Looking Back to Speak Forward: One & All, Then and Now

By Carel Nolte

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I don’t often stop to look back. Life moves fast – and I’ve always believed in moving forward with energy and purpose. But every now and then, something nudges me to pause, to reflect and honour the moments that shaped us. As I get older, I am also increasingly realising the value of slowing down, of breathing more often.

Recently, I came across the speech I gave on Founders Day at St Stithians back in 2000. I was the guest speaker – daunted, proud and honestly, a little surprised to be the first alumnus to be invited. Twenty-five years later, I’m still proud of that speech. Not because it was perfect (it certainly wasn’t) but because it spoke from the heart. My heart as a 20-something-year-old making his way in the world. It captured how I felt about identity, about growth and the messy, beautiful business of becoming. What a privilege.

At the time, St Stithians was already a great school. But much like South Africa itself, it was on a journey. Since then, Saints has evolved – it has diversified, matured, opened up new avenues of learning and leadership. I’ve been privileged to walk part of that journey in various roles including as Chairman of Council. Each role has deepened my appreciation for what it means to be part of something bigger than oneself. And I count as one of my greatest blessings the people I have been incredibly lucky to meet and to serve as part of the St Stithians family.

Our Saints motto, One & All, has always resonated with me. Not just as a catchy phrase but as a guiding principle. One and All. Individuals and community. Growth and grace. Ambition and service. And yes, fast and slow.

Reading through my speech from 2000, I was reminded of how much I valued the idea of building an identity with intention – of being open to the world and to each other. That message still holds true. Perhaps even more so today. We live in an age where the temptation to narrow ourselves – into silos, hashtags, echo chambers – is strong. But our real strength lies in embracing complexity. In saying yes to contradiction. In being both One and All.

Some unasked-for advice to those currently walking the corridors of Saints – and, as is our tradition, this weekend making the most of Easter with our incredible sport fest: know that you are part of a living legacy. One that’s evolving, experimenting and asking the big questions. May you give yourself permission to do so with open hearts and curious minds.

And to those of us who’ve moved on (and knowing when to move on is also a gift!) – may we continue to carry the values that shaped us while making space for the future to surprise us.

As I suggested in 2000 (thanks to Rushdie, van Gogh and Kermit the Frog): defy the gods, build your identity, never stop learning and try to do so with respect for yourself and others. Oh yes, and have fun!

Here’s to the next 25
One & All

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