DALE DEN DULK (1997-1999) was the College’s first cricket and rugby captain. He studied marketing at Stellenbosch and then joined De Toren wines, the family wine farm near Stellenbosch. While marketing his products, he realised that at many of the outlets where his wines were sold, the staff who served them knew little about the wine and spirits that they were serving. Together with a partner, Fasie Malherbe, Dale started a training company which has grown into an international provider of training courses in a variety of sectors, apart from the hospitality industry, such as Virgin Active and the Netcare Group.
His group of companies, which include Lets Sell Lobster and Under the Influence operates all over South Africa and in sixteen other African countries. Needing their own establishment where they could put their training into practice, they bought, renovated and re-opened the historic Round House in Kloof Nek, which now ranks in the Top Five restaurants in South Africa.
Interestingly, Dale and his partner have surrounded themselves with a number of talented and energetic Old Oaks. Early on, he teamed up with ALLISTER KREFT (1997-2000) who has been a pillar of the company and who added to their training the marketing of a large variety of good wines to game lodges and country establishments. It has been a huge success. Shortly afterwards they sought out TIM NEL (1999-2003) who was followed by RUSSELL DUNKLEY (1997-2000) and CHRIS CAMPBELL (2000-2004). Asked why they chose former Somerset College students, Dale said that they were entrepreneurial, able to think on their feet, adaptable to changing circumstances, don’t take themselves too seriously, and, above all, they understand the importance of delivery to customers. They have revolutionised training methodologies, using the best of modern technology mixed with a commitment to give trainees confidence in themselves, and purpose and direction in their work, however mundane, and in their lives. For a student who was decidedly unenthusiastic about his studies at school, it is incredible that Dale should now be leading a thoroughly successful educational organisation! It is certainly making a difference – and they are having a lot of fun.
