When Leah Mari matriculated from Crawford International La Lucia College in 2019, she already had a passion for music, performance and storytelling. Today, she is one of South Africa's most exciting young performers, building an impressive career across musical theatre, film and music. A graduate of the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town, Leah has quickly earned recognition for her talent and dedication. Following her graduation at the academy, she received a nomination for the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Most Promising Student in 2024, highlighting her emergence as a rising star in the performing arts industry. Born and raised in Durban, Leah's creative journey began long before she stepped onto professional stages. A singer, pianist and emerging composer, she recorded her first EP whilst doing Grade 9 in 2016 and was a member and soloist of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir. In 2019, she was awarded the prestigious DALRO ACT Scholarship, further supporting her pursuit of a career in the arts. In 2021, Leah was one of two winners of the national Cabaret and Beyond Songwriting Festival. The achievement led to the creation of her original one-act musical, Call Me A Fool, which was produced in association with The Centre for Creative Arts and staged in both Gqeberha and Durban in 2022 under the direction of Steven Stead. A second production followed later that year in collaboration with LAMTA. During her studies, Leah performed in a number of theatre and musical theatre productions at Theatre on the Bay and Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre. Her credits included roles in Mephisto, The Seagull and Cosi, as well as several original South African productions including All Together Now, Come Together and Being Steve. Leah made her professional debut as the alternate Maria in Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera's production of The Sound of Music in 2023 and 2024. She followed this with a role in the South African premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Company in 2024. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Her acclaimed performance earned her both a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award and a Naledi Theatre Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical, cementing her place as one of the country's leading young musical theatre performers. In 2025, Leah expanded her career into film, making her feature film debut as Meera in Lucky Fish. She also appeared in several short films, including Gangsters Tea and At Horizon's End, showcasing her versatility as a performer across different mediums. Most recently, audiences have seen Leah on stage in Chicago: The Musical and Pretty Woman: The Musical. It has also been announced that she will take on the role of Sophie Sheridan in the highly anticipated return of MAMMA MIA!, adding another iconic character to her growing list of achievements. Leah’s journey from Crawford International La Lucia College to award-winning performer highlights how Crawford empowers global leaders to thrive on the world stage. Her success continues to inspire current Crawford students to pursue their ambitions with confidence and creativity. As her career continues to flourish on stages and screens locally and internationally, Leah remains a shining example of what can be achieved when talent is nurtured and dreams are pursued with determination.

When Rafie Mehrji Manshadi walked out of Crawford International College Sandton in 2018 with seven distinctions and his Student Prefect badge, he had no conventional road map for what came next. Today, he is a certified AI specialist, enterprise consultant, and co-founder of Angel Enterprise - a multi-division business ecosystem spanning AI consulting, creative design, hospitality, promotions, and education. His journey has been anything but linear. After matriculating at Crawford, Rafie pursued a Bachelor of Optometry at the University of Johannesburg, completing his degree in 2023. But throughout those four years, one thing never left him: a deep fascination with technology and artificial intelligence. Where others saw a completed degree as a destination, Rafie saw a crossroads. He made the bold decision to step away from optometry entirely and pursue the field that had always captivated him most. "It was a challenge to deal with the fact that I spent four years studying and then completely changed direction," he reflects. "But I was never happy with the conventional path - study, get a degree, get a job. I knew I didn't want to be an employee. I wanted to build something." And build he did. At the heart of Angel Enterprise sits Angel Intelligence, Rafie's primary focus - helping organisations move from AI experimentation to genuine, measurable impact through consulting, workflow automation, and AI system engineering. Beyond that, the broader ecosystem delivers branding, hospitality staffing, promotional services, and structured AI education programmes, all operating under one cohesive vision. Holding certifications from the Dubai Centre for AI, IBM, Anthropic, and Yale University, Rafie brings rare technical depth to a field reshaping every industry. His Crawford years, he says, gave him something no curriculum can fully teach. "Crawford showed me how to be myself - and that if I don't see a path for me, I should create my own." That instinct - to build rather than follow - is precisely what Crawford has always nurtured. And in Rafie Mehrji Manshadi, Sandton College has an alumnus who embodies it completely.

