Hilton College headmaster calls out parents for opulent displays at sports events

The headmaster of South Africa’s most expensive private school, Hilton College, has called out parents for their opulent displays, especially during sports games.

According to reports, fees at Hilton College, an all-boys high school, reach in the upwards region of R420,000 annually.

In an almost-scathing letter, George Harris admonished parents for their flashy behaviour on the sports field sidelines. 

Referencing a derby-day between Hilton College and a fellow expensive all-boys high school, Michealhouse, George said he had been reflecting on the growing tendencies where parents are trying to one-up each other in the scale of hosting and catering around the field.

"When hospitality and generosity became self-serving displays of opulence, and began to pull away from what we aspire to be as a community," he wrote in the letter.

George said this was the wrong message to send to learners.

He urged parents to shy away from this behaviour at next year's event. 

"For next year, can we ditch the opulence in favour of more wholesome hospitality devoid of showmanship and loud extravagance. When the extravagance stretches into overconsumption, the messaging we send to our children is awkwardly wrong. The community can do better," George wrote. 

Radio host, Anele Mdoda discussed the contents of the letter on her show, describing the tendencies of parents who try to outshine other parents at school events.

"He's right. Parents, we have gotten a little dicey in behaviour when it comes to what we do on the side of the field. It's not about the boys or the event but about who can rock up wearing what, drinking what, being catered by who," Mdoda said.

Reaction

Callers to the show agreed with George's letter adding that parents were starting to compete with each other and were taking away from the sports events.

One caller added that it is just putting pressure on the learners.

Another caller, Lolo, while she didn't have children in high school, it was the same behaviour at her child's primary school.

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