The atmosphere was festive as Dr Ralph – in his usually soft-spoken tone – asked all those present to hold hands and complete the circle. 'Let's get started,' he said. 'Let's together issue a soul call. Let us call forth all those whose deepest desire is to help others grow, develop and unfold into the fullness of who they truly are. Let them come and join us here at Novalis Ubuntu. Together we will build a centre where people shall come to nurture their souls, where they will feel at home, have access to the greatest spiritual teachers of today and be inspired to make this a world that works for everyone.' He then lit up a candle, and the 25th year celebration began.

 If you've ever driven down Rosmead Avenue in Wynberg, in the Cape, chances are you've already seen the white domed-shape building – often mistaken as a UFO – that is the home of the Novalis Ubuntu Institute. Founded in 1984 by Dr Ralph T Shepherd and a few progressive friends, the institute was the creative response to Ralph's own life questions: 'In those years, there weren't many places where you could talk openly about spirituality. I wanted a place where we didn't only speak about the science of spirituality, but also where you could put it into practice. I wanted to build a centre where you could meet people face to face and truly connect with them at a deeper level. So we built it, thanks to the German and Japanese governments and my friend Brian Johnson who designed it. Since then we've touched thousands of lives through each one of our programs. This has been the greatest adventure of my life. But now that we're turning 25, it is time for us older folks to step down, and for a new generation of visionary leaders to step in and lead this organisation into its greatest 'yet-to-be'. This is why I called upon the universe to bring to us these special souls.'

Anne Lise Bure was one of the souls to respond to this special call. Having served as fundraiser, project and program developer over many years, she was the perfect candidate to replace Ralph in his role as CEO while he focuses on the writing of his new book. Anne Lise's mission is, as she says, 'To transition this wonderful organisation into that which is new, fashioned after the human being. The meaning of the word Novalis in Latin is "that which is of the new and the future". To me, this is what Novalis Ubuntu Institute is about, the future that we may co-create together. Let's create the new Ubuntu community.' Anne Lise's role is not only to oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, but also to ensure that the right people are at the right places. And they are thinking big. When she says big, she means it.

'Why not think big? Our intention is to become the leading Adult Holistic Education organisation in South Africa', she says. 'We're aiming at becoming a place where you will not only have access to the greatest spiritual teachers and holistic educational programs, but where you'll also be able to enjoy our organic teas and coffees and Sobonfu Somé, Rev Michael Beckwith, Eckard Tolle, Marianne Williamson and Neil Donald Walsch, among several other international teachers to participate in their seasonal faculty.

The idea has already been well-received and to give faith to it, widely-respected spiritual teacher Natalia Baker and Howard Goodman of the Emissaries of Divine Light have joined the new board. 'For a long time we felt constraint, but as consciousness generally is awakening at such a quickening pace, we are coming out. We are a spiritual organisation, we are progressive and we are green. And we are here to support all those individuals who are ready to embrace their spirituality and realise that we are spiritual beings having an earthly experience and not the other way around. The new Novalis board members will help us anchor the vision of the highest possibility for this wonderful organisation.'

Supporting Anne Lise's role as CEO, you'll find Gabriel Gonsalves, the latest addition to the management team. Currently a volunteer from Venezuela, Gabriel – who has a strong 'chewing gum' American accent he picked up while living in Los Angeles – describes himself as an innovator. 'My role,' he says, 'is to support Anne Lise in crafting and executing this new vision, with the awareness that we are serving an idea that is much bigger than ourselves; an idea whose time has come and it is only awaiting for willing souls to say "yes" to it, and become available to it, and simply showing up. Of course, it's not going to be easy, we are all going to have to grow and develop new qualities and skills.' With a strong background in finance, entertainment, media and spirituality, Gabriel brings many gifts and talents to the new management team, including the leadership skills he's acquired as the spiritual director of Agape in South Africa, a trans-denominational spiritual community in Cape Town.

Other team members who have also listened to Ralph's soul call include Blessing Makumbe from Zimbabwe in the role of Junior Administrator, and Bea Juries from Cape Town as Program Co-ordinator; each bringing their unique talents and skills to the organisation's new vision for the future.

'Our arms are wide open to receiving more wonderful and amazing souls who are ready to be of service and grow with us. We are currently seeking fundraisers, investors, connectors, volunteers and other visionaries who are in perfect alignment with our vision and purpose. We are looking to establish strong partnerships and alliances and continue to be a place for all those who are looking for a community where they can share all the wonderful gifts and talents they came to give to the world. That is the true manifestation of the essence of the Ubuntu Spirit,' says Anne Lise. O

If you would like to get involved, or simply find out more information about the Novalis Ubuntu Institute, please visit their webpage www.novalis.org.za or call (021) 797-1857. The Novalis Ubuntu Insitute is located on Rosmead Ave (between Ottery and Wetton Rd) Wynberg 7800, Cape Town. Their operating hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm.