South AfricanThe

FreeCONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Issue number 014

SA Music

Pierre de Charmoy -see page 12

April 2010

Reuben Kruger - Great South

African Sportsmensee page 14

The Cape to Cairo function at Browns

Bay on the 13th March was certainly

a wonderful occasion. There was a superb

variety of different stands that gave the

event a special flavour. The food stalls were well supported

with Bunny Chows, Briyani, chicken curry, borewors rolls, tasty

ribs and we must not forget the South African shops and

the beer garden. The weather was great and the crowds were

huge. Well done to all the suppliers and the hard working crew

behind the scenes and a special thanks to the band who kept

us entertained.

His Worship John Banks attended the function and thoroughly enjoyed

himself. See his report and findings on Page 21.

The other big function which took place recently and was very well

supported was the Impact Church Out Of Africa event. Well done to the

organizers. I hope that this event becomes a regular annual feature for

our community.

In this issue we have a full range of articles from a legal update,

immigration stress, run/walk for life, a book review and an article on Steve

Hofmeyr who will be coming to our shores soon.

Our magazine is full of old and new advertisers. Please support these

people, because they want to reach out to our community and others by

providing a service that is a cut above the rest.

Good luck to all of our ex-SA traders in 2010. The retail sector has

still not recovered completely from the recession. Some businesses that

had been hanging on during 2009 are still having to toughen their belts.

Likewise with the job market, it has not fully recovered and it is still very

difficult getting that elusive job.

We have all been saddened recently by the horrific motor accident which

took the life of young Adam Pretorius. Our sincerest condolences go out to

the siblings and Mom and Dad, David and Natasha. We are all praying for

you and we share in your time of grief.

Peter Woodberg

editorFrom the

All rights reserved “The South African” is subject to copyright in its entirety. The

contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part without the consent

of the Editor. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of its contributors and not

necessarily those of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy

of the information in this publication, the Editor assumes no responsibility for errors or

omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

Mission Statement

“The South African Magazine shall provide current, high quality, relevant

editorial on subjects relating to the links between South Africa and New Zealand.

It shall be the vehicle for SA immigrants living in NZ to integrate socially

with their own community and to advertise their products and services.”

South AfricanThe

EDITORS

Peter Woodberg

(e-mail: jepwood@xtra.co.nz) mob: 0274 520 794

Ted Woodberg

(e-mail: ted.samag@gmail.com) mob: 021 027 03011

ADVERTISING

Norma Vaz

norma.samag@xtra.co.nz mob: 021 043 7342

POSTAL ADDRESS

The South African, P.O.Box 300-155, ALBANY. AUCKLAND 0752

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

The South African Social Group – Richard Pearce

Mob: 0275 357535 e-mail: r.pearce2@barfoot.co.nz

Die Afrikaanse Klub – Thys Oosthuizen

E-mail: die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz

THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION, WELLINGTON

Tel: 04 815 8484 level 7, State Insurance Tower. 1 Willis St.

Front cover:

“Style Head Gear” by SA artist Mauro Chiarla

South AfricanThe

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Sir Richard Hadlee

Since my last article in this magazine, I have had the

wonderful experience of being involved in a fantastic

business trip to India. It was incredible to be exposed to the

social and cultural elements that exist in India on the one

hand, contrasted against the might of the Indian economy on

the other. We even managed to squeeze in a visit to the Taj

Mahal, one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. The

focus of the trip was “New Zealand Invest 2010” – promoting

New Zealand from both an investment and immigration

perspective.

The delegation included legendary New Zealand cricketer Sir Richard

Hadlee, one of the keynote speakers, along with a group of property

developers, real estate professionals and an internationally acclaimed

property investment speaker. I was invited to accompany the delegation in

the capacity of an independent legal adviser. During the various seminars,

held in Delhi (23-24 January), Ludhiana (28 January) and Chandigarh (30-

31 January), seminar attendees were provided with valuable information to

enable them to explore lifestyle, investment and business opportunities in

New Zealand. During the numerous break-out sessions, I was called upon to

provide expert independent legal advice and assistance to potential investors.

This has subsequently resulted in Quay Law now having quite a few Indian

investor clients on its books, and the distinct possibility exists that there will

be more to come in the future.

It goes without saying that this was a truly memorable and unique

experience. Not only was our entire delegation exposed to the broad spectrum

of the Indian economy but being a cricket fanatic myself, I had the added

bonus of meeting and spending two weeks with Sir Richard Hadlee. What a

nice guy, and a truly great ambassador for New Zealand.

One of the questions frequently raised by the potential Indian investors

pertained to the type of property ownership involved. I find that local

purchasers in New Zealand often have the same query, so I thought that it

would be useful to set out the most common forms of ownership below.

1) Fee simple: This represents a form of freehold ownership and in essence

represents absolute ownership of the property.

2) Leasehold: This is a form of property tenure where one party buys the

right to occupy land or a building for a given length of time. Until the end of

the lease period the leaseholder has the right to remain in occupation as an

assured tenant paying an agreed rent to the owner.

3) Cross lease: This is a hybrid form of multi-unit tenure in which each

owner has an undivided share of the underlying freehold as tenants in

common, and is granted

a registered leasehold

estate of the particular

unit or flat occupied.

Effectively the property

owners share ownership

of the land and each

owner l eas e s the i r

building from the other

owners, which together

form the cross lease

title.

4) Stratum estate:

Under the Unit Titles Act

1972 the deposit of a

unit plan has the effect

of creating in each unit

(usual ly mult i-unit

dwellings, shops, offices

or industrial premises)

a new kind of statutory

estate called a stratum

estate in freehold, or

a stratum estate in

leasehold, depending

on whether the land

which was subdivided

into units was freehold or leasehold.

It is essential to determine, upfront, the exact nature of the form of

property ownership when embarking upon a purchase of any property. My

experience is that it is beneficial to have your lawyer cast his/her eye over a

potential purchase agreement, before you sign the document, to ensure that

you fully understand the nature and form of property ownership involved.

Please feel free to contact Ian Mellett at Quay Law for more information,

or if you have any questions regarding your conveyancing or other legal

needs visit our website www.quaylaw.co.nz for more information.

QUAY LAW LEGAL UPDATEIn this issue, Ian Mellett describes his business visit to India and the various forms of property

investment available to new immigrants

Ian Mellett in India

South AfricanThe

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Advertorial

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS

Mauro Chiarla

We continue with our enthralling series highlighting

the works of famous South African artists and on our

front page this issue we have the magnificent work of Italian

born SA artist Mauro Chiarla. The work we have portrayed is

known as

“Style Headgear” and features a typical African scene depicting the bright

head dresses typically worn by the indigenous people of our home country.

Mauro was born in Piedmont, an area known as the French part of

Italy, where he lived until the age of eight. As there were very economically

depressing times for Italy, the Chiarla family decided to immigrate to South

Africa in 1957 to start a new life. Mauro attended the normal primary and

senior schooling in South Africa and it was only in his teenage years that he

studied Commercial Art at college.

No one can live in the aesthetically rich and varied country of Italy without

it seeping into one’s pores. For Mauro, the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists

and Expressionists and particularly their use of light and colour made the

biggest impact on his artistic style. Matisse, Cézanne, Monet and Manet from

the European stable and in South Africa, G. Goodman, Hugo Naudé and Titto

Fasciciotti were also big influences.

But of course the biggest influences on Mauro were the scenes that

he captured, and the interaction of people in that scenery – the colours,

attitudes and movement.

About the Artist: Mauro is one of those very genuine people, who is very

humble about his great talent as an artist. When he left college and started

working, he began as a silkscreen graphic printer and manager. He painted

and drew for private shows and weekend exhibitions, such as Art in the Park,

in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

He is always ready to learn and apply himself to new subjects and formats.

