We are the world.....

In the immortal words of the late Michael Jackson...

" We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving
There is a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a brighter day, just you and me"
(From the song "We are the world")



This weekend I had the privilege of attending a function organised by the Pretoria North Police in support of the "16 Days of Activism against Woman and Child Abuse" campaign...


It was heart wrenching to see that there were so many children, some of whom were barely of age to walk by themselves, that have been removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect....

The event was organised at the Voortrekker Eeufees primary school in Pretoria North, and was aimed at brightening the festive season for these children, who in normal circumstances would have had a dark and dreary Christmas...

All the children were treated to something to eat, some presents and a treat for the sweet tooth...However, not to be forgotten, there was something in store for the mothers as well, in the form of hampers to help them through the festive season hunger pains...

Myself and a good friend, as well as up and coming artist, Francois van Rensburg had the enviable task of handing these out...



We were also accompanied by some friends, family and loved ones for the day...


Even though we just gave some of our time for the day, we were able to make a difference in the lives of people who are in a less fortunate position than ourselves...

To end off:

"We can't go on pretending day by day
The someone somewhere will soon make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need"

So start today, show some kindness, and make a difference where you are, with what you have...And quite soon we will be creating a better world...

Are you imparting influencial knowledge?

Well known intellectual, and namesake of mine, William Smith...

While conducting a training lecture today I was momentarily interrupted by the thought: "Am I imparting knowledge that will make a difference?"

The lecture hall was filled by several technical personnel, all of whom are my senior by quite some years, and there I was, instructing them on how to maintain equipment in their facility.

The idea kept swirling in the back of my head, am I teaching these people something that will make a difference in the way the conduct business from now on, or will they have forgotten my name by the time I leave the gate?

Thankfully this question was answered by a comment from one of the participants: "we have been doing this for years, and now we have you to show us the right way of doing it".

Is this a reason to be arrogant? Have I somehow rose above their level? Not in the least...I have just shared with them what others before me have shared with me. The moral of the story?

Just be who you are, and share what you know. People might not remember your name, but they will be better of by what you shared with them...

Flyer design....

Spin 4 Charity…

This weekend also saw me organize a Spinathon to benefit The Chrysalis Foundation. Thanks to the Lakeside Mall, who agreed to let me use the space. Also many thanks to Innocent Dube, Marketing manager of the Benoni Virgin Active club, who agreed to let me use three of their Spinning bicycles for the event.




It was quite a busy morning in the mall with the end of month rush, and the pre-Christmas excitement. Hordes of people streamed into the mall to spend money on Christmas gifts for friends and family.

A respectable amount of money was raised for the cause. However, what was more important was doing some “footwork” to raise awareness. Flyers were handed out to bystanders, explaining the work that The Chrysalis Foundation does.



Posters were also put up to attract the attention of curious passers by. Overall it was an effective effort at showing that there are still people out there that care. It is also quite appropriate for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, as we need to mobilize against the moral evils that face our society in every day life.

Hey sister, how’s your blister…??

Setting out to tame the streets of Bryanston

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be part of the annual “Sisters with Blisters" walk. Hosted at The Campus in Bryanston, Johannesburg it saw a massive turnout of people supporting the cause.

Everywhere you looked there were people strutting their stuff in their “sister outfits”. Some went to the extreme to look the part, while other just did their best to complete the designated distance in a pair of heels.

Included in these tortured souls with their blisters to boot, were a few of the Mr South Africa 2011 finalists. Showing that all South Africans are behind this drive to raise awareness, and stamp out this evil of abuse against women and children in our society.

Proud sponsors Jacaranda 94.2 Fm

The day was supported by one of South Africa’s biggest radio stations, Jacaranda 94.2 Fm and First for Women insurance. Overall it was a great success, and in excess of
R 300 000 was raised by the 4 000 entrants that took part.


Meeting Martin Bester from Jacaranda

Time to say thank you...

When I set out to do the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge this year, I decided to do it on behalf of The Chrysalis Foundation. They do great work in reversing the wrongs that have been done to a lot of young girls in our society today.

The question I was left with was,"How will I stand out, and show others what the reason for my riding is?" So I came up with the idea of having some armbands made. The bigger question was "Where?" and "How?"....

