Inspired by a childhood in a household of teachers, St Andrew’s School headmaster Roland Rudd has dedicated his life to education, mentorship, and community upliftment. Through decades in the classroom and school leadership, he continues to shape young minds while championing compassion, dignity, and purpose.
Having grown up in what he fondly calls a “teacher’s house”, Roland Rudd credits his parents as the inspiration behind his decision to pursue a career in education. The headmaster of St Andrew’s School says being raised in a household where both parents were teachers exposed him early to the rewards and responsibilities of the profession.
“My father and mother were both teachers, so I grew up in a ‘teacher’s house’. With that came many benefits. I spent countless afternoons next to the sports fields with my father and went on many tours with him, both as a player and a supporter. Holidays also became opportunities to spend time together, whether it was through school festivals or the December summer holidays at the coast,” he recalls.
Rudd’s career started at the University of the Free State, where he studied education. After graduating, he moved to Cape Town to take up a teaching position at Wynberg Boys’ High School. His dedication to teaching was soon recognised when he won the provincial national teacher’s award for high school teaching, which allowed him to further his studies at the University of Cape Town.
Throughout his career, Rudd says two influential headmasters played a significant role in shaping his leadership philosophy. “I was privileged to work with two outstanding headmasters at Wynberg Boys’ High School. Mr Keith Richardson was a highly respected, forward-thinking leader who shaped the way I approached both leadership and education,” he says.
At the time, schools were transitioning away from corporal punishment as a method of discipline. Rudd says Richardson championed a new approach that prioritised relationships and understanding.
“Schools were moving from an era where discipline was managed through physical punishment to one where it had to be addressed differently. Mr Richardson drove the concept of building relationships among staff, boys, and parents, replacing an authoritarian disciplinary system with a pastoral one built on mutual respect and understanding,” he explains.
Alongside Mr Jan de Waal, Richardson also gave Rudd opportunities to take on leadership roles early in his career. “Between Mr Keith Richardson and Mr Jan de Waal, I was given opportunities to grow in leadership positions, make decisions, and learn in a safe space where support and guidance were always available,” he says.
Reflecting on his career, Rudd describes education as both challenging and deeply rewarding. For him, the most fulfilling part of the job is watching learners grow and develop into responsible adults.
“There is nothing more rewarding than watching a boy grow as a human being. I aim to send out boys who become men of value, who go on to be good husbands and fathers – everything else is secondary,” he says.
He adds that mentoring young teachers is equally fulfilling. “Having young staff members pop in to share ideas, seek advice, and take up leadership opportunities is incredibly rewarding as a headmaster.”
Beyond the classroom, Rudd believes strongly in giving back to the community. He recalls growing up with the belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected”, a principle that continues to guide his work today. One initiative close to his heart is Our Shoes, a project where he serves as a trustee. The initiative collects and distributes footwear to those in need across the country. “The work being done by Our Shoes means we can put shoes on the feet of thousands of children and adults across the country. Our goal is to collect 50 000 pairs of shoes, boots, and trainers every year,” he explains.
He adds the project is made possible through generous donations from children in Ireland who support the initiative. “Their contributions help restore a sense of dignity and hope to many people who otherwise would not have access to something as basic as a pair of shoes.”
For Rudd, schools play a far greater role than simply providing academic instruction. He believes they help shape values that learners carry into society. “When learners are taught compassion and respect, those values manifest in the communities they enter. We must always remember that the next Mandela could be sitting in a classroom chair. That is a massive responsibility for educators,” he says.
Rudd believes one of the most important qualities teachers can nurture in young people is kindness.
“This is often overlooked in the competitive environment that exists in schools and society, but the world needs more kind people, individuals with emotional intelligence who can regulate themselves and treat others with respect.”
Lastly, he leaves a message to young people about the importance of education and their role in shaping the future. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he says: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Now more than ever, in a world facing conflict and division, we need principled leaders and ordinary people who choose kindness and understanding over hatred and anger every day, Rudd concludes.
Text and photographs: CLEMENT MATROOS
