By Mark Ceruti – Kenneth Robin Lydall, affectionately known as Robin, has devoted his life to faith, professional excellence, Catholic education, and service to the Church and society. Born on 2 September 1943, he has become widely respected as a Chartered Accountant, Catholic leader, educational pioneer, and dedicated member of the Knights of da Gama.
Robin attended St Paul’s Primary School in Maryvale and later Highlands North High School, matriculating in 1960 at the age of seventeen. He immediately began his accounting articles with Hemphill Anderson while studying part-time at the University of the Witwatersrand. By July 1964, he had passed both qualifying Board examinations for Chartered Accountants and officially began practising as a CA(SA) later that year.
His professional career spanned more than sixty years. In 1969, he became a partner in the firm that eventually evolved into KPMG through several mergers and name changes. Robin served as Partner in Charge of the Beira and Maputo offices in Mozambique from 1970 to 1976 and later undertook international audit assignments, including work in Brazil. He also contributed to the accounting profession through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), serving on committees involved in company law and international accounting standards. Even after retiring as a partner in 2009, he continued serving KPMG in leadership and consulting roles.
Faith has always remained central to Robin’s life. Raised in the Catholic Church, he received all his sacraments, including marriage, at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church. Following his return from Mozambique, he became an active parishioner at St Therese Catholic Church in Edenvale, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and on parish and Archdiocesan finance committees.
Robin’s involvement with the Knights of da Gama began in 1964 when he joined the Squires in Maryvale. Over the decades, he held numerous leadership positions, including Grand Knight of Council 28, Supreme Treasurer, Deputy Supreme Knight, Supreme Knight from 2001 to 2005, Supreme Councillor, and editor of The Link since 2009. He also served on several important committees, including the Heraldry and Insignia Committee and Investment Advisory Committee, and represented South Africa at International Alliance of Catholic Knights conventions worldwide.
A passionate supporter of Catholic education, Robin played a major role in preserving and strengthening the Catholic ethos of St Benedict’s College and Holy Rosary School. He served for decades on the Board of Governors of St Benedict’s College, including nearly forty years as Chairman, and remains a founding trustee of both school trusts. He also contributed nationally through the Catholic Schools Proprietary Association and the Catholic Board of Education.
In recognition of his lifelong service to the Church, Catholic education, and the Knights of da Gama, Robin was awarded the prestigious Order of Saint Gregory the Great on 13 May 2026 by Cardinal Stephen Brislin at St Therese Catholic Church. One of the highest honours bestowed upon lay Catholics by the Holy See, the award recognises exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to the Church and society.
Throughout his life, Robin Lydall has exemplified humility, integrity, wisdom, and faithful leadership. His remarkable contribution to the Church, Catholic education, the accounting profession, and the wider community stands as an enduring example of dedicated Catholic lay service.
- Saint Gregory the Great Award presented to Kenneth Robin Lydall - June 10, 2026
- Mass Readings: 14 June – 21 June, 2026 - June 9, 2026
- Pope Leo in Barcelona: Homily - June 9, 2026