And as fate would have it, the next day I got an email from someone who was looking to get started in the branding business. I took a long shot and found out whether she would be willing to help out, and she jumped at the chance to help me make a difference in the lives of others.

This person is none other than Tanya de Kock, a new Facebook friend of mine, and as it turns out someone whose heart is in the right place. Even though she was starting out in a new business venture, she took it upon herself to carry all costs involved with having the armbands made.

When it came to the push, she was left in the lurch by her supplier, but she did not let this break her stride. She worked on the weekend, and got them to me the night before the race. I was quite pleased with the service and dedication that she showed for the good of the cause.

So if you need anything branded, corporate or personal, give Tanya a call on 071 460 1524.....

Sisterhood of the travelling Chrysalis Armbands...

Being a seasoned veteran of the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge...Previously know as the Pick 'n Pay Cycle Challenge, I started cleaning my bicycle, getting my kit ready, collected my number...all part of the usual routine, and nothing out of the ordinary.

This year however, I had the privilege of doing it on behalf of a charity. The Chrysalis Foundation, nominated charity for the Mr South Africa 2011 competition.



To keep my mind on the goal, and also create awareness for the cause, I had some creative artwork to accompany me on the journey...And truly scenic a journey it was, as we traveled around the city of Joburg.

We saw.....


Sandton waving in the distance...



One of Joburgs famous landmarks welcoming cyclists to the bustling metropolis...


The famous Joburg skyline....


Even some cattle with "mad cow disease"....seems they didn't want to be left out of the excitement...


Overall it was a fun filled day, with many people deciding to dedicate their efforts to a charity of some sorts, and the streets of Johannesburg were filled with excitement and camaraderie.

All over spectators could be seen willing on the cyclists, cheering as the made the summit of a challenging hill. Some were in such a festive mood that they were handing out free tequila to all the cyclists who were willing to risk soldiering on with a new found "bravado".

And as the sun reached its zenith, I managed to gracefully power my exhausted self across the finish line. The Chrysalis Foundation had motivated me every millimeter of the official 98 kilometres to be covered.

Preparing for the big day...

By now your bicycle is cleaned....cycling shoes scrubbed and you have a brand new pair of socks...Your cycling outfit neatly ironed...You can change a flat tube in 30 seconds...You are externally about as ready as can be...

So what more can you do to prepare?

Sleep...

No, not in the office...or in the car on the way home...but it will be advisable to get one or two nights of undisturbed sleep before race day.

"Some recent studies have found that that sleep deprivation can slow glucose metabolism by as much as 30 to 40%.

Eve Van Cauter, Ph.D., from the University of Chicago Medical School, studied the effects of three different durations of sleep in 11 men ages 18 to 27. For the first three nights of the study, the men slept eight hours per night; for the next six nights, they slept four hours per night; for the last seven nights, they slept 12 hours per night.

Results showed that after four hours of sleep per night (the sleep deprivation period), they metabolized glucose least efficiently. Levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) were also higher during sleep deprivation periods, which has been linked to memory impairment, age-related insulin resistance, and impaired recovery in athletes."
(http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/conditioning/a/aa062800a.htm)

Eat...

What you eat several days before the race will affect race day performance. Stay away from booze, cigarettes and coffee / tee. For several days before the event, you need to have a high carbohydrate diet. This will maximise your internal glucose stores and will prolong the duration of activity until fatigue occurs. This will though NOT increase the muscles maximum energy output during that time Don’t eat high protein or high fat foods on race day. These foods can put stress on your kidneys as they take longer to suggest Avoid sugary foods / drinks within one hour of the event On race day eat a meal high in carbohydrates and chose easily digestible foods
(http://sasport.co.za/UltraSport/947CycleChallenge/947CycleChallengeRaceDayTips/tabid/12266/Default.aspx)

Waking up on Raceday...

