Every year along the Eastern Cape and KwaZulunatal coast a natural phenomenon takes place during the winter months. Visitors in their thousands travel to South Africa each year to witness this as millions upon millions of sardines undertake their annual migration. South Africa is a stunning destination for adventure and nature travel.

Divide and rule, confuse and conquer, along the Eastern Cape Coast of South Africa, right now and during every winter the pods of sardine, in their millions, are professionally hunted by skilled predators, masters of their art working together in efficient unison. The birds herding, dolphin, shark and the lithe game fish dashing through the glistening pods as they divide the silver mass trying in vain to maintain their security in numbers. Look up, to the side but beware the danger from below.

As mere mortals, amateurs in comparison to the naturally skilled sardine, we sat looking on as the predators entered our lives, friends a year or so ago they all seem to be descending upon us in some form of planned mass slaughter. It wasn’t that long ago, when life was quite fine or even normal thank you, the bank managers actually came to see us, bond originators wooed us, touting for our business daily. Shopping malls opened, holiday plans were made, life was great.

Then came the sardine run, unlike the parallel in nature however, our predators didn’t build up slowly along the coast, they came with speed and vengeance, who was it who started the run on the consumer one wonders, was it the banks, up go the charges, down come the service levels and up went the criteria for borrowing, it’s been a year and some since they changed their guise and descended upon our shores, fresh from their pickings in the United States, gathering the lessons learned after having caused havoc over there, this demon from the deep spread like ink in water, the attack came, sharp and deadly.

Not satisfied with staying in the background and watching from the banks, along came Eskom, like the music from the Jaws movie…da dummmmm…..da dummmmm, they came from the bottom and hit us, hit us hard with a tariff hike unknown in modern industry. In any other country this would have been met by the leadership falling on their sword, by the public termination of employment of all responsible, elected or employed, certainly not paid and promoted, not to mention re-elected, an increase based on inefficiency and bad long term planning. As consumers we might have paid a few home accounts but we certainly haven’t even begun to prepare for the next attack, the effect the increase will have on consumer purchases and on our disposable income.

Like the denizens of the deep, waiting in the dark corners, floating quietly in the background ready to pounce at the first opportunity, the municipal authorities lurked, doing their home work and strategising, flexing their muscles, having watched the banks, they paused for a moment until the Eskom attack took a breather, hit them hard, a complete reassessment of property rates, short, sharp and efficiently cutting what little is left to distribute to organisations infamous for their lack if ability to service consumer needs and deliver on electoral promises.

While the consumer pod was being battered into disarray, rising to keep our heads above water, donating from our own kind to the banks, Eskom and the municipal authorities, along came the birds, flock upon flock, striking from above. The call came to attack and attack they did, the red t-shirts of Telkom, the taxi and municipal workers, interspersed with some opportunistic criminal activity, the strikes came thick and fast, raining in from every angle.

There is nowhere to hide, and that’s a fact, not for anyone. We are all part of the cycle, an integral part of the food chain perhaps in a different disguise occasionally, Eskom employees also use electricity, switch in a light from time to time, but you’re from Telkom I hear you say, you also have to switch on a light or have your garbage collected, red shirt striker or not, you will end up buying your meat and vegetables directly or indirectly from a farmer who raised his price due to the effect of various increases, a hawker or shop who had to pay more for his goods. Oh I almost forgot, thank you Mr Mboweni, the half a percent less I will enjoy from my savings will be really immaterial.

East London, the Eastern Cape, South Africa is one of the loveliest destinations in South Africa, aside from being a holiday destination it is also a region enjoying a wonderful commitment to growth, here is a little story that might entice you to travel to this sunny region. If you are interested of further information contact the writer at the mail address below.

Imvomvo is the IsiXhosa name for the Aloe flower, to some the flame of the colored bloom sends its message of defiance to the drought that descends daily as we wind our way through a dry winter, to others it signifies hope and dreams. Led by the indefatigable Thoko Mlonyeni, the Imvomvo team tirelessly towards their goals. Imvomvo is a Section 21 Company, an NGO funded primarily by the Australian Government, specializing in the provision of training and all services relevant to the development of physical activity and sport in communities and schools and with the Aloe flower representing their commitment to supporting all branches of the local community.

Having identified the shortcomings of the existing school sport facilities and the need for committed assistance, Imvomo offers training courses, facilitates tournaments and mentors community members including parents, teachers and the elderly within the immediate community to become a trainers. At the same time giving aid and assistance to children of all levels, building skills and building dreams. Imvomvu has formed a symbiotic association with the local community and sports clubs where they often share facilities, together playing an important role in youth development projects by running junior rugby and netball tournaments in Mdantsane. Attempts are being made to revive these sports amongst the youth in the area and to encourage youth to get involved in sport in order to improve their day-to-day circumstances. Working from their Berea office in East London, Thoko and her team are supported by a highly qualified Board of Directors. The Board consist of community leaders in their fields and monitor the strategic direction and vision implemented by Imvomvo her staff, coordinators and volunteers.

With many successful projects behind, such as the Ginsburg Pilot Club project, life skills and self-esteem training for youth including HIV/AIDS programs, Imvomvo plays a significant role in assisting the less advantaged members of our Eastern Cape community to reach their personal development goals. But as with any meaningful project of this nature, there is simply no end to the assistance that is required. Applications are currently being considered by the Department of Sport and Recreation in Bisho. Thoko and her team would certainly appreciate further support from committed local business, the needs of the poorer section of our community are so vast, South Africans are passionate about both sport and community development, this is an opportunity to get constructively involved in the betterment of the community. By example, with the kind assistance from Continental meats, a local butchery, Imvomvo runs a soup kitchen where they serve one meal per day. The soup kitchen facilitated by the elderly volunteers of the immediate community who have been taught to grow vegetables to support this project. Empowerment, a key word in the mission statement, empowerment through learning and skills development, with a vision of becoming a key player in uniting South African communities through sport and leisure programs.

Alan Hawkins – CEO