Westridge High School has named its library after former pupil Dr Athol Williams, a Mitchells Plain-born academic who is now a senior fellow at Oxford University.

The Dr Athol Williams Library has been officially launched at the school. Dr Williams, who is working at Oxford University, could not be there in person, as he has taken refuge in England after he was targeted for being a whistleblower.

Principal Olivia Williams said the school named the library to honour its former learner for his continued support and contribution to the school.

“Although Athol could not be with us in person, as he is working at Oxford University, we hope that he felt the warmth, pride, and gratitude of the Westridge family,” she said. “As an ex-learner, he is still ploughing back and we are extremely proud of him.”

A record of academic achievement

Dr Williams holds seven degrees from some of the world’s top universities. He earned a PhD in business ethics and corporate responsibility from Oxford in 2023, graduating with distinction.

He also holds five master’s degrees from institutions including MIT, the London Business School, Harvard and the London School of Economics, as well as a science degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.

He is a senior fellow of management practice at Oxford’s Saïd Business School and was appointed as the school’s inaugural poet laureate, making him the first poet laureate at any business school in the world. He has also been appointed academic director for Oxford’s Advanced Management and Leadership Programme.

Giving back to his old school

Dr Williams grew up in Mitchells Plain and has been investing in his old school for years. Many years ago, he donated 750 chairs to the school hall. Those chairs have supported countless gatherings, celebrations and important moments in the life of Westridge.

Through his organisation Read to Rise, whose executive director is his wife, Taryn Lock, he has continued to show his commitment to education. He donated many of his own books to the school, including the Oaky series for primary school learners. He also helped transform the library by having it painted and providing new tables and chairs.

His brother Roscoe Williams, who oversees Read to Rise’s work locally, has been leading the library makeover project. The revamp included a fresh coat of paint for walls and shelves, new furniture and an updated book collection.

“We want to create an engaging and modern space where students can feel inspired and excited to read,” Roscoe said.

Read to Rise has distributed new books to more than 350 000 children in under-resourced communities across South Africa. The organisation also hosts the Cape Flats Book Festival; its latest edition brought together more than 90 speakers and 50 sessions.

A message to learners

Principal Williams said Dr Williams’s contribution was not simply about books, furniture or a beautiful library.

“It is about giving our learners opportunities,” she said. “It is about reminding them that reading can open doors and that education can change lives.”

She encouraged learners to make the library their home and to allow books to take them beyond the boundaries of their everyday lives.

“Remember the words that are so closely associated with Read to Rise: ‘read to rise’,” she said.

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