Custodians of the Maroon Machine
Dear Old Boy,
At our AGM on Thursday, 6 November — a night of reflection and renewal — I was reminded of the timeless question asked by generations of Paul Roosers: what is the true purpose of the Old Boys Union? My answer is simple yet, profound: we are the custodians of the maroon machine. We are the steady hands that hold the values of this school in place long after teachers rotate, parents move on, and seasons rise and fall. These are not dusty traditions, but living principles of gentlemanship and civility that shape the kind of men the world so urgently needs today.
I believe wholeheartedly that the next generation of Paul Roosers is excelling on every front. Beyond the bold rugby headlines, they are Olympians, national swimmers, water polo champions, rowers, writers, academics, doctors, attorneys, innovators, and entrepreneurs — leaders in the making who will shape South Africa’s future. Our responsibility as Old Boys is not merely to celebrate this legacy, but to expand it, multiply it, and architect the future. In uncertain times, we must ensure that Paul Roos continues to produce leaders grounded in humanity, dignity, and the values that define a true gentleman.
Shifting Gears
In the past twelve months, the Old Boys Union has shifted gear — from spectators of the legacy to builders of the future. We have professionalised governance, modernised systems, and established structures with real accountability. Yet no Union can succeed without knowing its members, and much of our energy has gone into strengthening that foundation. Today we have 13,899 Old Boys on record, with 11,960 still alive, and in the past year alone we updated the occupations of more than 3,000 and linked company names for over 4,000. Even our LinkedIn page reflects this activity, with thousands of views each week, underscoring both the reach and responsibility of our network.
From this groundwork, tangible initiatives are already flowing. The publication of the Law List has enabled Old Boys in the legal profession to connect and support one another, and this model will soon extend to other sectors — beginning with accounting, pharmaceutical medicine, and engineering. These steps mark a decisive transition: we are no longer simply celebrating our heritage, but actively building platforms that empower Paul Roosers to lead, collaborate, and shape the future together.
Mobilise Globally
In recent months, we have strengthened the Union’s foundations by updating directorships, regularising Carum Pty Ltd — which provides property for teacher accommodation — and Welgevallen Wines Pty Ltd, trading for Markötter. We have opened proper bank accounts, implemented accounting systems, filed all required tax disclosures, and secured liquor licences for events such as the Mega Tent. One story stands out: many years ago, an Old Boy bequeathed his half share in a Strand property to the Union. That legacy became the seed capital for Carum Pty Ltd, enabling us to invest directly in accommodation for teachers and, in turn, support the next generation of Paul Roosers.
Beyond these structures, we have focused on global mobilisation. Through our renewed database, we now know where Old Boys reside across the world. This year we consolidated more than 40 WhatsApp groups into 30, which now serve as primary channels of communication — spanning the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Benelux countries, Germany, and Austria. Alongside this, LinkedIn has become a vital platform for engagement, connection, and mobilisation, ensuring that wherever Old Boys are, they remain part of the maroon machine.
Growing Structures
This year has shown how our scope and structures have expanded. The Rugby Committee remains a powerhouse, but we have added a Water Polo Committee under Justin Swart and a Golf Committee under Henny Walters, broadening Old Boys impact across multiple sporting codes. Each committee now operates with full financial independence and transparency, with profit and loss visible at the push of a button — a level of accountability never achieved before. Collaboration has also deepened: the Paul Roos 150 Trust, the Paul Roos Foundation, and Club 1000 have joined us at the table, aligning history, resources, and networks to strengthen our collective mission.
At the heart of it all, our Rugby Committee continues to embody identity, brotherhood, and belonging. Last year’s Captain’s Dinner at Markötter, attended by current and past Springboks, reminded us of the enduring spirit of Paul Roos rugby and the willingness of Old Boys to give back. I extend heartfelt thanks to Bles Kemp and his committee for their tireless dedication, and I also wish to acknowledge the guidance of the late Pieter Jan Bestbier, the open-door support of former Rector André van Staden, and the invaluable contributions of Elsa van der Walt, Leonie Nell, and Marike Powell-Taljaard. Their service has enriched our Union and ensured that the Old Boys office remains a place of connection and pride.
Our Renewal Moment
Through all of this, something vital has begun to shift: we are re-awakening a culture where Old Boys give back not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Giving is not a duty — it is a declaration that says, this place made me, and I will help make it again. This is our renewal moment, moving from nostalgia to purpose, from sentiment to substance, from memory to leadership. The role of the Old Boys Union is not simply to guard the past, but to activate it so that we can empower the future. My appeal to the new committee is clear: be unshakeable custodians of our legacy, protect it fiercely, and ensure every intervention is constructive and worthy of this institution. For the future we safeguard is nothing less than the next generation of Paul Roos leaders.
Inspired by you
Nils Flaaten
Chairman: Old Boys Union
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