He finds great fulfillment when his pictures tell a story to others and yield

dimensions of emotions unknown to him in the creation of the work.

Every two years Mauro and his wife revisit Italy, in particular Umbria and

Tuscany, where he paints and draws to capture scenes, taking photographs to

complete the research. On his return to South Africa we then see an explosion

of talent and new works.

Style & Format: He is definitely a Post-Impressionist and Mauro uses

oil pastel, acrylic and oil paints as the main media for his works on paper,

board and on canvas.

He is able to combine colours in support and contrast in a way that

thrills not only us the “viewers,” but also other artists. He is an artist’s artist

and could well command master classes were he not so humbly focused.

Main subjects depicted in all sizes are landscapes from Southern Africa and

Europe, Seascapes, Tuscan buildings and landscapes, African market scenes,

group scenes, nudes, still lives and interiors. Mauro has also done a series

of abstracts.

In terms of collectability for the future, there can be no doubt that Mauro

will aspire to be a new South African master.

Fine Art Portfolio represents a collection of established art galleries,

located across South Africa.

Our aim is to offer one of the largest and finest selections of South

African Fine Art.

Visit our website to view our collection of over 4000 original artworks.

Worldwide shipping gladly arranged.

info@fineartportfolio.co.za | www.fineartportfolio.co.za

Please contact us should you be interested in commissioning Mauro

Chiarla to paint a specific scene.

DENTISTWILLIE STEENKAMP

& Associates

EAST COAST BAY DENTAL Ltd

758 EAST COAST RD- BROWNS BAY

Ph: 09 478-1300 / 021 192 9592

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS TO USNew to New Zealand ?

Any questions regarding the health system here?

See Penny Gordon (ex Durban ) and her team at Rosedale Pharmacy

372 Rosedale Road, Albany Phone : 09-415 3065

“A Post-Impressionist modernist who has

become the Artist’s Artist in Southern Africa”

South AfricanThe

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Kip McGrath – School Tutoring

Icame to New Zealand in 1982, just after the infamous

Springbok Tour that polarised opinion nationwide. In

hindsight, it was probably not the best time to emigrate from

South Africa to New Zealand but, as

16 year old, I had little choice and

moved here with my family. The stress

of moving countries is vast, not only

in terms of the upheaval of an entire

lifestyle, but also in adjusting to a

different culture, education system

and social expectation. Often parents

can tend to forget the stressful impact

of these changes upon their children,

as they struggle to adjust to all the

demands of settling in. A parent may

enrol their child in a school and tick

the To Do list before tackling the next

challenge while, for the child, the whole

school issue becomes the challenge.

For South African children, adjusting to

New Zealand schools (especially for children

for whom English is a second language), can

become a major issue. I recall being sent from Bulawayo as a 9 year old to

the Drakensberg Boys Choir School and finding myself placed in a dormitory

with predominantly Afrikaans boys. This was somewhat of a culture shock!

This little rooinek had to learn really quickly about basic survival skills –

talk about stress! It certainly encouraged me to learn Afrikaans quickly! But

for South African kids coming to New Zealand, it is more than just leaving

family and friends behind. It is adjusting to a different school curriculum

and expectations. It is a tough adjustment and if it may lead to unwelcome

behaviour from previously well adjusted children, that is not unusual. My

heart goes out often to parents recently emigrated from South Africa who

bring their children to see me for an educational assessment. I can relate

to their difficulties. Often it is because they recognise that their child is

struggling to cope with a core subject like Maths or English or, as is often the

case with teenagers in particular, the behaviour of the child has deteriorated.

Often the parent may be blamed by the child for moving them from their

friends and family back in South Africa. This can be particularly stressful

for parents who only have the best interests of their children at heart. The

good news is that, with the right intervention, these problems can usually

be resolved over time.

The key for parents is to be proactive. Don’t get so caught up with the

whole picture that you’re trying to deal with

that you forget the enormous impact on your

kids. Get involved with a support group, keep

talking to your kids and maintain the lines of

communication. Finding a good Youth group

or sports group for your children to keep

them active and involved can help with the

adjustment, as can getting extracurricular

tuition for them. Knowing that they have a

professional tutor/mentor available to help

with schoolwork can make a big difference to

how they cope with the change in schooling.

Helping children at this time of change and

keeping a close eye on how they are coping

are two vital areas that parents can focus on

to ease the process of settling in.

Article from :

Jonathan Anderson – CEO of Kip McGrath NZ

09-534 1619

Mble: 021. 0239 4600

kmec@xtra.co.nz

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Jonathan Anderson

South AfricanThe

5

Calling on anyone with an interest in health and

fitness who wants to make a real difference

in people’s lives ... Run Walk for Life SA (Pty) Limited

is expanding internationally and Licenses are now

available in New Zealand and Australia.

Now in its 26th year, Run Walk for Life (RWFL) is a proven

fitness and weight loss walking and running programme that

gets results. Eat for Life (EFL) is a complementary programme

that focuses on correct eating habits as part of healthier lifestyle

choices.

In 2009 Dean and Theresa Myburgh secured the Australasian

Licensor rights for RWFL and received comprehensive training

in Johannesburg. They are now preparing for the New Zealand

RWFL launch in 2010.

RWFL in New Zealand

The New Zealand Licensor, RWFL NZ Ltd., is run by Dr Dean Myburgh

(Director) and Theresa Myburgh (Administration Manager).

Dean has been an active runner over the years and has held senior

management roles in the public and private sector in South Africa and

New Zealand. He currently consults in the areas of risk management and

organisational resilience. His interests in RWFL are based on his belief in the

role of exercise in personal vitality, resilience and productivity.

Theresa has taken a keen interest in Dean’s running career and enjoys

administrative roles and is committed to service excellence and supporting

RWFL Licensees to succeed with the administrative aspects of the business.

About RWFL NZ Ltd.

We, at RWFL NZ Ltd., specialise in getting you started even if your level of

fitness is low / non existent. The scientific and computerised measurements

that you record after every session will assist you to increase fitness levels

and weight reduction, depending on your goals. You will be less stressed and

more productive at work.

After joining, your fitness levels will be assessed and you will be placed in

a group according to your ability. The RWFL programme is suitable for people

of all ages, fitness levels and pregnant women.

In short:

• The RWFL programme will start you off on a level of running or walking

which is relevant to your level of fitness

• You will exercise with people of similar ability to yourself. On joining,

you will be put into a group of members whose fitness and ability

matches yours

• No more trying to keep up with fitter people or having to wait for less

fit people than yourself

• All members are supervised and monitored by a qualified trainer/

manager.

• The intensity and duration of your exercise will be increased along

scientific guidelines developed over the past 25 years

Eat for Life

EFL is a unique easy to use interactive on line eating programme,

promoting healthier eating habits. The programme, designed and administered

by registered dieticians gives members the latest health and nutrition

information; it is based on balanced nutrition, an active lifestyle and a

balanced approach to living.

Simple, easy to use online interactive tools are used to help keep you

involved and motivated; these tools enable you to:

• manage your food and meal choices with just a few clicks on your

interactive 7-day menu;

• plan your whole week’s meals ahead of time;

• change your food options to suit your lifestyle and taste preferences;

• check your progress on line using the easy to use online weight tracker;

and

• generate a shopping list according to the foods you have chosen for

the week.

Founded by a medical doctor, RWFL is a medically-based and proven

fitness and weight loss program. It is the only exercise programme of its

kind to be approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa. In

New Zealand discussions have been held with and interest in the Programme

expressed by the NZ Heart Foundation, Osteoporosis NZ and the NZ Nutrition

Foundation.

