Oneness as the way of the future.

Our name joins two ideas. Novalis, the pen name of German poet Friedrich von Hardenberg, means “that which is of the future”. Ubuntu is the African philosophy of oneness and selfless giving.

We are committed to acknowledging, honouring and nurturing the unique gifts, talents and inner resources of each individual, and to combining talents, virtues and strengths to serve the whole community.

Founders and early members of Novalis gathered on the steps of a building

Our story

Late 1970s

Founded in Durban by Dr Ralph T. Shepherd and a group of friends, to contribute creatively to the educational, social and cultural challenges of the time.

1984

Formally established on 21 September 1984 as a not-for-profit organisation.

1996

Our human-scale centre in Wynberg, design led by architect Brian Johnson, was built with German and Japanese grants. The work was also supported by 14 Novalis co-workers and local builders.

2026

Revival of professional training programmes, a new youth development initiative, and restoration of the centre.

Our mission

To be a leading change-maker in holistic education, working locally and globally with individuals who seek a human-scale approach and are keen to fully unlock knowledge for themselves.