Q: Tell us about your job.
A: I started as a music teacher at PAHS in 1995 as a substitute and then taught full-time from 1996. I gradually moved out of music into academics and ended up teaching mathematics, maths literacy, EMS and computers in high school.
Q: What made you get into that line of work?
A: It was actually by accident as I had a music degree and our next door neighbours, Johan and Noeleen Kirsten, asked me to help out for a term when the music teacher was booked off ill.
Q: Describe the most memorable experience that you have had in your line of work.
A: There have been many, notably our 125th celebrations in 2008 as well as all the music productions I have done over the years, but the definite highlight is a trip to Switzerland in 2010 as part of my Master’s degree research into maths and cellphones, with the school as one of my research sites.
Q: What do you do to unwind when you are not working?
A: Go to Addo Elephant Park, take photos and cook delicious dishes.
Q: What is your motto in life?
A: Do everything to the best of your ability and remember that God is always in charge.
Q: What makes you happy?
A: Every time one of my kids at school succeeds at something.
Q: What makes you angry?
A: People who disrespect other people and anyone who abuses kids.
Q: What do you think about the youth of South Africa? Do you have any advice for them?
A: They need to remember that there is no such thing as a free ride. They must just get on with life and live it to the full.
Q: What do you like most about Port Alfred?
A: The people – I have lived here for just short of 25 years and know just about everybody. It has to be the friendliest town in the world.
Q: If you could change one thing about Port Alfred…
A: Make people more aware of the huge differences between the haves and the have-nots and encourage our powers-that-be to pay more attention to everyone.
Q: What is your favourite music of all time?
A: Mozart.
Q: Three wishes for South Africa…
A: To pray more, to stop corruption, to care about each other.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I will be moving to Richards Bay at the end of the year to take up a post at Grantleigh Schools at Kwambonambi where I will be teaching music and maths to Grades 7, 8 and 9 as well as doing choir, orchestra, marimba band and private tuition.
Q: What would you like to say to everyone being left behind?
A: Thanks to everyone for their love, friendship and support over the years. I have really been very happy here and I shall miss you guys all. I look forward to coming back for a visit. And to my Talk of the Town family, always keep the news coming.
