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The spirit of adventure doesn’t retire – Namibia, finally!

By Alan & Anne Dunn

This trip had been on our Bucket Wheel® for a long time. We first planned a camping tour in 2019, but our enthusiasm was met with concern. Family questioned whether we had the stamina for the dusty roads, desert heat, and physical demands of camping. It gave us pause, but only briefly. After a few months (and many conversations), we decided that no matter what others thought, we were going.

Namibia had captured our imagination – and we weren’t giving up on this dream!

Just as we finalised the itinerary, Covid hit. Tours were cancelled, our chosen operator closed down, and the plan went on hold. In the meantime, we ticked off other adventures: watching whales in Hermanus, walking among elephants in Addo, and completing the Camino in Spain.

By mid-2024, we decided to try again. But with overseas visitors booking up most tours, we began to think it wasn’t meant to be. Then, unexpectedly, a new tour date was added, and we secured two spots! The only catch: it wasn’t designed for over-65s. After back-and-forth emails and a doctor’s note, we were officially confirmed. The planning could begin – properly, this time.

From Cape Town to the Orange River – new landscapes, new friends

Our journey started in Cape Town, winding through the Cederberg and Namaqualand, where the roadsides were blanketed in wildflowers. Crossing into Namibia, we spent our first night on the banks of the Orange River, waking to golden sunrises and riverside breakfasts. We had wisely chosen the “comfort” option – no tents to pitch, just simple chalets.

One of the unexpected highlights was the group itself – 20 travellers from Germany, Denmark, Spain, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Our Zimbabwean driver and guides were exceptional – keeping us well-fed, comfortable, and entertained. Each morning began with coffee, oats, toast, and fruit prepared over a gas stove, eaten in a circle of fold-up chairs. We shared stories, and everyone pitched in to clean up.

Canyons, forests and desert dunes

We explored Fish River Canyon, walked along its breathtaking rim, and stood in awe of its vast silence.

Keetmanshoop became our base for visiting the Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon.

Climbing the dunes was no easy task – legs burning, feet sinking into the sand – but the views from the top made every step worthwhile.

The landscapes were stark and bare yet rich in beauty. Early mornings brought a surprising chill, catching us off guard more than once!

One evening, as the sun set over the dunes, we were treated to stories from a local guide – featuring spiders, snakes, and a few creatures we were glad not to meet in the sand where we sat.

Tropic of Capricorn, Skeleton Coast and Cape Cross

On our way to Swakopmund, we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn – just a simple sign in the middle of the desert. Standing there felt strangely significant, a reminder that we were journeying through places we’d only ever read about in school geography books.

We continued to the Skeleton Coast and Cape Cross, where we saw parts of an old shipwreck and watched a seal colony in action. Another unique and powerful view of this beautiful desert country.

Swakopmund was a highlight. We took a boat cruise in the bay, laughing as seals clambered aboard and pelicans flapped their enormous wings near our heads.

A seafood lunch and warm sherry made it a day to remember, followed by a festive dinner with local food and music.

From there, we travelled through the scenic Brandberg region to Etosha National Park. While animal sightings were few, the experience was unforgettable … especially when our truck broke down on a lion crossing! We were escorted to camp by armed rangers. Dramatic, but definitely a story to bring home.

Our journey ended in Windhoek, where we explored museums and monuments and got a taste of local life.

This trip reminded us that you’re never too old for adventure. Sometimes, the best things just take a little longer. Namibia gave us stories, laughter, and the deep satisfaction of saying: We did it.

Book of the Month: “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins

What if the secret to more happiness, freedom, and peace was just two little words? In The Let Them Theory, bestselling author and mindset powerhouse Mel Robbins delivers her most liberating message yet: Let Them.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck trying to manage other people’s expectations, emotions, or opinions—this book is your permission slip to stop. With her signature no-nonsense style, real-life stories, and deep insight, she encourages us to release the exhausting habit of trying to control what we can’t and instead refocus on what we can—ourselves.