1) Have a healthy, Carbohydrate rich breakfast, at least two hours before your race
starts
2) Run through your pre-race checkist:
a)Bicycle
b)Winning Time Chip
c)Helmet
d)Gloves
e)Cleats
f)Race Number and Safety Pins (No Number, No ride)
g)Photograph Sticker (you might run into the paparazzi)
h)Water Bottles (No, not the ones with the Brandy & Coke...)
i)Puncture kit
j)Speedometer (dont want to upset JMPD)
k)Snacks (the healthy kind...
l)Sunglasses (so the flashing cameras dont bind you whie you ride)
m)Cell Phone (so you can update your mom on your progress)
n)Some money (if you need to buy any spares for your bike)

Mental preperation...

When you start strugging along the way, your legs feel like they can't go any further...
Slow down, switch to a higher gear, and just keep your legs going...and think "uplifting" thoughts...the more you think "I'll never make it"..the less your chances are of making it....be positive...

When going up a hill...use the energy of the crowd to help you power up the hill...and if you do NEED to stop for water etc...Keep looking forward, NEVER ook back...If you see people passing you, your mind wil start thinking "I'm getting left behind"...and the negative mindset creeps in...


Enjoy yourself....

Make sure you enjoy the scenery, the ride, and the energy from the crowds...Half of Johannesburg wil be lining the streets, cheering the cyclists on...

Heres to a positive and enjoyable Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge experience...See you guys at the finish line....

Noticing nature...

The other day I was privileged to take in a wonderful piece of nature, that has survived and stood its ground in the middle of the concrete jungle. Within the limits of the built up neighbourhood the remnants of a once proud stream still quietly threads its way.

This struck me as quite a saddening fact, that most of the resident probably drive past every day, and presume that it is just another park. Yet such a beautiful view awaits the one who takes the time to explore.

He, who angers you, controls you…but he, who discourages you, destroys you…

This morning in the traffic….singing at the top of your voice to an old classic song on the radio, nothing was going to ruin this marvelous day….

However…5 minutes later another person cuts you off by swerving in front of you….now you are fuming…”where did this person learn to drive…he just put your life in danger….you better let him have a piece of your mind”….

He is then astonished at the vocabulary you possess, and you are upset for quite some time. And the thought of him cutting you off has taken up a lot more than a few minutes of your day….

When you were still a little child, you dreamt of becoming an astronaut…or maybe even something like a doctor? In excitement you run to you parents, telling them of your ambitions.

They however do not share your excitement. With a condemning tone you get told “I did this job, your grandfather did, and his grandfather did. So that is what you will do”…and within a few moments your childhood dream is crushed.

The difference comes in when you decide that you are your own person. How far you make it in life will depend on how strong your will is? If you listen to condemning advice or negative remarks, you will be limited to what others think you will become…

If you follow your dream against all odds, you will become the person you were meant to be…

Doing it for the kids....

Usually cycling is meant to be for physical exercise and conditioning...but now thanks to a great new concept, this has changed. Now you can dust off your trusty machine and do it for the good of others...

That is why this year I have decided to dedicate my efforts in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge to the benefit of The Chrysalis Foundation...

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/donate/champion/sa-men-making-a-difference

Please have a look at my Project Page, and support this great initiative in their efforts to help young girls who have been wronged by others in finding their rightful place in society again....

Up and coming talent....

On Friday 29 October I was privileged to be on the guest list for a young artist releasing his new CD...

With the preconceived idea of what Afrikaans music has been turned into these days...If it can still be counted as music...I set off to see what was in store...

To say the least I was surprised beyond measure. With fresh clean tones, and well thought out lyrics, he appealed to the whole audience. Some songs even had the audience rhythmically tapping along with their feet and clapping their hands...

This album has been in the making for the last 6 months (all original tracks) with the likes of Wouter van de Venter. Contributing to the successful production were Juan Floors Oosthuizen, Carle van Deventer, Clinton Waring en Vinnie Henrico.

On the guest list there were names like Laurika Rauch, her husband Christopher Torr (well known songwriter) and Tinus Esterhuizen (from the popular RSG) along with other musicians.



Dromerlaan contains a variety of musical styles. From funk-pop to modern-country mixed in with a few ballads and one or two rock-like melodies. The highlight of the evening was an acoustic duet ‘As ek verlief raak’ in collaboration with singer/rocker and songwriter Wouter van de Venter.



