Friday 01/10/2010

Well one word could sum up today HOT!! Almost 40c. Otherwise it was a good introduction and welcome for Tony Weller Chairman of the GAGA board and kind sponsor of Alan and my trip to SA this time. We picked him up about 11 and made our way back to the B & B so Tony could refresh, then it was straight to our first appointment. As we drove we collected our lunch from the burger bar and went to meet with the Councillor of Sankontshe Mophela and Georgedale (who represents 38,000 people). So we enjoyed our burgers in his office as we discussed the challenges he faces and we do and how best we can work together. It was a very positive meeting and we then took Councillor Shabalala to Ithembalihle for him to see one of the projects we were supporting. This was Tony’s first visit to SA and his first visit to Ithemablihle (also known as St Johns). I left Alan and Tony with the founders of Ithemablihle and took the Councillor home, he advised on a short cut and wanted to show areas which still need development - apparently what he took me down was a road!!! I was sure it would be the end of both of us!!! I later went back to Ithemablihle and we spent more time in deep discussion with Thandiwe about possible ways to help in the future and learnt more about her background and she is a very impressive role model. We moved on from this to a Rotary function in Hillcrest and they know how to run a good wine and bites evening. £6 brought us entry to free wine from 20 different suppliers and more than enough food and judging on the numbers they made a lot of money to help with their projects.