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Bishops Diocesan College Council Chair Crispin Sonn Resigns Amid Social Media Backlash

Published November 16, 2024
3 months ago

In a turn of events that highlights the intense scrutiny public figures face in the digital age, Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, South Africa, bids farewell to its chair of council, Crispin Sonn. Sonn chose to resign from his post following a tumult of criticism over remarks made on social media regarding the Middle East conflict, a topic fraught with complexity and emotion.





The resignation, described with "deep regret" by the school's administration, brings to a close his two-year tenure, a period marked by notable accomplishments and visionary leadership. During his time as chair, Sonn guided the institution through numerous milestones including the establishment of the Ubuntu Learning Centre, a new rowing centre, and the Brooke Chapel consecration. Sonn's strategic insight and unwavering dedication were instrumental in maintaining the school's prestigious academic standing, with Bishops topping the NSC academic results in 2023 within the Western Cape region.


These achievements are all the more remarkable given the financial stewardship that Sonn exhibited. Under his watch, the school reported a break-even budget alongside reduced levels of bad debt, underscoring a strong economic foothold—an enviable accomplishment in the landscape of education where budgetary constraints are often the norm.


Notably, Sonn's tenure also saw the initiation of the A-Level programme, a move that signals the school's commitment to diversifying and enhancing its educational offerings. It is a testament to Sonn's leadership that all of these strides were taken without compromising the school's fiscal responsibility.


The impact of Sonn’s leadership was not merely institutional; he was known for his personable nature and his expertise in navigating complexities with grace and fairness. It is this quality that earned him widespread respect across the Bishops community, and why his departure will resonate as a significant loss.


The reverberations of his resignation are felt beyond the school gates. The Old Diocesans Union, an association of alumni, has publicly expressed gratitude for Sonn's contributions, reinforcing his legacy as a figure of immense support and service to the Bishops community.


In the end, the swift and decisive ending of Sonn's chairmanship underscores the modern exigency for leaders to exercise caution and temperance in their personal and public communications. A single post, no matter the intent, can ignite controversy and cast a shadow over an otherwise illustrious career.


Sonn's decision to resign, while a consequence of the outcry, also reflects a measure of integrity. It exemplifies a willingness to put the welfare and unity of the institution ahead of personal standing, an act that aligns with the very ethos that Bishops Diocesan College aims to instill in its students.


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