We were honoured to welcome Mr Dave Emslie as our guest speaker at the 2025 Sports Dinner, where he delivered a powerful and deeply personal address that left a lasting impact on everyone present.
Mr. Emslie, a proud Old Graemian (1966–1973), spoke with passion, humour and wisdom, drawing from decades of experience in both education and sport. His message was a stirring tribute to Graeme College, a celebration of growth and a call to remain grounded while reaching for greatness.
Here are a few highlights from his inspiring speech:
1. “GC – My Favourite School”
Mr. Emslie opened by declaring Graeme College his favourite school; not only because he is an Old Boy, but because, having spent his life in education, he can “see, feel, hear and smell a good thing.”
“Graeme College is a good thing.”
2. Dreams & opportunities:
He encouraged the boys to dream big and seize the opportunities available to them; reminding them that the present is a platform for building future success.
3. Then and Now – Graeme 1973 vs 2025
Reflecting on his own school days, Mr. Emslie shared what it was like at GC in the 1960s and early ’70s.
In 1973, Graeme was decent, respectable, but limited beyond the basics:
Only 8 academic subjects (compared to 15 today),
No formal pastoral care,
Very average facilities,
Yet a tight-knit community, albeit not representative of all South Africans.
Fast forward to 2025 and Mr. Emslie described a school that is:
Vibrant, inclusive and diverse,
Offering rich academic, sporting and pastoral programmes,
Where every learner is seen, valued and celebrated.
He highlighted the Leopard Awards in the Junior School as a meaningful symbol of how Graeme now recognises not just achievement, but character and heart.
4. Lessons from sport
Using stories from cricket, rugby, tennis and more, Mr. Emslie shared key life lessons learned through sport.
Cricket
From makeshift nets to coaching each other:
Lesson 1: Teach yourself, figure things out and stand on your own two feet.
Self-reliance and initiative were the cornerstones of success.
Rugby
From the dominant teams of 1972–74 to the passion of the 2025 side:
Lesson 2: Stay grounded. Don’t get ahead of yourself.
He recalled a humbling loss to Cambridge in 1973 as a reminder of the importance of focus.
Lesson 3: Play with pride, own your space and stand your ground.
He spoke of players like Ashton Burger, the mascot and the drive to “beat the big dogs.”
Tennis
From basic courts and long walks to city tournaments, to the beautiful courts of today:
Lesson 4: Make a plan. Find a way.
Graemians have always found a way to rise to the occasion.
5. The Centenary Walk (1973)
He recalled the iconic 60km walk from Grahamstown to Port Alfred as part of the school’s centenary. However, not everyone took part:
Lesson 5: Don’t sit out. Be a participator, not a spectator.
“If life offers you something meaningful and one should grab it!”
6. A True Rainbow Nation in Action
Perhaps the most moving part of Mr. Emslie’s speech was his reflection on how the school has changed demographically and socially:
“In 1973, Graeme was a small group of white boys looking at life through a single lens. Today, it is the true Rainbow Nation in action.”
He praised Graeme College for being a living example of what unity, diversity and mutual respect can achieve.
“Mandela dreamed of a Rainbow Nation. Graeme College has made that dream a reality.”
He closed by saying:
“You, the boys of 2025, deserve to be proud. You are setting a supreme example in a world that desperately needs tolerance, empathy and love. You’ve made people like me incredibly proud.”
A message that will stay and resonate with us:
Mr. Emslie’s address reminded us of the power of tradition, the value of growth and the importance of character. His stories, humour and humility captured the spirit of Graeme College, past and present.
We thank Mr. Emslie for his presence, his words and for being a shining example of what it means to be a true Graemian