Melvyn, a 2023 Crawford International School graduate, left Crawford in pursuit of excellence in the field of business and hospitality in Switzerland. Two years in, he continues to represent not just Crawford but all of Africa as a student-ambassador in Europe. He has gotten work experiences in Switzerland’s top hotels (including the The Dolder Grand - Ranked 1st in Switzerland in 2024 and The Chedi Andermatt - a five-star superior hotel) which are equipping him with valuable skills from the best of the best alongside his education at a renowned Swiss Institution. Whilst at Crawford, Melvyn was exceptional academically as well as in extra curriculars and sports. He completed his IGCSE’s with: 4 A*s, 2 A’s and 2 B’s before completing his O and A Levels. Whilst at school, he also received several distinctions and achievements including: Game Jam 2022 winner ( LINK ) Best in Business & Global Perspectives 2021 Commendation in Leadership Award 2022 Most Promising Football Player 2019 The Top in Languages Award 2021 The Good Fellowship Award 2021 Now in Switzerland, Melvyn is pursuing a degree in Business and Hospitality at the prestigious Business & Hotel Management School (B.H.M.S), where he continues to uphold the same standard of excellence that defined his time at Crawford Tatu. Alongside his academic journey, he is an active member of the school football team, balancing elite sport with the demands of a rigorous programme. His commitment to performance has earned him multiple GPA-based scholarships, recognising his consistent academic achievement. At the same time, he is gaining hands-on industry experience within Switzerland’s world-class hospitality sector, allowing him to seamlessly integrate theory with practice. Through his dedication both in the classroom and in the workplace, Melvyn continues to grow as a well-rounded leader, proudly representing Crawford and Africa on an international stage.

“Two generations. One school. A lifetime of Crawford values.” For the Sher family, Crawford International Sandton is not simply a school they attended; it is a shared chapter written across two generations, shaped by consistent values and evolving opportunity. Dalene Sher matriculated in 1994, earning four distinctions in English, Science, Biology and Latin. Her daughter, Samantha Sher, followed nearly three decades later in 2022, achieving an average of 87.54%, eight distinctions and a Top 5% Commendable Achievement, placing tenth in her grade. In 2025, her son, Justin Sher, completed the journey in exceptional style, with an average of 93.46%, eight distinctions, a Top 5% Outstanding Achievement and first place in his grade. Each result stands on its own merit, yet together they tell a richer story of legacy, growth and shared ethos. Looking back, Dalene describes the experience in three words: legacy, continuity and pride. To see the same school shaping both parent and children across decades is rare and deeply grounding. While Crawford has evolved in facilities, scope and scale, its values have remained remarkably consistent. Experiencing the school first as a student and later as a parent offered a unique perspective, one that revealed how the same environment that once shaped a teenager later helped form confident, capable young adults. Within the Sher household, education was never treated as an isolated outcome. It was a way of life. Curiosity, independence, respect and balance became family language, often reinforced by classroom conversations, parent talks and shared reflection. Academic achievement mattered, but it was always framed as a stepping stone rather than a destination. Confidence of voice, respect for individuality and a belief in lifelong learning became defining Crawfordian traits carried well beyond the school gates. For Samantha and Justin in particular, the shared Crawford experience created an enduring bond. Inside jokes about teachers, traditions, houses and events still surface, along with a deep mutual understanding of the pressures, expectations and opportunities that school life presents. That shared understanding has fostered empathy across generations, bridging past and present with ease. Belonging to the Old Crawfordian Society has extended that connection further. For the Sher family, it represents a sense of belonging beyond graduation, a shared identity that transcends age, along with a healthy dose of traditional rivalry. Staying connected after matric reframes education as a lifelong relationship rather than a single chapter. Through sport, service and cultural involvement, both Samantha and Justin remained connected to younger students, making mentorship and giving back feel like a natural progression rather than an obligation. Alumni communities matter because there is strength in connection. They preserve continuity, provide role models and create networks of practical and emotional support. In sharing their story, the Sher family hopes current students and fellow alumni recognise that education has the power to connect generations, shape families and deepen understanding long after school years have ended. For the Sher family, success has always meant more than results alone. Character over certificates is a guiding principle, even while acknowledging the importance of academic rigour. Living up to one’s potential, pushing natural ability and cultivating resilience, integrity and adaptability remain central to their definition of achievement. Crawford prepared each family member differently, yet from the same foundation. Dalene credits the school with instilling perspective, adaptability and confidence. Samantha found her voice, independence and balance, attributes that supported her transition to international tertiary studies and her leadership within university sport. For Justin, Crawford became a platform for leadership, responsibility and growth, meeting him where he was and enabling him to surpass ambitious goals through service, sport and academic excellence. Their advice to today’s students is simple and wise: focus on process over pressure. Plan early, stay organised, say yes to opportunities and step beyond comfort zones. Balance matters, and fulfilment comes from pursuing what you genuinely enjoy, not what is merely popular. As a family, they describe Crawford International Sandton as “where we learned to grow, question, lead, discover and belong”. Knowing that their story now forms part of Crawford’s broader legacy brings both gratitude and responsibility, an honour coupled with a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the school’s ongoing story.  To be a Top Achiever at Crawford is not only about standing at the top of a list. It is about leaving with values that endure, relationships that last and a sense of belonging that carries forward, sometimes, across generations.

