Born in the
Free State in 1917, Rabie matriculated at
Koffiefontein in 1934. He then enrolled at the
University of Stellenbosch where he obtained a
BA degree, followed by a
MA in Latin and a MA in Greek, all three degrees
cum laude. After receiving a scholarship, he began his classical studies at the
University of Michigan and was awarded the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy in 1943. After returning to South Africa, he taught in classical languages at the University of Stellenbosch and also began studying law and obtained his
LLB (cum laude) at the end of 1948. ==Career==