John Rae: A Visionary Leader’s Journey of Service
Introduction: A Visionary Leader’s Impact
Meet John Rae, nominated by Reverend Dean Meistre from Grace Vision as a Phenomenal Man. According to Reverend Dean Meistre, John Rae served as the CEO of Grace Vision from 2006-2021 and is the current Board Chairman. John has been a part of Grace Vision since its inception, serving the organisation and the people of the most rural parts of the Eastern Cape.
“Our goal as Grace Vision is to restore sight, dignity, and life to the forgotten and vulnerable in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipal District of the Eastern Cape”, says Reverend Meistre. Under John’s leadership, Grace Vision has achieved remarkable milestones. The organisation has screened over 200,000 patients, performed just over 2,000 cataract operations, and provided over 21,000 pairs of glasses.
Early Influences and Childhood Memories
John shares about his upbringing: “I grew up in Melville, Johannesburg, in a family of four children. My father passed away suddenly when I was eleven, and my mom became ‘both’ parents from then on. My childhood was very happy, and I remember spending lots of time during the holidays climbing the Melville ‘koppies’ and spending time outdoors.”
His father and community leaders like Rev. Peter Storey were his role models, instilling in him a sense of justice and equality. Accessing higher education was not easy for John, but he pursued diplomas in Human Resource Management and Business Management by attending college while employed.
Grace Vision: A Fulfilling Experience
“Setting up the Grace Vision programme while having to find my own financial support has been an amazing and fulfilling experience,” John reflects. “Being instrumental in setting up the Grace Vision programme, and employing and nurturing an amazing team of Grace Vision employees, almost all of whom come out of the impoverished community we serve, has been humbling.”
John’s deep love for the people Grace Vision serves and his belief in South Africa’s potential for unity and growth is evident. “As human beings, our purpose is to not only provide for ourselves and our family but to serve our fellow humans to ensure synergistic growth and development for all, irrespective of our circumstances,” he emphasises.
Purpose in Service: A Man’s Responsibility
Being a man, to John, means utilising his created manliness for the benefit of all around him and serving as an example and role model to others, especially younger men.
Conclusion: John Rae’s Legacy of Compassion
John Rae’s dedication to serving his community and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others makes him a truly phenomenal man.