Anyone interested in either (1) partnering with RWFL NZ Ltd or (2) securing

a RWFL License or (3) joining a RWFL branch, should contact Dean (dean@

rwfl.co.nz) or Theresa (theresa@rwfl.co.nz)

Do you want to promote and be involved in a healthier lifestyle opportunity?

From left to right: Dean and Theresa Myburgh (RWFL NZ Ltd) with members of the RWFL

Team in South Africa: Ray Bienedell (Group Director of Operations) and Matthew Grossett

(Group CEO) and Kim Grossett (Group Financial Director).

South AfricanThe

6

Advertorial

House of Travel Milford is your “One-stop shop” for both

holiday and business travel.

Mary Shields has owned and operated House of Travel Milford for 9 years.

Mary recognised the different requirements for business and leisure clients

and so structured the business into two divisions. This way each client was

given the best possible service according to their needs.

Having our team organise your travel means you’ll save time, be offered a

choice and access to the best prices available. We offer our business clients

a dedicated Travel Consultant who will take the time to get to know you and

understand your travel requirements. We also offer a dedicated 24 hour, 7

day a week emergency service in case your plans need revising.

The benefits of using House of Travel Business, Milford include: Whatever

the size of your business you will have access to the same low prices our

product team have negotiated on behalf of the group. Where necessary we

take care of negotiating on your behalf with all suppliers including rental

cars and hotels as it is important to us that your business gets the most

competitive market rates.

m: 0275 479 630 e: carlene.dutoit@raywhite.com

In South Africathe danger lurked outside

In New Zealandthe danger could be

your house itself!

Protect yourself when buying/selling

property

Call Carlene du Toit, the Lively ListerLicensee Salesperson for Shoreside Real Estate Ltd

Local travel agents that speak Afrikaans?Yes! Check out “HOUSE OF TRAVEL,

MILFORD” and find out!

Introducing the team:-

Kirstin Curling

Business Manager, joined Mary 4 years ago and worked with her

to establish the business arm of the company. Originally from

Namibia, Kirstin immigrated to New Zealand 8 years ago. She

has worked in the UK, Africa and New Zealand.; speaks English,

Afrikaans and German fluently and would love to help you with

any travels to Africa, or any other corner of the world.

Margie Shirley

joined the Milford team 2 years ago as a senior consultant.

Margie immigrated to New Zealand 5 years ago and has 18 years

experience in the travel industry. She has worked for SAA City Centre

at the South African Broadcasting Services as well as the Operations

Manager of Uniglobe Travel in Johannesburg. Margie has 5 years

experience in corporate business travel in New Zealand.

Suzanne Davie-Martin

joined the group 2 years ago. Suzanne currently specialises in

the New Zealand and Australian markets and won House of Travel’s

“Rookie of the Year” in 2009, a major achievement for someone so

new to the industry.

Susan O’Connor

joined the team in May 2009 as Business Development

Manager. Susan’s role is to procure new business and manage the

relationships between the consultants, clients and suppliers. Susan

worked in the hospitality industry for 18 years and 5 years ago

made the change to travel and has never looked back.

If you’re looking for a company that will add value to your

business, Susan would welcome the opportunity to meet with you

in person to discuss in more detail how we could be of benefit to

your organisation.

Susan can be contacted on 09 486 2566 or 027 296 0048 or

email: soconnor@hot.co.nz

Thinking travel? Think House of Travel,

Milford.

South AfricanThe

7

Ex-SA Martin Ralph knows what it is like to live the life of

a butcher…he’s being doing it since primary school!

Martin still remembers the dark nights when he and his Dad, Theo, used

to get up in the wee hours of the morning to get to market on time, take it

to the outlet in Victoria Road, Durban and then get Martin back home in time

to get ready for school! Refrigeration has come a long way since those early

days, and now meat can be stored for longer periods without deteriorating.

Much later, when Martin and his wife first started thinking of emigrating,

he was helping his dad in a butchery business in Isipingo. What helped Martin

to make the decision to immigrate was the day that Gill had a nasty incident

with a carload of guys that followed her after she had been to the bank.

Bullets flew; she escaped, but realized that this was fast becoming a reality

of life in SA.

At the time, a friend was living in Auckland and it was a suggestion there

was a need for ‘someone’ to make good boerewors and biltong. So it was this

simple suggestion that got thoughts going into direction of immigration to

New Zealand and the move happened shortly thereafter in 1997.

Martin and wife and 3 children arrived to start a new life in Auckland

and settled in Bucklands Beach. He took over an existing store in Bucklands

Beach and from there he outgrew the premises. They then decided to move

the store’s location to Highland Park shopping centre in Pakaranga Road and

have been trading there successfully for the last 8 years.

The meat is bought from the local abattoir. N.Z has no grading system of

meat like SA, but Martin knows that the quality of the meat he buys is high.

“Beef on The Beach” is full of South African products and was one of the

first shops to have these S.A products available.

Martin stocks a large range of SA spices, groceries, confectionery and

cool drinks and more.

Give them a visit and you will be delighted at their range of products.

Drop in and Martin will gladly help you with advice on meat cuts and the

best way to cook them.

Beef on the Beach – Martin and Gillian Ralph.

503 Pakuranga Rd. Highland Pk…09-534 7492

Dr Bernie BrennerMB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA)

Gynaecologist and Uro GynaecologistSpecialising in:•Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic

Assessments•Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Leaking•Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy•Colposcopy (the treatment of abnormal cervical cytology) including

Laser•Office Hysteroscopy for diagnosis of menstrual problems•Gynaecological Ultrasound•Laporoscopic Surgery - for removal of Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts and

Endometriosis

Consulting rooms at 131 Shakespeare Road, Milford For appointments Phone 486 0182 • Email: pelvic-floor-clinic@clear.net.nz

Webpage: www.berniebrenner.co.nz

“Beef on the beach”A BUTCHER FOR LIFE….

South AfricanThe

8

Eska Hartdegen

In April 1992 on the day before Easter Friday, I found myself

at the corner of Westbourne and Remuera Roads looking

down the valley across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto

Island. It felt like a place where it would be good to be—a place

I could live.

I had travelled half-way round the world on my own to find out about

New Zealand. Together with my husband Ken, daughter Mila and son Seth

I had resolved many years before to emigrate. I started studying law at the

University of Pretoria at the age of 28, and by 1992 had established a career

as an advocate at the Pretoria Bar. My six years’ experience gave me enough

points to get into New Zealand. Ken is a classical guitarist, and was teaching

at The University of the Witwatersrand.

I needed to look for a job and my travels took me all the way from

Auckland to Dunedin. I wanted to see as much of the country as possible.

In Wellington we had friends, who had written to us about New Zealand.

They introduced me to the country’s wonderful flora and exciting geology

in Rotorua. I remember being overwhelmed by the earthy and woody smells

of the natural forest crowded with native trees and ferns, and hearing for

the first time the calls and chatter of the tui darting from tree to tree. Back

in Wellington I took the ferry to Picton, caught a bus to Christchurch and a

train to Dunedin. My very first interview was at a Solicitor’s firm in Ashburton,

“behind the Farmers” my prospective employer said. Although I was told I was

well qualified for the job they were not sure that I would stay.

I sat through trials in the District Court in Christchurch, saw barristers

in Dunedin and decided to apply to the big Auckland law firms. Just before

Easter I phoned the six biggest law firms in Auckland. To my surprise, partners

at four of them saw me the following day. The following July, my husband and

I returned to make the final arrangements for our big step.

