FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

opportunities that Michaelhouse and its teachers gave me outside these red-brick walls and the values they instilled. Teachers like Paul Fleischack and many others allowed me to flourish, so that I could find my purpose aligned with my values, regardless of however odd or insurmountable the obstacles. I am fortunate to have lived with honey badgers in the Kalahari, and to have worked in the Niassa Reserve, one of the wildest and most remote parts of this great African continent, for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, wild places like Niassa, in northern Mozambique, are invariably situated in the poorest parts of the world’s poorest countries. These are places where anything but the most basic education is excruciatingly difficult to obtain and is hard won, often from under the shade of a village Mango tree or inside an old ruin.

Keith is a man who is not motivated by personal gain or fame. His life has been dedicated to researching and supporting species of animals and promoting the interaction between those species and humankind to the benefit of both across southern and eastern Africa. He has demonstrated compassion to people, he has lived in uncomfortable circumstances and has been conscious of the importance of the sustainability of the environment. His humanity has shone through in all he has done, and his care for the creatures of earth and the people who co-exist with them has transformed the landscape of a considerable part of the African continent. Although he has not sought fame, he and Colleen have become internationally famous through their work and, naturally, the films associated with their work. Keith Begg is a worthy winner of the St Michael Award and is an

On the few occasions I’ve visited Michaelhouse since I left, I’ve been struck by its continually improving world-class facilities, the myriad opportunities and, of course, the beauty of the school and its surroundings. But most of all I’ve been struck by the sheer, overwhelming privilege I had to come to this school; a privilege that is granted to so few of us. What do we make of this exclusive education, of this extraordinary privilege and the responsibility we must surely all have in the face of all the challenges we see in current events and across our fragile planet? What do I do with this gift? You might think that Colleen’s and my favourite moments have been things like witnessing some crazy, feisty honey badger tackle a cobra, or overcoming a puffadder bite to the face, or living off the grid in a tent in the wilderness. But undoubtably the most satisfying moments have been the opportunities to pay it forward to others by growing talent, mentoring and opening doors for people who have never thought they stood a chance, and to use my influence to make a small difference, and to honour all those that did the same for me. A special thank you to you all for this award and recognition.

inspiration to the boys of Michaelhouse. ACCEPTANCE RESPONSE FROM KEITH BEGG ood afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, in particular the Michaelhouse Rector, Board of Governors, school staff, students, parents and my fellow Old Boys. In 1984 my folks made it clear to me that I really didn’t stand much chance of following my Clifton friends to a school as prestigious as Michaelhouse, it was quite simply beyond their means. They lit a fire in me to pass the common entrance exam and instilled the grit to chase after something I wanted. I am so appreciative of all the Michaelhouse Old Boys and supporters that allowed me to benefit from this school’s bursary system. It is an impressive endowment trust that continues to aid so many of us here, since its inception some 44 years ago. In my case I can’t recall much of what I learnt inside the classroom or from textbooks. I will, however, never forget the extraordinary G

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