Whether it’s managing complicated family dynamics, handling stress at work, letting go of comparisons, or silencing your inner critic, The Let Them Theory offers science-backed tools to reclaim your energy and peace of mind. It’s a simple yet powerful idea: let them judge, let them leave, let them have their opinions… and turn your attention back to what truly matters to you.

What I especially love about this book is how universal and empowering the message is. Mel’s writing feels like a conversation with a wise (and witty) friend who has your best interests at heart. You may already know her from The Mel Robbins Podcast, where she shares bite-sized strategies for motivation and mindset. This book captures that same magic—but goes even deeper.

Through relatable examples, Mel shows how freeing it can be to let others be who they are—while staying grounded in your own values and goals. I’ve found myself recommending The Let Them Theory to just about everyone lately—and for good reason. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to fix everything or everyone. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is… let them.

A copy of the book is available for short-term loan from the Chartered library.

Life’s not a two-step. It’s a whole dance floor

Some chapters of life feel like a gentle, graceful waltz. Others feel more like a fast-paced, dramatic tango. And sometimes, during life’s many transitions, we find ourselves dancing to a rhythm that no longer excites us. That’s your cue: it’s time to change the music.

We are not meant to tiptoe through the expanded version of midlife. And we’re not meant to repeat the same predictable steps in retirement, year after year. Life at this stage is far too rich for that. It’s filled with freedom and variety. It’s marked by transition after transition. The most powerful gift we can give ourselves in this chapter of life is to decide how we want to move through it – to keep checking in with ourselves, with our dreams, and what matters most.

This month, we hosted a Retire Successfully workshop in Cape Town – a room filled with 35 people aged between 50 and 80. Some were long retired, others just beginning to imagine what retirement might look like, and a few were navigating the unpredictability of midlife. The transitions were as varied as the people themselves.

One couple was struggling with the decision to move into a retirement village – one partner ready to embrace it, and the other not quite there yet. Some were adjusting to empty nests, moving cities, or looking for a fresh perspective on retirement. Others were dreaming of starting something new. One woman told me she keeps Midlife Money Makeover on her nightstand, calling it her “transition bible.”

But what struck me most wasn’t the variety of transitions or ages – it was the generosity in the room. When people open up and share their stories, something shifts. Those who have walked through difficult changes offer light to those just beginning. The wisdom flows both ways. Everyone leaves with a fresh insight, a new idea, or the reassurance that they’re not alone.

There’s no one way to navigate retirement. No formula. No choreography that works for everyone. But what I do know is this: we all need to check in with ourselves regularly and ask:

Am I still living the life I want to live – right now? What brings me joy? What have I been postponing?

Your best life at 60 might not be the same as your best life at 70. What brought you joy a year ago may not inspire you today. And what worked during the first few years of retirement may now need a new perspective.

So next time you wonder, “Is this it?” or are ready to try some new moves, listen to the rhythm that feels right for you. This is your invitation to keep showing up for yourself. Join us at our next workshop, check in with your planner, or have lunch with someone younger or older to share stories, inspire each other, and keep learning together.

The music may change, but the invitation remains: show up, be present, and live fully.

Looking Back on a Memorable 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing our clients at events around the country this year! From celebrating milestones like Chartered Wealth Eastern Cape’s 10th anniversary in Gqeberha to hosting talks by Jeremy Gardiner, Kevin Hogan, Michael Charton, and Devi Govender, it has certainly been a memorable year.

Our Bucket Wheel® Wednesdays encouraged meaningful conversations and connections with events like Vision Boarding, Women’s Day celebrations, a Mandela Day initiative, Sean Brokensha – The Music Guru Ryan Fuller’s engaging dementia talk, and our book club. We also hosted smaller, bespoke events and enjoyed camaraderie on the greens during our golf and bowls days.

As we approach the end of the year, we look forward to collaborating with our clients to pack meals for Rise Against Hunger, ensuring our festive spirit extends to those in need.

