Soban John Mbunya (Class of 1974) reflects on the shared identity, seniority traditions and worldwide brotherhood that define the SOBA experience across five decades.
By Soban John Mbunya — 2396 (1974 Revival Class of SOBA)
Saint Joseph's College Sasse alumni association is known as Sasse Old Boys' Association — epithet SOBA. The atavistic group is made up of ex-students; comprising a community of individuals who share common interest in this alma mater, the first secondary school in Cameroon. It is customary practice that during the working life of Sasse ex-students, most continue to align with the respective chapters where they sojourn. SOBA Buea Mother Chapter is a case in point, which has functioned for the past five decades.
Fifty years gives members the benefits of hindsight. SBMC remains the mainstream wing and symbol of the emergence of an awakening bond of unity which joins families together in amity and cordiality. This positivist notion of solidarity has recently been given prominence by embracing some diaspora Sobans as honorary members. The goal is to stimulate new ideas and constructive debates that inspire new thinking and encourage effective organization.
SOBA has a global presence with active chapters spanning most geographical locations of the globe including SOBA America, UK, Ireland, Nigeria, Germany and Canada. SOBA UK was formed in the early 1970s; they organized visits of its members to other countries to meet members of the Sasse alumni group. This bond of brotherhood is reminiscent of the family life lived as impressionable youths while in Sasse college.
SOBA symbolizes a spiritual guide to its members.
A look at history reveals that the core phenomenological shared trait of Sobanism is seniority. Seniority in SOBA is not based on age, traditional titles, nobility, social status or academic prefixes. It is strictly based on one's year of entry into Sasse College. The roots of SOBA were founded on Christendom, which has remained the supreme compass throughout all its historical phases.
The most shining mainstream fame of SOBA remains the blazer — a navy blue fabric, properly tailored with a traditional three-pocket design, embroidered crest of SJC Sasse on the chest pocket. Navy blue exudes sophistication and depth, adding elegance and discipline. The blazer is a visual representation of membership in SOBA, worn with pride and dignity during happy or sad events.
Emblem exchange has become a powerful performance during all monthly SBMC meetings. It is an allegorical logo, typically inscribed with the college motto: FIDES QUARENS INTELLECTUM. Emblem exchange is usually a celebration of soothing force that purifies everything, invocating joy to all hearts on the second Wednesday of every month.
Despite a few drawbacks — splits in SOBA UK, similar threats in Cameroon — SOBA remains the mainstream alumni paradigm around us and beyond. At a deeper level, the predominant SOBA trajectories are encompassed in global solidarity: unity and mutual support fostering a sense of shared responsibility among members. SOBANs are like a human body — if one part suffers, the rest become feverish and restless.
Dolorum ea reiciendi