Alumnus Spotlight: Langa Twala

September 20, 2024

Meet Dr Langa Twala - A Crawford Lonehill alumni taking quality healthcare to South Africa’s rural citizens

Current occupation: Medical Doctor at the Tzaneen Mediclinic Hospital and Peacemed Medical Centre

Further studies & qualifications:

MBChB - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – University of Cape Town
Post graduate qualifications in Basic and Essential Surgical Skills, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Paediatric Life Support.
Currently reading towards an Ophthalmology specialization

From the classroom to the operating room, Dr. Langa Twala’s journey from Crawford International Lonehill to the forefront of rural healthcare is nothing short of inspirational. Graduating with an impressive 8 distinctions in 2013, Langa wasted no time in pursuing his passion for medicine, earning his MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 2020.

After completing his internship and community service, he now serves at Tzaneen Mediclinic Hospital and Peacemed Medical Centre, where he brings hope and healing to underserved rural communities. His work fuels his deep commitment to serving others. “As a medical professional, I pride myself on working in a rural setting where access to quality care is limited. It’s an honour and privilege to be a part of so many big moments in people’s lives, from the birth of a child to the passing of a loved one,” Langa reflects.

On his Crawford journey

Langa credits the quality of education and the support of his teachers and peers at Crawford International Lonehill in preparing him for life in the real world. “It is often said that a good high school should prepare you for post school studies, however Crawford - in many ways - prepared me for life. In addition to the high standard of academics, the guiding principles instilled in me at Crawford have stood the test of time.”

Throughout his school career, Langa loved the individuality and autonomy that students were instilled with. “I was fully aware that I was captain of my own fate and responsible for my outcomes, which taught me a great deal of self-discipline. As I transitioned from high school to university, I never got the sense that I was drowning or that the jump to varsity was too big. Teachers and management staff in Crawford offered support even beyond the classroom. The care and interest that they showed encouraged me to choose a life of service as well, which I have never regretted.”

As SRC President at Crawford, Langa was instrumental in launching the very first ‘Crawford’s Got Talent’, an event run by and for the students, with all proceeds going to charity. The support received from the staff was immense, and Langa had no idea how mammoth a task it would be to coordinate so many moving parts. This invaluable experience empowered him with valuable skills that he would use long into his tenure as Health Sciences Students Council (HSSC) Chairperson at UCT.

Making a difference while at med school

Langa’s leadership abilities only grew at UCT, where he chaired the Health Sciences Students Council and sat on upwards of 10 university leadership structure committees, including with the Vice Chancellor.

He also contributed to the reigniting of the Mayosi Impilo Student Bursary Fund in his tenure as HSSC Chairperson at UCT - the fund has since continued running strong through the commitment of many stakeholders, ensuring future generations of healthcare professionals have the support they need. Langa’s leadership has earned him both local and international accolades, including the prestigious Kerry Capstick-Dale Leadership Award.

Langa’s proudest achievement stems from his various leadership roles at UCT and seeing the doctors and therapists who today are serving their communities in part because he played a small a role in ensuring they were not financially or academically excluded through helping to reform policies.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, Langa dreams of expanding his reach in healthcare, specifically by bringing much-needed eye surgeries to rural areas. “Being able to give the gift of sight would be incredible,” he says.

Soon to be married, Langa’s personal goals are just as meaningful as his professional ones - hoping to be a loving husband, devoted family man, best son and brother to his siblings. When he is not serving and caring for people in hospital, he is serving them as a minister in his church congregation.

Personal reflections

To current Crawford students, Langa offers this advice: “Make the best use of your time and the resources that you have at your disposal at Crawford. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience surrounding you, but it needs you to tap into it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid not to know every answer, even about yourself or where you want to go. Be anchored by your principles and the people around you who are in your corner and want to help you succeed. Also remember, there are many different variations of success.”

Dr. Langa Twala is the embodiment of Crawford’s values – a solid work ethic, compassion, accountability and leadership. His journey reminds us that the impact we can make in people’s lives is limitless.

A man in a blue shirt is smiling while sitting under an umbrella

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Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025

A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.