Meet Dr Soni: South Africa’s First Female Adult Epileptologist When Dr Aayesha Jalaluddin Soni walked out of the gates of Crawford College Sandton in 2008, wearing the coveted White Honours Blazer, the school’s highest accolade for excellence in academics, service and culture. Her teachers knew she was destined for greatness. Today, she stands as South Africa’s first female adult epileptologist, a pioneer in her field and a role model to the next generation. After matriculating at Crawford, Aayesha was awarded the University of the Witwatersrand Vice Chancellor Scholarship, one of the university’s most prestigious honours, reserved for the top 10 students across all faculties. She went on to complete her medical degree (MBBCh) in 2014, followed by a Diploma in Primary Emergency Care, a Diploma in Anaesthetics, and her Master of Medicine in Neurology at the University of Cape Town in 2022. Most recently, she completed a fellowship in Epilepsy and Electroencephalography at Western University in Canada, returning home in 2025 to establish her practice in Cape Town. Her academic and professional journey has been matched by outstanding recognition. Among her awards are: 1. American Academy of Neurology International Scholarship Award (2024) 2. ⁠International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology Education Fellowship Award (2024/25) 3. ⁠Canadian League Against Epilepsy J. Kiffin Penry Award (2025) 4. ⁠Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum Advocate, American Academy of Neurology (2025) – one of only two international advocates selected worldwide 5. ⁠Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans (2017, Health category) 6. ⁠News24’s 100 Young Mandelas of the Future (2018, Leadership category) Alongside these accolades, Aayesha has authored more than 15 peer-reviewed scientific publications, advancing knowledge in epilepsy surgery outcomes, neurological disorders, and care in resource-limited settings. Yet what sets her apart is her service. She has volunteered with Gift of the Givers, continues to give her time as a consultant pro Bono at Groote Schuur Hospital, and uses her voice to advocate for justice and global human rights violations via mainstream media writings. Her return to South Africa has brought a unique skill set to a health system in need, expanding access to world-class epilepsy care. Her achievements have been celebrated nationally, including recent media features: 1. UCT News: First female adult epileptologist leads the way ( https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2025-08-25-first-female-adult-epileptologist-leads-the-way ) 2. ⁠News24: Back home from Canada, epilepsy specialist brings unique skill back to SA ( https://www.news24.com/southafrica/good-news/back-home-from-canada-epilepsy-specialist-brings-unique-skill-back-to-sa-20250831-1068 ) Through it all, she continues to embody the values first nurtured at Crawford International Sandton College: academic excellence, leadership, service, and integrity. The White Honours Blazer she wore in 2008 was not just an award, it was the foundation of a life dedicated to uplifting others. Today, Crawford is proud to celebrate one of its own, whose journey from our classrooms to the world stage reminds us that education, compassion, and determination can change lives.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: KEITH Saramago Crawford International Lonehill | Class of 2013 From a spirited student on the soccer field to a professional, navigating global financial markets, Keith Saramago’s journey is grounded in resilience, clarity and purpose. Keith matriculated from Crawford International Lonehill in 2013. One of his standout memories was helping his team win a soccer competition at an inter-campus event. “We were the underdogs, but we played with heart. That win taught me early on that belief and teamwork can shift outcomes,” he recalls. After school, Keith pursued a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Analysis at Stellenbosch University. There, he encountered mentors who guided him through his postgraduate studies and helped him understand how to shape his ambitions into a viable career path. “Those mentors helped me map out not only my strengths but also what to expect when entering a competitive field,” he says. Keith now works as a Treasury Dealer, focusing on foreign exchange and money market funds for various South African corporates. What keeps him engaged is the unpredictability of the work. “Financial markets respond to global trends in real time. No day is ever the same, and that constant shift is what I thrive on,” he shares. He credits Crawford for helping him build a strong foundation. “Crawford gave me the confidence to speak up and engage meaningfully with others. It helped me develop a point of view and the courage to stand by it,” he says. He also speaks to the importance of staying grounded. “Respecting others while remaining true to yourself is a lesson I continue to apply,” he adds. Outside the professional world, Keith treasures building a life with his wife, calling their marriage one of his proudest achievements. He stays in close contact with many of his former classmates and values those bonds deeply. “We still catch up often. Some of us have moved across the globe, but the friendships have remained intact.” Looking ahead, he plans to further his studies and explore new professional opportunities across the continent and abroad. His advice to current students is straightforward: “Identify what you love and pursue it with intention. Silence the noise and trust what you know is meant for you.”  Keith’s story reflects the balance between professional excellence and personal fulfilment and the courage to stay true to both.

