in his first year then took over as Captain when a senior. 
He had a couple of good knocks with the bat, had District representation and was awarded Gwebi college colours for cricket.
After Gwebi, he was farming in Shamva.
Mark was best man for Neville William and was with him and Neville's fiancé Jain Godwin on the Saturday evening of 22nd April 1978. Detail is lacking but Jain's brother wrote "... ran into an army ambush... Their car was destroyed..." Neville survived initially and a drip was administered but he died before the casevac reached Salisbury. Mark's fox terrier was the sole survivor.
Steve Bennett from 'Gwebi Echoes' and Peter Godwin 'Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa' and extract from 'When A Crocodile Eats The Sun'.
HALL, Ian A.
HEYNES, John G.
John demonstrated a strong proficiency in cattle husbandry at Gwebi and returned to farm at Cashel afterwards.
Tragically after visitors had been shooting on his farm, John was removing weapons from his vehicle when one that had not been cleared was discharged and he died.
LISTER, Graham of Salisbury.
McGILLIVRAY David H.
Dave had Irish heritage and attended school in Ireland. He enrolled from Que Que for the First Year with Course 27.
He went on to specialise in irrigation. His journey in horse racing started in 1987 when he became a stipendiary steward in the Eastern Cape.
In 1990, he moved to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and served as senior steward then he became Deputy Chairman of the KZN Stipendiary Board. 
In 1994, Dave was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Central Provinces (Johannesburg and Vaal/Bloemfontein/Kimberley) and later became Chairman, serving until 1996.
He then moved to Malaysia, where he worked as a stipendiary steward and later became Chief Stipendiary Steward. He held the position of Director of Racing Operations and Professional Racing Steward.
Dave returned to South Africa as Chairman of the Western Cape Stipendiary Board from July 2006 to October 2007. He was persuaded to return to Malaysia, serving as Chief Steward then as Professional Racing Steward to February 2013.
He returned to South Africa in March 2013 as Racing Control Executive and Director of the National Horseracing Authority.
In 2014, Dave worked in Qatar as Chief Steward at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, where he worked until 2021.
His final role was back in Malaysia as a steward until his passing on 1st August 2024. He is survived by his wife Sui Chin and two daughters.
McGillivray will be remembered for his tough but fair approach and his commitment to maintaining high standards. Dave's life had been threatened in 2009 in Malaysia when he was attacked by two men on a motorcycle that inflicted a deep cut with a machete on his left forearm leaving it disabled.
McKERSIE, Robert Anthony "Sticks" of Mangula.
MEILKE, Eric Morell of Banket.
MOOR, Kevin Philip "Spook" of Norton.
Spook attended Norton Junior School as a boarder then went on to Plumtree School. He had lost his hearing as a result of a reaction to a medication that was administered during National Service. 
Spook enrolled at Gwebi College with Course 26. Spook was a good bowler and also hit a few runs so played in the Gwebi First XI and toured South Africa with the Mashonaland Country Districts Colts XI.
His parents requested that he be given the chance to rewrite his exams when he did not graduate but it was agreed that he could return and repeat his Second Year with Course 27.
He resumed farming with his parents on Glenside Farm on the banks of the Saruwe River.
He had a cochlear implant in South Africa so his hearing was restored after twenty years. At first it was so much noise with his young family at home.
They moved to Cork in Ireland but after catching swine fever he was diagnosed with emphysema in 2016.
Spook passed away on 26th July 2023 surrounded by his family at Bushmount Nursing Home, Clonakilty, Cork, Ireland. He was husband of Penny, much loved father of Dagny (Holland), Michael and Siobhan. Lovingly remembered by his family, brother Peter Joe, son-in-law Hugh and Andy (McKinley), sister Judith, daughter-in-law Sara, grandchildren Kayla, Loughlin, Anna and Kate, relatives and friends.
Spook was a prolific writer and posted several blogs about Gwebi:
'Gwebi Agricultural College, Part 1'
'College of Knowledge and legends of my time'
'College of Knowledge and legends, Part 2'
'College days at the College of Knowledge'
'Billy and Flash, Flash and Billy'
NEWTON-HOWES, Stephen Justin of Salisbury.
READER, Nicholas Desmond of Salisbury.
SCORGIE, James Templeton Rae of Johannesburg.
After graduating, James took over Templeton Ranch oustide Banket. He is married with one daughter and works in the UK.
SKEA, Leo Martin of Norton.
STEYL, David Johan of Salisbury.
STRAARUP, Al Fleming of Karoi.
van BLOMMESTEIN, Michael Anton John "Mike" of Salisbury.
van NIEKERK, Jonathan Paul of Salisbury.
WEBSTER, Gerald Stephen of Bulawayo.
WHELEHAN, Rory Edgeworth of Sandton, South Africa.
WHITFIELD, John Barry of Umtali.
John was admired by everyone and known as “John Barry”, “Johnny” or "Spot" over time.
He was the second child, and son, of Patrick Arthur David Whitfield and Eileen Agnes Whitfield (nee Burke), his siblings being Peter and Jeanne.
He was educated at Chancellor Junior School from 1962 to 1966 and then at Prince Edward School in Salisbury from 1967 to 1972. After completing his national service in 1973, he spent a year at the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg), before going to Gwebi Agricultural College in 1975. While there he was given the name of “John Barry” to differentiate from other Johns.
He was one of those larger than life characters who attracted attention and friends as he walked into a room. Much beloved by all who knew him, he had a presence, with a personality that oozed charm and great humour. He was very athletic and verging on playing rugby at the National level. While on a rugby tour with the college team to South Africa in 1976, John, together with 
another powerful man but smaller in stature - Gerry Webster - rescued two young girls who were in danger of drowning at the Maitland River mouth in South Africa. He was that sort of man who would not give a second thought in helping others in trouble.
While studying at Gwebi, he served in the armed forces during the vacations and was with F Company, 4th Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment for a time. By 1977 he had successfully completed the Selous Scout selection course.
Six months after graduating, John was on Territorial call-up with the scouts. A highly decorated Scout who had been in the unit since its inception had been abducted by ZANLA during home leave in November 1976 in the highly subverted Nyajena Tribal Trust Land near Fort Victoria. Sergeant Head Wuranda SCR BCR, with his artificial leg, had reportedly been marched by his captures to Mocambique after being ‘sold’ by his father but he was never seen again or his body found.
A year later his wife was in danger so Commanding Officer Lt Col Ron Reid-Daly ordered his RSM with twelve men in a well-fortified mini-column to fetch Mrs Wuranda to bring her back for her protection into safety in married quarters at Nkomo Barracks. She was collected with her possessions but on the return leg on the same route on the same day - as there was absolutely no alternative - they were ambushed by a force of 50 ZANLA. 
Within seconds, Sergeant Chiutsi Ringisayi, Lance Corporal Richard Cook, Trooper John Barry Whitfield, and Trooper Martin Rungwe were killed. Trooper Basil Moss who had been wounded was casevaced but died in the helicopter before reaching Fort Victoria Hospital and his brother solemnly returned to base without him.
John Barry left his father, brother and sister to mourn his passing.
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