Soon I had two job offers: at the biggest law firm in the country who saw

me as a role model for their women solicitors successfully combining being a

mother and wife with my career as a lawyer, which none of the four female

partners had succeeded in doing and at a consultant firm, which I accepted

as I would get to know the business side of Employment Law and they offered

a higher salary! Leaving family, friends and our cat behind was a wrench. The

soundscape in New Zealand was so different, the light was white and bright

and I shall always miss Africa. For two years I struggled to adapt but after a

while my parents visited and friends we never expected to also came, so it

slowly became easier. Now our children are married to Kiwis and we have five

beautiful grandchildren. Mila, also a lawyer, lives in Auckland with her family,

Seth now lives in Oman with Karleen and their three children.

I specialise in employment law but I also do do civil litigation work.

Barristers are bound by the cab rank rule that obliges us to accept any

instruction in our area of expertise. I therefore act for both employers

and employees. I have acted for large corporations, small companies and

individual employees, travelling the length and breadth of New Zealand to

advise companies or act in mediations and hearings. I have worked from

Kaitaia to Invercargill and from Napier to New Plymouth and virtually in every

town and city in between. This has helped me appreciate and understand

New Zealand.

Eska Hartdegen, Barrister

This ex-SA Employment Law specialist says that

her worst immigration adjustment was leaving

behind family, friends and her cat……! This is

her amazing success story in a foreign land.

Employment law is personal like family law and involves dealing with

people who are emotionally upset and often angry and hurt. Employers

unhappy with an employee’s performance or behaviour have the legal right

to dismiss or discipline them but the problem is a mistake in the process

can be very, very expensive. Employees who have been dismissed or made

redundant also have rights that deserve to be enforced. I find the best and

most strategic way to resolve employment problems. Wrongs need to be put

right. I believe in the law as the most enlightened way of doing this. Justice

should be seen to prevail

South AfricanThe

9

In July 1992 Jonathan Franks qualified

at Wits as a dentist, got married to

Natashya and emigrated to the UK all in the

same month. Quite a feat!

The original plan was to spend a couple of years

in the UK, travel around a bit, earn some money and

then return to SA. Well, after buying houses and

then having a couple of children, you turn around a

few years later, have a look at SA and realise that you

cannot return. So in effect we emigrated by default.

We never really felt we belonged in the UK and

although it was a good experience and a great start to

our married life, it all seemed like work, work, work.

After 12 years in the UK and having been a partner

in a large dental practice in Surrey the decision was

made to move to NZ in 2004 to be closer to family

who had been there for a few years.

Then, as with many South Africans, to make the

move on to Australia, the supposed “holy grail.”

I started work in Orewa in January 2004 and after

about 6 months we both looked at each other and realised NZ was exactly

what we were looking for and canned the Australia idea. NZ is big enough to

Sunset dental careWe present the story of ex-SA dentist Jonathan Franks and family, who, quite frankly, made the

right decision to settle in NZ!

be able to get everything you

need or want in life but still

small enough not to just get

lost in the masses.

Living on the North Shore

in Auckland is great. It is close

to beaches; there are plenty

of outdoor activities that

the whole family can enjoy

e.g. fishing, boating, golf etc.

Once the decision was

made that NZ was the place

we wanted to be, we started

to think more long term in

NZ.

We found some premises

and decided to open our own

dental practice rather than

work for someone else.

Starting from scratch was

rather daunting with lots and

lots of money spent on equipment and setup costs; and then you sit back

and wait for patients.

The South African community has been good to us. Many of my patients

are ex South Africans and many of their faces I see in your magazine. I hear

lots of stories and lots of reasons for leaving SA.

Some are rather traumatic whereas others have just seen the writing on

the wall. Overall most are happy to be here and agree that Kiwis are warm

and receptive towards us.

Some patients are very negative and you get the odd comment that NZ is

just not like SA. My reply is always the same: “Yes, NZ is not like SA, but that

is exactly why you are here!”

The other bit of free advice that I give is: Do not come to NZ to tell them

how to do things, or how we did it in SA. You can almost see the shutters

come down on the Kiwi’s if you do. We were not invited, but are always

welcomed warmly.

6 years on we are all still very happy to have made the move to NZ. The

children have adapted very well and are growing up more like we did as

youngsters in the SA that we remember as kids, rather than the life they were

facing in the UK, or the uncertainty if we had returned to SA.

The business is growing thanks to the many referrals from within the NZ

South African community, however new patients are always welcome.

What the future holds for us who knows; grow the business possibly;

watch the kids grow up, get educated and have their own families in a

country where you can plan the future you want, work hard and make it

happen and no one is planning to take it away from you.

To South Africans who read your magazine but who have yet to make the

move, just do it, you will not regret the move, the longer you delay the more

difficult it is. Life is too short to live in fear.

Jonathan can be contacted on 09-478 2112.

E-mail:info@sunsetdentalcare.co.nz

His practice, Sunset Dental Care is situated at 18/326 Sunset Road, Mairangi

Bay, North Shore, Auckland

Jonathan Franks

South AfricanThe

10

Denis Carver,

ex-SA local

Licensed Business

Coach of the world’s

number one business

c o a c h i n g f i r m

ActionCOACH tells

us how to do it.

In New Zealand the

chances of succeeding

in business are less

than 20% 5 years after

starting, according to

the Bureau of Statistics.

Of the 20% that are

still operating after 5

years, more than 80% of

those will close down or

disappear over the next

5 years.

So why do some succeed and not others? Denis Carver a local Business

Coach with ActionCOACH explains, “There are many reasons. The way the

Business Owner thinks plays a major part, that is, when the business is

struggling to make a decent profit, an open-minded Business Owner will

seek out help. This one factor, i.e. the willingness to be open to advice from

people who can help you and are qualified to do so, is crucial for ongoing

success in business”, says Denis.

“Too often people in business start up and do what everyone else does.

They advertise where others advertise and their ads just say: “This is what

we do,” and list the facts. Then they compete on price because that’s the

only thing they know how to do. Learning professional marketing allows you

to distinguish yourself from your competitors so that you do not need to

compete on price. On this basis you start to make more profit, employ more

people and grow the business.

Developing excellent communication skills with all the staff is crucial in

growing a business due to the fact that one of the most important aspects

of a business is the people. Knowing more about people helps you to deal

with customers and the staff better. The more you know about people the

better you will be at influencing them.

As a Coach, I teach Business Owners behavioural analysis in order

that they can learn to recognise the behaviour of his/her customers very

quickly and how best to sell to each one. Learning this analysis will help the

owner to understand how each of their employees think and behave based

on their priorities in life.

The other area vital for success in growing a small business into a large

one is the use of systems. Many businesses have no system of duplication.

An example I use at my ‘Introduction to Sales and Marketing Seminars’

is the one of hamburgers. I ask the audience if any of them feels they can

make a better hamburger than the leading companies out there. Generally I

get quite a lot of hands going up.

Then I ask if any of them could build a better business system? No one

puts their hands up. The reason these companies are so successful is not

because they are continually trying to improve their product, it’s because

they have implemented many different systems that run the business

successfully.

How to turn a small business into a large profitable one

Denis Carver

Marketing systems, people systems, operating systems and leverage

systems are very important. Working on the systems will allow the

business to grow in a systemised way so that one day it will run even

without the Owner having to be there at all!

That’s why as a Business Coach I teach Business Owners sales,

marketing, team building and team recruitment systems. It’s the complete

package. If you just work on getting more leads and you’re not converting

them into sales, then what’s the point?

Professional sales training is crucial to great success in business. I’ve

had businesses double their turnover in 2 months from that alone. Once

sales are improving then the next thing is getting people who want to

work for you and have good people skills. There is no point in having

lots of customers if you can’t get good people to serve them. That’s why

learning more about their behaviour is crucial for ongoing success.

