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....

EQuanimity Holiday Bookings is venue broker based on the East Rand of Gauteng.

We have the passion, dedication and knowledge to ensure that you experience an unforgettable hassle free holiday of your dreams.

We have strong association with leading Hotels, Lodges & Guest Houses across
the country which enable us to give our clients the best value for money.

Our aim is to transform your needs into reality. Our well trained staff are
always ready to negotiate the best deals on Accommodation, Air Charters, Car
Rentals, Conference Venues, Incentive travel, Team Building, Weddings &
Honeymoon or any other venue for your needs.

EQuanimity now also do Event Planning. Leave the headache of planning Events & Functions in our capable hands, and you can be assured of unique, professional results.

So wander on over to

www.eqbookings.co.za