Mari lives for meaningful moments not milestones
Born and raised in Stellenbosch, Mari Rabie’s roots of excellence are planted deep in this Boland town.
Mari completed her BCom degree in Actuarial Sciences at Stellenbosch University in 2009. Before joining the Maties family, she was a learner at Bloemhof Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch. Her younger brother, Lood, is also a former Matie and an old boy of Paul Roos Gymnasium (Stellenbosch). He played water polo for South Africa.
Mari’s excellence extended beyond academics and leadership; she was also an exceptional athlete. Her passion was triathlon: swimming, cycling and running. She represented South Africa at the Olympic Games in Beijing and Rio de Janeiro and was also part of Team South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
“I was fortunate to grow up in Stellenbosch. My life as a student at Stellenbosch University therefore doesn’t stand out that much from my longer life experience in the town,” Mari shares.
“When I finished school, I wanted to qualify for the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. My focus was therefore largely on training and attending classes. There wasn’t much time for anything else.”
For Mari, the road to international recognition wasn’t easy. Triathlon was not recognised as an official sporting code at Maties Sport. It was up to Mari to decide how she would pursue her dream. She joined both the Maties Swimming Club and the Athletics Club. She wasn’t the first Rabie to join Maties Athletics — her father, Lood Rabie, and grandfather, Daniël Rabie, were also members of this historic club.
“During my time, we were privileged to have a fantastic coach in Pierre du Roubaix at the swimming club. It was truly an honour to learn from him.”
For Mari, life — whether as an athlete, an individual, or an employee — has never been about highs and lows. “I focus instead on moments that add value and experiences that lead to good memories.”
One of the most meaningful moments came in the early mornings at the Maties pool. “To see the sun rise over the Pieke from the special outdoor pool as a member of one of the best clubs in the country — that is the kind of experience I live for.”
Mari, a qualified actuary, currently works as an Investment Banker at RMB.
Even though she was able to tick the Commonwealth and Olympic Games off her list, Mari’s list is far from complete. “I have a long list of things I still want to do!”
Mari was a Rhodes Scholar and studied at the University of Oxford. She also worked for nearly seven years at Remgro in Stellenbosch before joining RMB.
“Stellenbosch University offers a truly unique university experience in the heart of one of the most beautiful parts of our country,” is Mari’s advice to prospective students.
Mari’s parents — Lood and Riana — are both former Maties, as are all four of her grandparents. Her grandmother, Letitia Rabie, was a long-serving resident head of Nerina, and her grandfather, Prof AG (Felix) Botha, was involved with the Maties rugby and athletics club. Mari’s roots run deep in Stellenbosch and at Maties.