ActionCOACH’s Business Coaching Program teaches Business Owners

how to become highly skilled themselves in all of these areas. That’s why

we get such tremendous results from the Business Owners that are on

our Coaching program. “

Call Denis Today and find out how you can qualify for a 90minute

complimentry coaching session. (09) 416 6549 MOB. 027 222 4301

South AfricanThe

11

Advertorial

by Ted Woodberg

Pierre de Charmoy

South AfricanThe

12

From the sugar cane fields of Kwa-Zulu

Natal to international super stardom;

ruggedly handsome singer and songwriter

Pierre de Charmoy embarked on an incredible

musical journey during the eighties that made

him a household name in every corner of

South Africa…here is his story.

The year was 1982 and the programme on the air

was Springbok Radio. A deep, soulful voice sang out the

words “Live On.” The song was number one on the Top

Twenty again. The voice belonged to new boy on the

block, Pierre de Charmoy and with that silver voice and

golden Kwa-Zulu Natal tan; that long shock of black

hair, the pearly white teeth shining out of the designer

stubble beard; he had many young ladies’ hearts a-

flutter. This resulted in explosive record album sales and

in the following year Pierre won the coveted Best Male

Vocalist Award.

Two years before in 1980, after Pierre had completed his obligatory

two years in the South African Defence Force (playing music, no doubt) he

moved up to the City of Gold, Johannesburg where

he started playing gigs and visiting recording studios.

After signing with RPM Records Pierre recorded his

first self-penned seven single called “Lonely Hearts”

and so the journey began. He became an overnight

sensation.

Pierre’s meteoric rise to fame that followed the

release of his first album “Ovation” in 1982 opened

many doors for him all over the world. He decided

to move to the capital city of country music in

America, Nashville, Tennessee in 1986 where he met

and worked with other musical stars of the era such

as The Bellamy Brothers; Dewey Bunnell and Gerry

Beckley of the band America; Waylon Jennings, Chris

Rea and Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers.

Drawing on the strong musical influences all around

him in Nashville, Pierre produced the album “Let my

Music Touch You” in 1986.This record goes on to win

the Scotty 3M Award: Best Recording for that year.

With his other albums “Reaching Out” and “Emotions” featuring chart

topping hits like “Don’t Girls Get Lonely” and “We’ll Find a Way,” Pierre

attracted the attention of the media and he did cameo appearances on South

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SCENE

PIERRE DE CHARMOY

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South AfricanThe

13

African TV shows like Prime Time, Graffiti and No Jacket Required.

His fame spread rapidly around the globe and his travels brought him in

touch with Mother Theresa; American Vice President Al Gore; Spanish heart-

throb crooner Julio Iglesias and Patrick Duffy (‘Bobby’ from the eighties hit

TV soapy Dallas) amongst many other famous celebrities.

In 1990 Pierre plunged headlong into the nitty gritty of the music business

by taking on the roles of composer, arranger and executive producer of his

next album “Attitude” which he released under his own record label Positive

Records. His project was crowned with success and “Attitude” became the

most significant South African release of the year. Later in the same year the

album “Déjà vu” came out as Pierre’s first CD release. It contained the song

“April Rain” which is his all time favourite because he believes that he reached

the zenith of his creative career with this number. In the new millennium

Pierre decided to produce a compilation CD of all of his hits which he dubbed

“Hear Me Now” and had it released in 2002.

Pierre’s wife Karen, whom he met in 1992 and later married, has just

recently written a book on his life entitled “What Happened,” released in 2007.

The book is a fascinating autobiography that follows Pierre’s life from early

boyhood on his father’s farm in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Sugar Belt, through his

boarding school career and then into the hurly burly of the music business.

The highs and lows of Pierre’s life are graphically portrayed in this publication,

written from the heart by the person closest to him.

The most fascinating part of Pierre’s life story is the fact that his parents

and Karen’s parents were both ex-Mauritian sugar farmers who became

neighbors and good friends long before the two of them tied the marital

knot!

Karen describes her first meeting with Pierre at a friend’s birthday party

as a “set-up” which she hadn’t planned personally. He was chatting to the

DJ as she was being introduced to him and he flashed his famous smile at

her. Karen was hooked!

Pierre is an avid deep sea fisherman and caught his first Blue Marlin at

Cape Vidal in 1994.

Pierre and Karen have three children; all boys, Byron, Christian and

Phillip.

Although still actively involved in the music business, Pierre’s primary

interest nowadays is in sugar farming, a skill which must be in his blood and

passed down from the previous generation.

From those of us who grew up with your music, Pierre, we wish you well

in the future, as memories of your songs “Live On” in our hearts!

Copies of the book “What Happened” together with a complimentary CD

are available direct from Karen via e-mail on charmoyk@telkomsa.net.

Performing on Clifton Beach, Cape Town

(From left) With Dawn Lindberg, Sipho and Johnny Clegg

Tributes poured in from all around the country after the

shocking news of ex-SA rugby flank Reuben Kruger’s

sudden death from brain cancer on Wednesday evening, 27th

January 2010.

Kitch Christie, coach of the successful team that won the 1995 Rugby

World Cup, gave Reuben the nick-name, the “Silent Assassin” because of

Reuben’s indomitable strength and passion that he played out on the field

without drawing attention to himself.

Former Springbok prop, Os Du Randt, who played alongside Kruger in the

1995 World Cup, said that Kruger’s integrity will be something that he will

always remember.

“After he was diagnosed with cancer, his name never appeared in the

media. That stood out for me. He was someone who fought his own battles

in private.”

Former Springbok full back, Pieter Rossouw said that Kruger had a soft

heart and inspired those people around him. “He was a gentle giant and a

very humble person. He was one of the best Springboks in history and wasn’t

scared to say that he was a child of the Lord.”

Reuben’s rugby career began at his school in Vrede, Orange Free State,

Grey’s College. After excelling in the first rugby team of the school Reuben

went on to play provincial rugby for the Free State and later joined Northern

Transvaal. At the tender age of 23 Reuben wore his first Springbok jersey

and played in 36 test matches between 1993 and 1999. In 1995 he was

acknowledged as South African Rugby player of the year. His last test match

was during the rugby world cup in Cardiff in 1999 against New Zealand.

Reuben’s sickness was first detected during a rugby match in 2000 when

he fainted on the field. He was immediately diagnosed with brain cancer and

his illustrious rugby career came to an abrupt halt. He went into recession

after his first operation in 2000, but later the cancer came back. Early in 2009

the doctors removed a growth from his brain that was as large as a man’s

fist. Much weakened by this long operation, Reuben struggled through 2009

until his brave battle with the disease finally came to an end with his sudden

passing on 27th January, at the age of 39.

Reuben is survived by his faithful wife Lize and his two daughters Zoe

and Isabella.

Mike Hackner Architects Ph. 09- 580 1914 mobile : 021-459 110

Email: mike@hackner.co.nz Website: www.hackner.co.nz

All South Africans, whether at home or abroad, mourn the death of this

great man.

Reuben, you may be gone, but you are definitely not forgotten. You will

be in our hearts always.

by Ted Woodberg

South AfricanThe

14

GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN SPORTSMEN

A SAD GOODBYE TO THE ‘SILENT ASSASSIN’ OF SA RUGBY: REUBEN KRUGER

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Glenda Daken of “POPPYSEED” believes that she can put something

different into your party to make it really special

Planning a birthday party is an exciting time, helping to create a lasting

memory. However shopping for all the extra special touches can be

frustrating and time consuming. Poppyseed is a specialty shop and online

store for savvy parents who are looking for that extra special touch for their

child’s birthday celebration.

