Today, Kingswood pauses to remember one of it’s finest sons, Dale Collett (OK 1969), who sadly passed away on the 10th of September. A decorated war-hero, Dale led an amazing life, overcoming enormous obstacles.

Born and bred in Middelburg in the Karoo, on a farm named Greyville in the Eastern Cape. Dale was sent to school in Kingswood in 1965 and was a pupil until 1969.

After matriculating at Kingswood, Dale served in the Rhodesian War where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant, and was of the first members of the newly formed Selous Scouts. In 1974 he was awarded the Silver Cross of Rhodesia, for “Conspicuous Gallantry and Leadership in Action. During a raid into Mozambique in 1976, Dale was tragically shot in the spine, and as a result was paralysed from the chest down.

Despite this dreadful injury, Dale’s determination and positivity overcame all odds and he continued to live a fairly normal life. Although confined to life in a wheelchair, Dale went on to build up his own business, employing many local citizens of Botswana who were themselves disabled.

Years later, whilst Dale was renovating his own home, he was once again involved in an awful accident, where a roof collapsed on him, and as a result he lost one of his legs in an amputation. He also damaged his shoulder, which never fully recovered despite various surgeries.

Dale continued to remain positive and determined, running his business, farm and even giving motivational talks. Perhaps this determination was truly realised when Dale decided to adapt his motorbike with a flat-bed, which allowed him to ride it. He rode his motorbike across country, from Gaborone all the way to Cape Town (a total of 1548 kilometres) in an attempt to raise funds for the Ray of Hope Foundation in Gaborone, which takes care of terminally ill children. He went on to raise over R100 000 which went towards this worthy cause.

Dale will be remembered as an individual of incredible determination, remaining positive in the face of great adversity. In an interview with the press after his famous bike ride from Gaborone to Cape Town, Dale said:

“The big problem in life is that very few of us take the bull by the horns. Get on the bike and ride!

“Stop dreaming about it, just do it.” – Dale Collett (source)

Today, we pause to pay tribute to an amazing life lived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this sad time. Kingswood will remember you. Rest in peace, Dale.