To get your hands on a copy of this exciting new CD, email dromerlaan@gmail.com. It is available for an unbelievable R100 (incl postage), and is most definitely worth every cent.

For bookings call 082 780 3772, or have a look at his website www.francoisz.webs.com

Just me..

Hi Guys and Girls... Making my Video debut....Hope you all enjoy it...

On the Suid-Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie Heidelberg…

With the 105th birthday of the Suid Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie Heidelberg rolling by on the 21st of October 2010, I was most privileged to be part of the celebrations, by being the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The SAVF will also form part of my network of organizations to support during my campaign to become Mr. South Africa 2011.

Some of the highlights during the 105 years that the SAVF Heidelberg has been in existence include:

• Founding of the organization in October 1905, by a Mrs Sannie Broers.
• Free medical care by the late AG Visser during the 1926-27 season.
• The writing of a commemorative poem “By die Monument” by AG Visser for the inauguration of the concentration camp graveyard.
• Appointment of the first social worker in 1944.
• Currently this organization has a caseload on 325 families and 1462 beneficiaries



To give us a better idea of what it is that they do me and my co-pilot, Phillip Moolman, were treated to a guided tour of the local area. First stop was a family in the Ratanda settlement. Here we were greeted by a Gr. 12 pupil, who is in foster care with his grandmother. Even though life has been tough, this young man bravely powers on to do well in his upcoming exams…



Following this we had a quick stop at the home of another young man that is being assisted by the SAVF. He finds himself in Gr.11, and is also in foster care with his grandmother. His grandmother is however the only breadwinner in the family, as his grandfather is not of good health.



Last stop was scheduled at a school that was started on a farm in the area. Here some of the children that attend the school are in foster care with the owners of the farm, and are permanent residents there. An application to be registered as a children’s home has also been filed. These children include those that have been left orphaned or that have been neglected by their parents. The school acts as a safehaven, and a place to grant them a new beginning in life.


However the day would come to a more upbeat end, with the celebratory dinner was hosted by the staff of God’s Acre, a non-profit organization that feeds up to 5 000 individuals every week. After the formalities for the evening was concluded (all the things the accountants would get excited about), we were treated to a spirited performance by the illustrious Philip Moolman. Philip who is well known for his roles in South African soapies like “Sonkring” and “Egoli” has now decided to focus his attention more on his singing career. More importantly he has now been appointed as the new Guardian of the SAVF Heidelberg.



The SAVF always needs an extra hand, and no matter what your abilities are, they will have something just right for you to do…

SAVF Heidelberg is on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/#!/group.php?gid=44653540065

Some more on The SPCA Pet Competition….

The entries into the pet competition saw animals from just about every species strutting their stuff. All of them in exceptional condition, proving that they are well loved. This was a heartening sight to see, as many of the animals out there are living in haggard conditions.









The judging process proved to be quite involved. With every animal being evaluated on their physical health, interaction with their owners and their general personality.










The pet and owner lookalike competition however proved the most interesting to adjudicate. All the owners did their utmost to prove that they can impersonate their pets, down to the needed extremities and facial features.











There was even a great show of national pride, with owners and pets dressing up in the colours of their favorite sports teams.










It was a great experience to be part of the adjudication panel for the day, and to see animals that are being so well taken care of. And I was even rewarded with a certificate for my part in all the action.









The guys from the National Society of People against Cruelty to Animals do an exceptional job with the resources at hand. As it is my view that caring for our animal friends is just as important as doing so for other humans. So if ever you have a few hours spare on a weekend, get into touch with your local SPCA, and see if you can lend a hand…

Tshwane SPCA Press Release

National Animal Week

In October I had the privilege of being part of National Animal Week, by being an adjudicator for the Tshwane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The adjudication was for the Pet competition, on the 9th of October 2010. Categories in the competition included Best Groomed Pet, Ex-adopted SPCA Pet and Owner Look-alike. All the animals were in exceptional condition, and choosing the winners proved a daunting task.

It was a great experience overall, and at the end of the day we had the opportunity to have a look around the premises. This was the part that tugged at my heart strings, as I wanted to adopt each and every one of the animals that were there.

So if you ever have the urge to get a pet, for you or anyone you know, consider adopting one from your local SPCA....And give some animal a second chance in life, its the least they deserve...