There is a fantastic range of invitations for boys and girls, ranging from

one year old through to the teens, as well as a vast range of co-ordinated

products including Thank You tags and cards; party bags; plates; cups; table

runners & covers; candles; napkins; balloons; gift wrapping; take home

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Poppyseed sources products both nationally and internationally

striving to provide you with lots of choice and uniqueness for your special

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Poppyseed is based in Albany and is open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays,

and currently has a large client base of South Africans. It is also internet

based so you are able to shop at your leisure on-line, and everything will be

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There is a wealth of inspiration and options at Poppyseed and you are

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For more information phone 0800 276 779 (2POPPY), visit on-line at

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Shop Address: A3; 5 Douglas Alexander Parade, Albany, Auckland 0632

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Bringing the excitement to your party...

South AfricanThe

15

The Honeymoon is Over: Settling and Integrating in New Zealand

We present part 2 of this series written by ex-SA Cecil Wiehahn,

Clinical Psychologist, on the challenges facing new immigrants

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“So you’re living in New

Zealand now”, your

facebook friends comment.

Many SA expats say that

years one to three constitute

the most difficult adjustment period, and for valid reasons.

After the first year’s euphoria of relocating and infatuation with NZ

starts to wear off, realisation sets in that you’re no longer on holiday,

you are now actually “living” in NZ!. Positives about living here are

typically taken for granted and “negative” aspects of NZ appear to be

in the foreground, egged on by financial pressures attributed to the

cost of living in NZ. Contrasts between the two countries become more

apparent: the wildness of Africa versus the relative tameness of NZ, the

risk perverse (denial) (at least you weren’t killed!) versus the risk averse

(avoidance) outlook, global versus parochial outlook, and combined with

work gripes about how things are done in NZ, could start getting to you.

The numerous language usage differences are also more noticeable, such

as, “just now” in SA means right now in NZ, “you must” in SA translates as

“YOU MUST” in NZ, supper means tea, and the list goes on... Awareness of

these differences can add to feeling like the NZ honeymoon is over!

Generally speaking, younger children seem to socially integrate quicker

and more easily than most teens or adults, as they probably have less

prejudices, are more adaptable and open to forming new friendships

with peers (also quick to adopt the Kiwi accent at school). For older

folk: loneliness, alienation and depression can be experienced as contact

reduces with SA family and friends, and relationships in NZ are taking

longer to establish. SA family and friends share a history with you which

new and recent acquaintances in NZ don’t. Reduced contact and loss of

some SA relationships is inevitable. Accepting this will make it easier to

build relationships in NZ that could grow deeper over time.

Here are few other strategies that could aid settling and integrating in

the first three years:

• Join in, sign up and get involved. Proactively reach out and build

social connections where possible. The way you build realtionships

will be different to what you are familiar with in SA where people

knew you. Volunteer to go as a parent helper on a school trip, join a

church, sports clubs and charity groups and be a friendly and helpful

neighbour. These steps should reap closer relationship rewards over

time.

• Go on walks and trips around NZ. At the very least it gets you

outside and active and you get some excercise and vitamin D (good

stress and depression antidotes). Ultimately it can help restore your

perspective and appreciate the beautiful place we live in.

• It is important to have positive daily routines and structure

(especially those not in a work routine). Plan your supermarket

trips, house cleaning times, gardening, family activities and excercise

habits. Feed yourself socially by talking to people or texting regularly

etc. Filling your life with meaning, structure and constructive routine

can counteract the potential void and isolation felt during this phase

of adjustment in NZ.

• Buying a NZ home is often a big step forward to getting settled and

established in NZ. If not financially able, make your rental home like

your own by working in the garden, decorating inside and unpacking

all of your boxes!

• Adopting idiosyncrasies in Kiwi language and culture will help, but

remember that it is okay to hold on to your SA cultural identity in

the process of becoming a SA-Kiwi hybrid.

Finally for those able to afford it, the first trip back to SA often

happens within the first three years, and is probably better undertaken

closer to three years in. This trip serves as an important rite of passage

in the immigration process. Seeing family, friends and SA again usually

triggers nostalgia but soon you discover (with some sadness) that your

SA connections and indeed the country have moved on since you were

last living there. A vital realisation dawns: your life, home and future is

no longer in SA! NZ is actually where you live now, this is where your

new home and life is.

Cecil Wiehahn is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and has

lived in NZ with his wife and two children for six years. Practice adress:

Unit T, 6 Rosedale Road, Marangi Bay, North Shore, AUCKLAND. Tel: 09-

9626961 or Mobile: 021 0717442. E-Mail: cecil.wiehahn@gmail.com.

South AfricanThe

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Cecil Wiehahn

by Ted Woodberg

South AfricanThe

17

“Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are

blue…”Judy Garland sang those unforgettable words in her 1930’s version of

the movie hit ‘The Wizard of Oz” which became an icon in the Disney fold

of movies that more recently spawned “The Lion King” and a variety of

animated African animal related movies like “Mocambique” that have now

become feature movies on the Disney circuits.

I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of personally witnessing

“The Lion King” presentation that was staged in Disneyworld in the “Animal

Kingdom” sector of the theme park during my travels in 2009 to Florida and

other parts of the United States of America.

The Animal Kingdom is like one enormous zoo, where real live animals are

placed into their natural habitats for you to walk through and see. African

hippos wallow in mud pools with glass sides so that you can see their every

underwater move. Rare central African gorillas wonder around in a jungle

that has been especially created for them to live in. Fortunately the Florida

climate is warm, so the animals feel very much at home in this falsely created

environment.

The ‘Lion King” show was held in a covered theatre with solid animated

creatures introduced onto the stage on huge platforms, looking, moving

and sounding just like their counterparts in the movie. It was a masterpiece

of animated engineering.

I noticed that there were more adults than kids in the audience, indicating

that Disney has no age limit! We are ALL kids at heart!

Disney must have bought over 100 acres of land in the Orlando area in

order to stage Disneyworld, because it is huge, very authentic and great

fun!

Arriving at Disneyworld, you are landed in a bus terminus that can take

you free of charge to a variety of exciting destinations. Over 50 different

hotels and more than 20 different entertainment venues which include

Epcot centre, The Magic Castle, The Arabian Nights, Dinosaur World, Universal

Studios, Seaworld and a plethora of other adventure laced venues are

available at the jump of a bus! If you prefer traveling by monorail, there

are overhead routes that can speed you across vast distances in minutes,

all free of charge.

I must tell you that Disneyworld wasn’t cheap. Despite the fact that the

transport was free, entry to the various theme parks was US$80 per adult

and US$30 per child per day. If you were a family of four over a five day

period it would have been $220 per day just to get into the theme parks. The

food and drink inside the parks was also quite expensive. I smuggled in a few

of my favourite fare items that I enjoyed while I was watching the shows.

Fortunately they do not search your bags at Disneyworld entrances, so you

can always buy cheap fare outside before going in!

Google Disneyworld.com and find out. It was the holiday of a lifetime.

Your kids will love you for it!

Searching for the African rainbow “Disney style” at Disneyworld

For most small to medium enterprises cash flow can be

the difference between thriving and surviving!

If your company provides credit terms to customers the inevitable delay

between the delivery of the product or service and the receipt of the payment

for these products or services can put a severe strain on your working capital.

Day to day running costs continue regardless of income cash flows and if

they are not matched, your business could suffer as a result.

Carl says: - “There are a number of ways to increase working capital – your

bank may extend your overdraft or you may make use of some other form

of lending. FIFO CAPITAL offers an effective solution that requires minimal

paperwork, time and involvement from your bank and accountant, and unlike

bank debtor financing and traditional factoring companies, there is NO long

term commitment.”

