Our Roots
Noltes INC.
The firm “Dr MM Nolte” was founded by Matys Megiel Nolte in 1933. The firm continued to trade under that name until 1998 when it was converted into an incorporated company known as “Dr MM Nolte Incorporated” trading as “Noltes”.
Dr Nolte was born in 1893, the eldest of twelve children. After receiving his doctorate in law at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, he returned to South Africa and settled in Ermelo.
Dr Nolte was an accomplished golfer and tennis player as well as a keen hunter, despite the loss of his right arm, which was the result of an accident suffered during childhood.
Of Dr Nolte’s work a colleague said during a motion of condolence after his death in 1956: “he never allowed a letter or document to emanate from his office unless it was perfect in every detail”.
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Following in the footsteps of the great men who led us, we strive:
- like Dr Nolte, not to let a document emanate from our office unless it is perfect in every detail;
- like John Hardiman, to shun from the spotlight and assist not only the privileged but also the underdog;
- like Boet Roets, to practice with modesty and dignity; and
- like Whitey Strauss to practice with ability and integrity.
Firm Founded
Matys Megiel Nolte establishes “Dr MM Nolte” in Ermelo after obtaining his doctorate in law at the University of Amsterdam.
John Hardiman Joins
John Allen Hardiman becomes partner. An excellent sportsman and later Mr South Africa, he was known for his humanitarian philosophy and continued practising until days before his death at 81 in 1989.
Boet Roets Joins
Cornelius Johannes (Boet) Roets, Dr Nolte’s adopted son, joins the firm. A skilled linguist and craftsman of the written and spoken word, he was remembered for his unrivalled modesty and dignity.
Whitey Strauss Joins
André (Whitey) Strauss joins the firm. Until his retirement in 2003 he was known for his excellent ability as an attorney and his uncompromising sense of integrity.
Incorporation
The firm is converted into an incorporated company – “Dr MM Nolte Incorporated” trading as “Noltes”.