“If you can be light to others, then it was worth it.”
One of Burger Nel’s greatest strengths is his vulnerability. On Women’s Day three years ago, the strapping, straight-talking sportsman stood on a stage in front of 600 boys and spoke about growing up in a volatile home environment.
Pointing to a photograph of himself as a four-year-old, he fought back tears.
The men in his life had let down the women in his life, he said.
“I knew from a young age that one day I would share my story to encourage boys that this is not how men ought to treat women.”
Hilton’s newly appointed Director of Sport had a hard-hitting and heartfelt message: hope can come from hardship. “If you can be light to others, then it was worth it.”
Having walked the hard road, he is big on building resilience through sport.
“My vision is for every Hilton boy to experience the life lessons that sport can teach. I remember being a young adult and having the confidence to deal with some of life’s big challenges because of what I learned from sport.
“Don’t be overwhelmed. Work in a team and have grit.”
A strong supporter of the “stronger together” Springbok philosophy, Burger consults to SA rugby on junior player development.
Born in Polokwane and raised in Port Shepstone, Burger was awarded a rugby scholarship at Voortrekker High School (now known as Riverwood College) in Pietermaritzburg, where boarding changed his life.
It was formative and fostered in him a sense of independence.
He went on to study film at AFDA in Johannesburg before going into sports analysis.
Burger joined Hilton College 11 years ago and has since worked as a coach, acquired his Bachelor of Education, taught Afrikaans and served in Ellis house for seven years – three as deputy housemaster to the late Tony Richter, and four as housemaster.
“I think the biggest gift I can give the boys is honesty. They know I’m in their corner, but also that I’ll challenge them. Sometimes it involves tough love, but it’s always about trying to get the best out of every boy.”
It is immensely rewarding work. “When the boys randomly thank you, it’s very special. I have letters from boys that are worth more than any paycheque.”
Burger is married to Tanye, his high school sweetheart, and they have one son, Eben (9), named after the Springbok Eben Etzebeth.
As parents they place a high value on kindness and a strong work ethic. “You might not have much talent, but kindness and hard work wins people over and open doors.”
Burger says this aligns with Hilton College’s values.
If Hilton were a person, he would be a gentleman, Burger says. “A gentleman is kind, courageous, trustworthy and keeps his word. In the world that no longer values gentlemen, Hilton College is calling boys to be gentlemen; to live up to values that are timeless.”
This is the 20th post in our Humans of Hilton College (#HOHC) series, inspired by the lovely human beings in our community. They are people of character and often behind the scenes: kind, curious and sometimes quirky. #HOHC is modelled on Humans of New York
