On the way to 100

By Carel Nolte

When my friend Charles Savage turned 50, he wrote some stuff on social media that struck me deeply. Much of what he said resonated — in truth, it felt like he had put words to thoughts that have lived in my own head. So, with thanks, I am using some of his structure here — adding my own reflections, discarding what’s not quite me, and weaving in the threads that have shaped my life.

Why now? Well, a couple of close friends have died recently and so I am even more conscious of the fragility of time. And because I don’t, often enough, stop to smell the roses. And because I have been too busy, and too abrupt with those closest to me lately. So I wanted to pause. And to reflect.

Half-time team talk

This past week, the “coach in my head” has been at it:

“Solid first half, Nolte… Took a while to warm up, maybe too many detours into things you didn’t need to chase. But when it mattered, you showed up.

“A few fumbles along the way, some hard knocks, but no red cards — and you’ve kept running.

“You finished the half with purpose. The last few minutes were strong: giving back, building, connecting, playing for the team.

“If you can start the second half the way you closed the first, and keep trusting the players around you, you’ll not only stay in the game — you’ll help shape it.

“Oh, and don’t forget to look up into the stands. Your family, your friends, your colleagues, your fellow travellers in business, sport, and community — they’re cheering, loudly. Not for perfection, but for presence. That’s the real win.

“Now — pass the ball, Nolte. This game was never meant to be played alone.”

When I was young, I stupidly said I would die by age 32. I mean, have you ever?! Now, I am ready and wanting to live to be 100. Not that any of us can choose of course. And why Carpe Diem! Is one of my tattoos.

Why I’m here

I’m here because my parents gave me love, stability, and opportunity. Because teachers pushed and believed in me. Because Unika, St Stithians, Stellenbosch University and their communities shaped my character — and taught me that diversity matters.

I’m here because friends became family, and because colleagues became comrades. EasyEquities, CN&CO, Comrades, St Stithians, Creuse mates, Insurance fraternity, our Blaauwklippen Valley community and so many other wonderful people— each has given me purpose beyond just “work”.

I’m here because volunteering and service matter to me. Because I’ve been taught — and try to live — that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

I’m here because I’ve been blessed with tribes — in art, in education, in sport, in business — who have let me play my part, fail sometimes, learn often, and celebrate together.

Who I am (still becoming)

I’m not a finished product. Far from it.

I can be too direct, too impatient, too restless. But I’m also curious, loyal, caring to a fault, often opinionated, always hopeful.

I’m deeply imperfect — but I’m not pretending to be someone else’s upgrade. I am me.

And right now, I am happy — more than I could have dreamed. Proud — more than I could have planned. Grateful — more than I could ever fully express.

The second half

At 51, time feels shorter. Not in a morbid way, but in a focused way. Less about endless possibilities, more about clarity of purpose.

I want to wake up with people I love, in places that inspire. I want to keep tasting the world — a fine whisky in Scotland, a great MCC here at home, art that moves me, books that teach me, sport that reminds me of human grit.

I want to keep showing up. For my family, my friends, my colleagues, my communities.

And I want to keep running. Not always fast, not always straight — but always forward.

So here’s to the next half. To passing the ball. To playing with purpose. To not counting the score too closely, but enjoying the game.

Cheers — and thank you, each of you, for being part of my journey so far.