Chris Norton arrived at Stellenbosch University in 1991 as one of the few “rooineks” in town. “It was an incredible experience to move from the very English culture of Grahamstown (Makhanda), having been schooled at St Andrews, to Stellenbosch,” he recalls.
Despite the initial culture shock, however, he settled in rather well. So well, in fact, that he is still living in Stellenbosch today and is actively involved in the University and the broader community.
“I did my Bachelors and Honours degrees in History and played rugby for Maties. I often get teased about my choice of study, with people asking: ‘How could you possibly use that degree in business?’ But I did what I loved, and it was an incredible experience,” he says. “I did my thesis on the Information Scandal, and it was a real eye-opener at the time, and a great learning experience for me.”
The Maties Rugby Club soon became Chris’s second home. “I played there for 12 years, which included some incredible tours to Argentina, Japan and Britain. I am extremely passionate about rugby and serve on the Maties Supporters Committee and the Craven Bursary Fund board.”
He says he will never forget what the Maties Rugby Club gave him. “The club gave me some of the best years and experiences of my life. I met incredible people, was coached by some of South Africa’s finest, and played in amazing places,” Chris says. “This is why we should all give back and ensure that Maties Rugby remains the club it is and can give future students the same and better experiences.”
Also a mountain biking enthusiast, Chris manages an academy of 15 cyclists for the Fairtree Imperial Cannondale racing team, works with development riders in Kayamandi, and is the former owner of the BMT bike shop in Stellenbosch.
Considering his love of cycling, it is no surprise that he participated in the 2022 Cape Town Cycle Tour. Yet he also used the opportunity to support the SU Alumni Office’s peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. “The Fairtree Imperial Cannondale racing team joined me in taking part in the #Move4Food initiative by racing under the Maties banner,” Chris says. “We managed to raise funds for this incredible initiative, and it taught us the vital lesson that no matter your circumstances, you always have the ability to help someone else.
He currently runs the Stellenbosch restaurant Casa Cerveza from where he offers mountain bike tours with his development riders as guides. “We offer both corporate and individual tours from Casa, and this is how the cyclists earn an income besides taking part in races,” he explains.
He regards his participation in various cycling initiatives and his involvement in supporting Maties Rugby as a great way to remain connected to both the community and the University, and to give something back to both. Asked about his proudest achievement in life, Chris does not hesitate for a second: “My three boys. There is no greater joy in life than watching your children grow up and achieve, and I am really proud of all three of them.” He then jokingly adds: “If you asked any of the players at the Rugby Club what my greatest achievement was, they would say the fact that I managed to find a wife!“
- Writer: Birgit Ottermann
- This is the first issue of our magazine for Maties alumni, and many of the stories reflect the resilience of the individual writ large.
If you are seeking a few life hacks or simple reminders about turning adversity into opportunity, do read on, Maties!
https://console.vpaper.ca/stellenbosch-university/always-a-matie-202301_eng/