Determination

In the early morning hours as I was rhythmically slogging my way through a pre-breakfast spinning class, the part of my physiology that was still able to string a few thoughts together, was working through definitions for every day words.

Partly to inspire myself to finish the class without falling off my seat and also to figure out how we as human beings keep ourselves motivated for the daily routine.

The word for the day was “determination”. What makes you determined to achieve a certain goal? More importantly, what is determination?

In my humble opinion determination would be the unfaltering driving force that keeps you from yielding to the thought that you can not achieve your goal.

Maybe more precisely the little voice in the back of your head that makes you get up one more time…despite the fact that you might physically feel like a piece of railway line after a train has just passed by….

In life you can turn out to be your worst enemy. Self doubt and procrastination could hold you back from achieving your true potential. Next time when you’ve taken a fall, remember, when your down at rock bottom, the only way to look is up.

So pick yourself up, find your feet and get going again… If you’re planning a new career move, starting a new project. Or just getting into a new gym routine…. Just get to the business of getting going.

If comparing life to sports, every day issues might relate more or less to getting a cramp. If you succumb to the discomfort, and give up the race, then you will forever be referring back to the race that “I never finished”.

From here a vicious cycle starts. Self doubt hampers your motivation when you get to the start line again. Your next attempt might not be up to scratch, and then the cycle repeats itself…

I leave you with these words of wisdom, that I will do my best to remember when lining up for the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in a few weeks…..

Survival through the strength of others...

If you had to imagine waking up in the early hours of the morning…panicked screams and smoke filled rooms all around. How would you react? Run? Hide?

Now place yourself in the frail care section at the local old age home. Getting up and walking 5 steps is already an incredible challenge. How will you run? Where will you hide…?

Then like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster, out of the smoke arises a few brave souls to save them all…

This is the story of Mrs Mari Bronkhorst, and the bystanders that helped rescue the residents of Pieter Wessels home for the aged in Nigel. When a fire ransacked their home in the early hours of the morning on the 1st of August 2010, they heeded the call for help.

Risking life and limb, they managed to save 84 of the residents by dragging them out of their smoke filled rooms. In everyday terms they would be hailed heroes for displaying such bravery in the face of death.

This is a story that both reminds us of how fragile the human existence is, and gives us hope that there are still people willing to risk their own lives to save that of others.

However, as a result of this unimaginable tragedy, all the residents of Pieter Wessels were left destitute.

For us mere mortals observing from the sidelines, how could we make a difference? Would there be anything that could change fortunes for these individuals.

Then once again, as if from nowhere, a few people decide to arrange a festival with all proceeds going toward the construction of a new home for those left out in the cold. These kind hearted individuals hail from a company called Equanimity Holiday bookings. The festival called “Dunnotar Festival 2010”.

Events included in the festival were some well known local artists, donating their time and talents for the cause, a market for individuals selling various items including food and beverages, and even a modeling competition to showcase the wealth of talent that the area possesses.

The small part that I played in the series of event was being the Master of Ceremonies for the modeling competition and among the judges was Mr. South Africa 2009, Stephen Segal.

Is there a message here? All that is needed to make a difference is getting involved. Roll up your sleeves and donate, if nothing else, just a few minutes of your time. We can change the world, one act of random kindness at a time. Every big snowball starts with one snowflake….

For the ongoing support program visit www.placeofstrength.co.za, and see how you can contribute…

Continuing the journey...

In late 2008 I set out on a quest to become Mr south Africa 2009. It was quite a memorable journey, with a few challenges here and there, but overall a life changing experience. I had the opportunity to do my little part in making life better for those around me.....

However, this journey was suddenly and unexpectedly interrupted. Due to circumstances beyond my control, my ability to compete effectively was hampered when I crossed paths with another motor vehicle on the 22nd of February 2009...and ended up worse for the wear...



Fortunately, with some hard work and dedication I have been selected as a
semi-finalist for Mr South Africa 2011 competition. And I have a feeling this is going to be even more of an enjoyable undertaking....

Come along me and see where this journey takes me, and we may even meet up somewhere in the future....

When you need to get away from the city....

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