Meet Mashudu Bhengu: Bringing out the best in her students at Crawford International Lonehill Teaches : Zulu to Grades 1-4 Qualifications: Bachelor of Education: Early Childhood and Foundation Phase (UNISA) Hobbies and interests: Avid reader and gym enthusiast – it keeps her sane and grounded! Teaching is About Serving and Giving Back: Before choosing teaching, Mashudu Bhengu was interested in pursuing a career in nursing or social work, drawn to community service and giving back. In 2013, volunteering at an NGO in Lawley, she facilitated after-school classes for disadvantaged children. This experience sparked her passion for teaching, leading her to enrol in teaching studies at UNISA. One of Mashudu’s favourite aspects of working with children is their purity and honesty. She finds immense joy and fulfilment in teaching, seeing her efforts and commitment reciprocated with love and enthusiasm by her students. For Mashudu, no other career could bring such personal satisfaction. On Her Mentor and Teaching Influence: Mashudu vividly remembers her Grade 3 teacher, Mrs Harding, who significantly impacted her life. Mrs Harding’s patience, empathy, and unwavering support inspired Mashudu’s teaching career. Mashudu aspires to be a ‘Mrs Harding’ for her students, boosting their confidence, instilling a love of learning, and encouraging them to strive for more. On Her A-ha Moments: As a foundation phase teacher, Mashudu often wonders how much her young students absorb. But she is vindicated when she sees them apply their learning to solve problems, which gives her real thrill to see then work things out for themselves. Her A-ha moments come not just from their academic achievements, but also from witnessing her students develop as unique individuals. For Mashudu, teaching at the foundational stage is a profound journey, extending well beyond ‘subject matter’. While she may be teaching Zulu, Mashudu also knows she is nurturing young minds and hearts, instilling essential social, emotional, and life skills. On Teaching at Crawford International: Mashudu loves Crawford’s student-centred approach and the mutual respect between students and teachers. At Crawford, teachers encourage students to be self-empowered, curious, and responsible for their success. They teach the value of kindness, resilience, and curiosity, helping students navigate their emotions and interactions. The pride Mashudu feels when her dedication resonates beyond the classroom is immense. In her Zulu classes, Mashudu balances her student’s tech exposure with activities like singing, music, dancing, and rhymes, engaging all senses and learning styles. These activities provide a welcome break from technology, allowing children to enjoy spontaneity and just be children. Personal Philosophy: One of Mashudu’s favourite quotes is by Will Smith: “Following your dreams is a lonely, solitary, scary pursuit. You can't wait for somebody to think you can do it. You have to be willing to risk everything to become that seed of what you believe is in there. You have to be fearless. You have to be relentless in the pursuit of your dream.”

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ROXANNE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN Crawford International Lonehill | Class of 2009 From the banking halls of one of South Africa’s most prestigious financial institutions to the stages and studios of New York City, Roxanne Van der Westhuizen’s story is one of courage, reinvention and the pursuit of purpose. Chasing the Calling After matriculating from Crawford International Lonehill in 2009, Roxanne was accepted into the Psychology programme at the University of Cape Town. A sudden family crisis and financial hardship brought her back to Johannesburg, where she began working to support her family. Years later, determined to finish what she started, she enrolled at Varsity College in Sandton. Balancing motherhood, full-time employment and a rigorous academic load, she earned her degree with distinction, graduating at the top of her class. Her career began at Investec Bank, where she rose through the ranks, first in client services and later in data analytics. Her success came through persistence, grit and repeated setbacks that ultimately redirected her. A moment of deep personal reflection led her to reconnect with a long-suppressed calling, storytelling through performance. In a bold leap of faith, she left her corporate life behind and relocated to New York to pursue acting. There, she studied under renowned acting coach Terry Knickerbocker, known for mentoring names such as Sam Rockwell and Daniel Craig. She was named Student of the Season at his studio. Today, Roxanne stars in stage and screen productions across the U.S., including her lead role in the upcoming film Emancipation of the Past (July 2025), and a standout performance as Regina in Not to Be Played With (available on Tubi and AppleTV). She is also developing her own series, which she plans to take to festivals and production houses. Achievements and Projects Lead role in Emancipation of the Past (2025 release) Featured in Not to Be Played With on Tubi and Apple TV Collaboration on Spicy Bob alongside Pete Simpson of Blue Man Group Student of the Season at Terry Knickerbocker Studio Creator and writer of a new series currently in development  Roxanne reflects on her journey and earning one of her biggest roles yet, “this is the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do, but also the most enriching. The vulnerability required in acting is daunting, but it connects me to myself and others in ways I never imagined. Despite the false starts and failures, I am exactly where I am meant to be.”

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.