The method is known as invoice financing, providing a flexible source of

working capital that is linked to your company’s current receivables rather

than the value of your fixed assets or the strength of your balance sheet, and

is particularly suitable during periods of strong growth and seasonality.

This is how it works:-

Assume that you have just invoiced a client for $10 000. After examining

the creditworthiness of both your company and the client, FIFO CAPITAL will

purchase the invoice from you. They will then deposit up to 90% of the face

value of the invoice into your bank account. Once the client settles, they will

remit the balance of the invoice, less their fee for the service.

Example:-

Invoice Value $10 000

Immediate payment to you 9 000

-----------

Balance 1 000

Customer pays account.

Our fee 5% for 21 days 500

-----------

Residual payment to you 500

--------------

Total payment to you $9 500

---------------

Carl believes in the minimum of paperwork and short turnaround times

and once you have met with him and he has gauged the level of your business

expertise and your potential turnover together with a risk assessment of your

customer base, he will be happy to start doing business with you. He works

closely with small to medium businesses that are in a growth mode or that

have a need for short term cash to meet typical expenses such as wages or

creditor payments.

Contractors, printing companies, advertising agents, professional service

providers, engineering businesses, importers and fabrication businesses

amongst many others will benefit most from Carl’s cash flow services.

There are no application fees, fixed monthly administration charges or

fixed term contracts. A single fee based on the number of days an invoice

remains unpaid will guarantee cash flow continuity.

Call Carl at FIFO CAPITAL today and arrange a no obligation

free cash flow assessment and reap the benefits of good financial

management.

Telephone: 09-948 1264

Mobile: 021 306 187

Attention business owners with cash flow challengesEx-SA Carl Liebenberg of FIFO CAPITAL CASH FLOW SOLUTIONS has the answer to this

common business problem…

Carl Liebenberg

South AfricanThe

18

Advertorial

Tucked away into a cosy corner of Rothesay Bay

you will find a hairdressing salon run by an

ex-SA lady who cuts NO corners!

Pam Dewing has been cutting and styling hair for the

most of her life, which began when she left school in her

home city of East London Eastern Cape South Africa.

Starting out as a young apprentice her teenage dream was to manage

her own hairdressing salon. This dream came true with some help from her

family and she started operating on her own in Springs, Gouteng with her

new salon which she dubbed “ Pam’s Hairstylists” She went on to achieve her

Masters in Hairdressing and 11 yrs later she moved on to that beautiful city

CAPE TOWN opening yet another salon for a further 16yrs.

After making a decision to leave South Africa with her daughter, Kerry-Lee

in 2002 she arrived in Auckland with the same resolve burning in her heart

to open up a hairdressing salon that would make a difference and become

a sought destination for those clients looking for something special. It took

Pam a mere three months to seek out the ideal venue for her new venture

in New Zealand, and, after seven successful years she can quite proudly say

that her choice was more than miraculous!

Pam’s salon is a stone’s throw away from Brown’s Bay and Mairangi Bay

in a small business node in Montgomery Avenue, Rothesay Bay. You will find

easy parking and once inside the salon you can start to relax and enjoy the

special attention, pampering and treatment that is so important to us all

when it comes to our hair !! Wanting to make a change and have a new look

? A one on one consultation is what you get.

She specializes in colouring and colour correction as well as styling,

chemical straightening and special hair treatments.

She is very conscious of presentation for her valued customers and last

year she decided to completely re-vamp the salon by bringing in an interior

designer to give the salon a completely new look. The results are spectacular

and they make the customer feel like they are in a Hollywood Movie studio!

Pam’s daughter Kerry-Lee, who will be celebrating her 21st birthday in

May, has already carved an indelible niche into the Kiwi culture by studying

Turning hairdressing into an art!PAM DEWING of HAIR d’ Art

musical theatre. She has achieved success in the Maori TV production known

as Kaitangata Twitch, wherein she acts as the character Kate Gallagher. It will

run for 13 weeks starting on the 2nd of May 2010. The book was written by

Margaret Mayhe, New Zealand’s well known children’s author. Kerry-Lee is

also studying towards a BBS degree that will help her develop into a self-

managing individual with artistic talents that have most definitely been

inherited from her Mum!

Last Christmas Pam was pleasantly surprised to receive a cheque of $300

from the Browns Bay Community Service organization for having the best

exterior Christmas decorations for all businesses in the area. This certainly

helped to fund a festive Christmas party for the staff as they celebrated their

totally unintentional victory!

Pamela is a registered distributor of GHD Styler products as well as famous

hair products by Paul Mitchell , Keune and Delorenzo.

Give Pam a visit at 2 Montgomery Avenue, Rothesay Bay off Browns Bay

Road. Tel : 09- 479 9197.

Christmas decorations 2009

Staff of Hair d’Art

South AfricanThe

19

“Zebra” Jackson Doudney “Leopard” Hunter Look

“OUT OF AFRICA FAIR”On Saturday, 20th February, City Impact Church (Browns Bay) hosted this event and, judging by

these pictures, it turned out to be a real fun day for everyone!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROLAND MEISSNER

CAIRO TO CAPE TOWN STREET FESTIVALThis was another hugely successful event which took place on Satur-

day 13th March in the streets of Browns Bay and on the Council public

grounds.

SA social

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Come and be a part of the vibrant ex- SA

community here in Auckland. Join in the fun

and help each other by networking effectively.

SOCIAL EVENTS: We have a monthly fun social get together at the

Browns Bay Bowling Club, Bute Road, Browns Bay on the first Friday

evening of each month starting at 6pm. It is a lovely family outing, so

bring everybody along including granny and grandpa but leave the dogs

at home! As the next first Friday is Good Friday, we have postponed our

next social to Friday 9th April.

After that, our next social will be Friday 7th May.

BUSINESS NETWORKING: As new immigrants in a strange new land

we need to help each other by promoting our new businesses or special

projects amongst each other. We have some well established businesses

here run by ex-SA immigrants who pride themselves in the services

that they offer. They value your support and by the same token, they

need to know what YOU, the new immigrant has to offer.

You will be given a chance of introducing yourself to the regular

attendees and we will ensure that you are entered on to the SANZ

Business data base in order for all members to be able to access

your details. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of

each month at the Browns Bay Bowling Club, Bute Road, Browns Bay

commencing 6pm. Next meetings: Wednesdays 7th and 21st April, 5th

and 19th May.

SA NEW ARRIVALS CLUB: It can be extremely daunting when you

step off the ‘plane here in NZ and start your new life in a totally

different environment. This new club holds meetings once per month

at a superb venue in a park like setting that will allow your kids to have

fun while you listen to some good advice about settling into NZ and

making the necessary adjustments to become a successful Kiwi. The

venue is the Kawai Parapura Retreat Centre, 14 Mills Lane, Albany off

Oteha Valley Road.

Next two meetings: 14th April and 12th May.

Time: from 6pm to 8 pm.

The contact person is Michelle Steyn on tel: 09- 475 6825

Mob: 021 107 3337 or e-mail: steyns@xtra.co.nz

Francois and Elsabe Esterhuysen

Pastors Jaco and Mari Grobler

Renier Lubbe, Greg Crawford, Jovan Van As All the Colours of the Fair

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It was a pleasure to meet many of

you at the recent Cairo to Cape

Town Festival in Browns Bay. To enjoy

your heritage and culture up close and

personal was fantastic.

One thing I know is that the people of South

African descent share many of the values and

beliefs that I do. You’re ambitious and you have

great aspirations; you love your family and friends

and you want this city to be the best it can be.

So do I.

You’ve made a choice to call this great city

Tamaki Auckland your home. That’s wonderful!

