The West Rand is privileged to call itself home to some legendary individuals who have not only been successful in their own careers, but who have devoted their lives to serving the broader community, helping others to enjoy a better life because of their selfless efforts.
Imagine a man who has married more than 300 West Rand residents (as marriage officer, not as spouse!); who has studied both here and in the US; who has won national sporting events; who has represented national government initiatives and a leading Australian university;who has contributed to higher education textbooks and yet, has always been willing to serve the community often without even expecting to be remunerated.
This man is Craig Darrel Rowe, educationist and church leader.
Rowe grew up on the West Rand, matriculating at Krugersdorp High School where he recently served as their Chairman of the Governing Body. At school, he made a name for himself in the show jumping arena. He started riding at age four at Christleton Stables and started competing at age five. The highlight of his show jumping career came in 1982 when he won the South African Junior Grand Prix at the then Rand Easter Show.
After school, Rowe studied to be a teacher and his first school was his alma mater Krugersdorp High School, giving back to the educational institution that had given him his grounding.
In 1992, he left to study in the US at Church of the Nations and was ordained into the ministry in 1995. He still serves as a leader at Community Ministries with churches in Muldersdrift, Krugersdorp and Rietfontein Village.
He never saw himself as a pastor on the one hand and an educationist on the other. He believes that everything he does is about serving and there is no divide between his church life and his work life.
He explained “I have a vision to see a vast network of academics, ministers, businessmen, teachers, health care professionals, social workers, child care and community workers, artisans, politicians and professionals working together to see positive change happening.” Continuing to improve his qualifications, he completed his honours degrees in both education and theology, then a master’s in education and is currently researching for a doctorate in theology.
He taught at several schools such as Boskop Primary (Maths), Allen Glen High (English) and The King’s School West Rand (Guidance) while serving Early Childhood Development and Non-Government Organisations in the West Rand, as well as running a soup kitchen at Ditton’s Farm School (now Lesego Primary).
He also passionately supports Bethany House, a ministry to children who are facing immeasurable challenges and which operates very successfully in Krugersdorp.
In 2001, a new chapter started in Rowe’s life with the opening of Monash SA in Ruimsig. After contacting the Pro Vice Chancellor and offering to serve them in any way, the university soon employed him to help them establish relationships in the community.
He is currently Head of Community Engagement at Monash SA, a position he has held for the last 13 years and which has evolved with the university as the campus has expanded from 40 students in 2001 to more than 4 000 today.
He is responsible for arranging volunteer projects in the local community as well as being involved with international placements of students with organisations such as Oxfam and World Vision. In 2012, they invited Rowe to Australia where he received the Vice-Chancellors Award – Social Inclusion Award – and last year Craig was voted by the students at Monash SA as the most outstanding staff- member in 2013!
But it’s not only the Australians that have sought after Craig’s expertise and willingness to serve. The South African government Department for Social Development has asked Craig to serve on its steering committee for professionalisation of community development, a task which involves consulting and training with higher education institutions and government departments all over the country.
He concluded that his latest challenge has been writing a chapter for a book on Notions of Community in conjunction with the University of Fort Hare.
