As Grant Hooper (OC 1993) begins his term as the 49th President of the Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Association, we invite you to get to know the man behind the role.
From his years at Maritzburg College and favourite traditions to his family life, leadership philosophy and vision for the Association, Grant shares his story in his own words.
We hope you enjoy getting to know our new President.
About Grant Hooper (OC 1993)
Tell us about yourself, your family, and what you do when you’re not wearing your MCOBA hat.
I am married with three children. I met my wife, Lou at Pietermaritzburg University so we have been together nearly 30 years now, married for 23. My eldest daughter, Shannon is in her 3rd year studies at Pretoria University. Demi, my second daughter is in matric at St Mary’s Kloof and my son, Blake started as a boarder at College this year. So we keep busy 😀! On the work front, I lead an IT team for a well known Logistics & Supply Chain company which makes every day interesting and keeps me challenged.
How would your spouse, children, or closest friends describe you?
Mostly relaxed, easy going and supportive – but needing some work with my dad jokes.
What’s one thing most Old Collegians would be surprised to learn about you?
I left College being at the same height that I started College 🙃!
The Maritzburg College Years
What years were you at Maritzburg College?
1989 to 1993
What are your strongest memories of College?
The boarding was tough but we also had loads of fun. Although there are vivid memories of being in trouble or being shouted at, my memories are mostly of laughing about the day with dorm mates after lights out or someone doing something ridiculous in class that made us all laugh.
Which teacher, coach, or mentor had the greatest influence on you?
There were many. College has been blessed with amazing teachers, some with some strong personalities. One that stood out for me was Mrs Val Harley who taught us for English for many years. She had a wonderful way of inspiring you to be creative and bring out your best work.
Which school house did you belong to, and how fiercely do you still support it?
Nathans. I don’t think it exists as a school house anymore but there was a great rivalry between the houses back then. It was a privilege to lead my house in my matric year.
What was your favourite College tradition?
It is tough to beat the bashers going up on Goldstones but blackening our rugby boots was a great one too, it really epitomized our focus to play as a team and not as an individual.
Were you a sportsman, scholar, leader, entertainer—or a combination of all four?
Maybe the first three, there were lots of entertainers in our year, so that was best left to them 😀
What was your favourite spot on campus?
Don’t laugh… the library. It was a great place to get some peace and quiet.
What Did Maritzburg College Do For You?
In one sentence: What did Maritzburg College do for you?
College made me much more aware of how I treat people and how it takes courage, discipline and perseverance to chase your goals and achieve your aspirations but more importantly, it has instilled in me a sense of belonging.
What values from Maritzburg College have stayed with you throughout your life?
Many of them… integrity, respect, courage, honesty and humility.
What is a lesson you learnt at Maritzburg College that still guides your decisions today?
“Life is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” – from Mr Bechet’s blackboard in Maths class.
What characteristic can you directly attribute to your time at Maritzburg College?
Humility.
Did Maritzburg College prepare you for leadership? If so, how?
Yes, most definitely. There were occasions at College when you needed to take a stand on an issue and hold your ground, or when you needed to put other’s feelings or welfare above your own, or moments when you had to take accountability for your mistakes – these all contribute to your leadership strengths.
The Fun Stuff
Most memorable prank or mischievous moment?
Sworn to secrecy on many, but suffice to say that a certain night swim in a neighboring school pool might spring to mind.
Which teacher were you most nervous to have in class?
On occasion, Dudley Forde (our Headmaster) would stand in for teachers, he was intimidating to say the least 😀
Best College sports fixture you ever witnessed?
In very similar circumstances to our Reunion this year, at our 1990 Reunion we were facing off to an unbeaten Hilton 1st rugby team with the odds stacked against us. But somehow, through sheer determination, we won that day on Goldstones – a brilliant win for the red, black and white.
Favourite tuck shop item?
Ice-creams on the Kent Pavilion whilst watching the 1st team cricket.
If you could relive one day at College, which would it be?
Final assembly day in our matric year – to share that special day again with my year group having gone through all those years and experiences together.
Which school song or war cry still gives you goosebumps?
Although it is an obvious choice, the Jimeloyo Gee of our traditional number one, will always get your blood flowing.
If your classmates had to give you a nickname today, what would it be?
Butch
Family and Legacy
What does your family think about you becoming the 49th MCOBA President?
Very proud and excited for me, but also conscious that it will be a demanding role.
Have your children heard all your College stories—or only the edited versions?
They have heard all the stories, the unedited versions! 😀
What part of the Maritzburg College experience would you most like future generations to enjoy?
Being part of a team.. whether that is a sports team, a band or a stage production team.
Looking Ahead
What inspired you to accept the role of MCOBA President?
More who than what – Jon Hoatson and all the past presidents who have selflessly given their time and energy to keeping our Old Boys connected.
What are your priorities for your term?
Solid foundations are now in place to do some great things together. The focus will be two-fold, firstly to continue to work closely with all the College entities and communities to strengthen College’s position as one of the best schools in the country. And secondly, to elevate the engagement amongst Old Boys and to keep that fire of College brotherhood burning.
What does a strong MCOBA community look like to you?
Engaged, passionate, committed, generous, understanding and fun.
What message would you like to share with Old Collegians around the world?
College is in a great place and is set to get even better. The brotherhood amongst the Old Boys is alive and well. Join us for the next Association event, come back home to the see the school or just meet up with old College friends – you won’t regret it.
Quick-Fire Round
Tea Room or Tuck Shop?
Tuck Shop
Rugby or Cricket?
Rugby
Assembly or Sport?
Sport
Prefect or Rebel?
Think I better say Prefect
Favourite teacher?
Mrs Harley
One word that describes College?
Excellence
One word that describes MCOBA?
Brotherhood
Favourite College memory in three words?
My first tackle (rugby)
And my favourite closing question:
“When you look back on your years at Maritzburg College, what are you most grateful for?”
Friendships
Picture Above – Grant Hooper (OC 1993), Jackie Ponsford (Ops manager for MCOBA), Jon Hoatson (OC 1998) and Immediate past president and Bruce Lesur (OC 1989), Past president and HLM (At the Formal Dinner at the Reunion 2026).