You are valued members of this community who

make a difference and help give Auckland a face

of diversity. It is widely known that South African-

come-Kiwi folk are hard working, diligent and law

abiding citizens, and for that I say thank you.

The city you now call home, Greater Auckland,

deserves to be a Super City – a world class city

that engenders pride amongst its inhabitants.

How do we do that? Well, I believe it’s through

economic growth and the provision of jobs; by

building aspiration through opportunity and

education; security and safety for the young and

old. Then this city of Greater Auckland, and its

citizens – you and I – can truly prosper.

We have a plan to

build economic growth

and a Jobs Strategy.

These will be rolled out

straight away if I have

the privilege of being

elected by you to the

role of Mayor.

Many of you live on the North Shore – a

powerhouse of this region’s economy. North Shore

City is growing economically at nearly double

the rate of the rest of the country. That’s great

and it must continue with vigour under the new

Auckland Council.

Some are worried about the upcoming change.

There’s no doubt that it’s a big shift, but I believe

this is a great opportunity. If it’s done right, with

all our communities included, and consistent,

decisive leadership, it can succeed.

I am committed to keeping the ‘local’ in local

government. I always have been. I first entered

politics on the local Birkenhead Borough Council,

then the Regional Council and to Parliament and

Government as a Minister of the Crown. I’ve been

Mayor of Auckland twice and I believe I have the

credentials to make this work.

To be a true ‘super city’ everyone must be

included. However, we must also retain our own

identity and communities. The local boards will be

the communities’ voice and first port of call. With

that in mind and to ensure true representation,

we need high quality women and men from all

communities and cultures to stand for these

boards.

I feel it should be the local boards that make

decisions directly affecting your neighbourhood. If

your rates are going to be used to pay for projects,

then you should get a say on where and what they

are – and the local boards will be the vehicle.

I’m looking forward to meeting many of you

throughout the year, perhaps at one of your

famous Braais!

This is an exciting time. We can make it work.

We have to. Go well and take care.

Warmest regards, Banksie.

PS. If you haven’t already, join my Facebook page

as a friend to keep up to date with what I’m

doing.

From the Desk of Hon. John Banks, Mayor for a Greater AucklandHere is a sincere message from the Mayor to the

greater South African community of Auckland

THE SOUTH AFRICAN BOOK REVIEW

Our next illustrious author is Sandy

Geyer, whose book “My Long Flight

From Freedom” is a poignant tale of

her decision to escape the unfulfilled

promises of the “New South Africa” to

a safer haven on a remote Pacific island

called New Zealand………

Sandy Geyer was born in Benoni,

just outside of Johannesburg, South

Africa in February 1970. She is the MD

of an educational publishing company,

a property investment company and a

specialist training company as well as

being a highly energetic motivational

speaker and trainer.

Her ability to develop certain success

habits and recognise the power of choice has been the central ingredients of

her success in her businesses, her family life and her music career. She has

been married for 17 years and has two teenage daughters aged 16 and 13.

She has been playing the bagpipes since the age of 12, won the South African

Junior champion piper at the age of 16, was the first female Pipe Major in her

time and is an accomplished saxophonist.

She has a degree in Industrial Psychology (BA, Wits); is a certified

DISC trainer which relates to communication and teams and has 15 years

experience in running her own successful companies. In 2008 she and her

family moved from Cape Town to New Zealand and settled in Hamilton.

Why are so many South Africans leaving such a magnificent country?

From the time Nelson Mandela was freed in 1990 until the 2009 elections,

much has happened in South Africa to the perception of freedom promised

and longed for during the turbulent days of the 1970s and 1980s. Few of us

can imagine what it must be like to find that freedom has become so fraught

with danger that the only option left open is to leave your homeland and seek

a new life on the other side of the world.

My Long Flight From Freedom is Sandy Geyer’s honest, humorous and

courageous account of her journey as a white South African woman growing

up in, and then ultimately leaving her beloved homeland. Her personal

experiences and challenges provide many insights into why so many South

Africans’ new found freedom has simply led to heartbreaking sacrifices

made as they felt powerless to stay behind in a country ravaged by violence.

Sandy describes genuine experiences of the turbulent times before the fall

of Apartheid and the rise of the ANC government, including her brief but

inspirational meeting with Nelson Mandela soon after his freedom was

granted.

The good news is that “My Long Flight From Freedom” is available in all

good book shops in New Zealand right now!

For all contact information please visit www.sandygeyer.com

Sandy Geyer

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Peter Woodberg, John Banks and Simona Woodberg

NEW RISING EX-SA TENNIS STAR

Sean Berman

This remarkable

17 year-old

h a s a s t o u n d e d

the critics with his

meteoric r ise to

success as a teen

tennis star.

His performance at

the Australian Open

recently caught the

attention of the world

a s h e m i s s e d t h e

number one spot by

a hair’s breadth. As a

wildcard entry into the

Junior Boys’ Tournament in Melbourne he blitzed his way through the

draw, dispatching four seeds en route to a showdown against Brazil’s

Tiago Fernandes, seeded 14th.

But the South African born, New Zealand raised player who now

lives with his parents in Australia, was defeated 7-5, 6-3 by Fernandes

in the final.

“I am very disappointed,” Berman said after the match. “But I

played a very good match and that’s all I can do. I had my chances

and maybe I could have been a bit more aggressive. It was a very

good experience and it gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of

the year.”

Judy Kraidy, ex-South African and currently running her business

“Hobby City” here in Auckland has fond memories of Sean as a

youngster playing tennis with her son Clinton, when they were both

six year-olds. Judy was a close neighbor of Sean’s parents, Russell and

Yael Berman, while both boys were growing up in Johannesburg.

She has no doubt that Sean will make it very big one day.

Her son, after sharing coaching sessions with Sean, said: “Sean

plays hard, he just wants to win!”

Congratulations, Sean. We have no doubt that your drive and

ambition will get you the goals that you ultimately want to achieve.

See you soon at Wimbledon!

Fans will be delighted to learn that Steve Hofmeyr, one

of South Africa’s most celebrated actors, songwriter, and

singer will be on tour in New Zealand later this year. Steve is

being brought to NZ through a private venture by North Shore

locals Thys Oosthuizen, and supported by well known Insurance

Broker Fritz Swart.

Steve is a product of Grey College in Bloemfontein, where he matriculated

in 1982 and then went on to study drama at the Pretoria Technicon. Steve

became famous in the 1980’s when he starred in the TV soapy “Agter elke

Man” His acting career included 4 major stage productions, the lead role in

4 movies, and major roles in 4 TV soapies. Career highlights include playing

opposite international megastar Joan Collins. He was a major attraction in

Egoli for nearly a decade.

Steve Hofmeyr will be visiting NZ during May 2010

When taking a break off-stage, he writes and composes songs. He has

produced 13 original CD’s, and 180 of his songs have been performed in SA

and internationally. He has been very successful as a TV presenter in hosting

his own programme called “Dis hoe dit is” on M-Net. It would be fair to say

that Steve Hofmeyr has become a legend in his own lifetime.

The May 2010 tour to NZ will be his second concert tour to Kiwiland. with

some new compositions. Steve will tour most major cities and towns in NZ.

For more information on dates, venues and ticket sales, you can visit www.

fritzswart.co.nz and click on “Steve Hofmeyr Tour 2010” or e-mail to togo@

clear.net.nz.

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Call now on 09 415 3392

North Shore Immigration Serviceswww.nsis.co.nz

Our skilled advisors are all licensed and have extensive knowledge and experience to

staff who will take you step by step through the process taking away all the guesswork

have all the skills and often work with other professionals to give you a one stop superior

Immigration service you can trust