From fun to meaningful, every moment this year reinforced the value of learning, giving back, and building relationships. Thank you for being part of our journey – here’s to more incredible moments in 2025!

Review of “Place” by Justin Fox

While the rest of us plan a beach or bush break or perhaps a culinary tour, Justin Fox decided to combine his passions for travel and local literature. In Place, the former editor of “Getaway” magazine, embarks on a solo quest to visit the settings of several well-known South African stories. These environments were very close to the hearts of the authors of the books and, in some cases, also evoked personal memories for Justin Fox.

He undertakes nine mini expeditions to track down the locales, farms and homesteads where the authors or their characters were said to have resided or to retrace and explore the routes they took. The works that inspire his travels are anchored in various parts of South Africa’s diverse landscape, and he wants to immerse himself in the “spirit of place” that the writers conveyed so powerfully in their stories or poems. This deep-rooted relationship that people can have with an environment is a thread throughout Fox’s book. He notes that one of the challenges of emigration is the loss of a familiar landscape with its distinctive smells, sounds, colours and connections that are locked into memory, often from childhood. Sometimes, it can be harsh terrain, but it is still an integral part of who you are.

His journeys span the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape and extend up to Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West province. His ‘travel guides’ include classics like Olive Schreiner’s Story of an African Farm (Eastern Karoo) and Jock of the Bushveld – both of which are now faint memories from my school days! Herman Charles Bosman’s Groot Marico tales and Dalene Matthee’s Knysna Forest novels also feature in his itinerary. Those who are familiar with the Wild Coast will appreciate his pilgrimage fuelled by Zakes Mda’s Heart of Redness.

The years have wrought inevitable change, and at times, Fox is dismayed by signs of disrepair or the impact of development and greedy agendas. But at each destination, his chosen book gives him a channel into the sense of place that its author experienced.

A copy of Place by Justin Fox can be borrowed from our Chartered Client Library.

A Leisurely Road Trip to the Fairest Cape Rally

By Terma Kussman

Although our intention was to attend the Fairest Cape Rally, we decided to turn the journey into an adventure, visiting new places and making memories with good friends. Joining the rally with our Pretoria Old Motor Club (POMC) companions, Hylda and Tinus Steenkamp, made the trip even more special.

We kicked off our journey early in the morning, celebrating the start of our adventure with a Wimpy breakfast, complete with milkshakes and cappuccinos.

Our first stop was Britstown, where we booked into a charming guest house – the owner was quite the talker! We all agreed that a relaxing evening stroll was needed, so we ventured out to the hotel for a delicious buffet dinner featuring a leg of lamb and springbok pie.

Our destination for breakfast the next morning was Loxton, a charming town in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape Province and a two-hour drive from Britstown. It was the perfect choice! We enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast, and the locals thoroughly entertained us with the most interesting conversations. We were spoilt for choice with lovely spices with intriguing names like “Varkerig” and “Oorlams.” From there, we ventured over the escarpment and entered Vanrhynsdorp to spend the night. Vanrhynsdorp is a small town with a distinct Victorian character, famous for its Nama Karoo vegetation, succulents and fynbos, and offers a wide range of cultural and historical experiences.

It was time to slow down our journey, and the following day was spent exploring the beautiful Cederberg. We visited Lamberts Bay, stopped by Leopoltsville, and finally reached Hermanus, where we booked into The Esplanade Apartment Hotel for four nights. We savoured long walks among the wildflowers, enjoyed the stunning sea views from a beachside bench, and dined at outstanding restaurants like Dutchess, Fick’s Pools, and Bientang’s Cave.

We arrived at Goudini Spa for the Fairest Cape Rally six days into our adventure.

We were warmly welcomed by Leon Stander, the scorekeeper, and settled into the Slanghoek Luxury Villas for three nights. On our first evening, we enjoyed a beautiful view over the Breede Valley and a good old South African braai.

The rally kicked off the next morning with over 70 entries, most of them veteran motorcycles. Fortunately, a few classic cars and a touring class for newer cars were also allowed to enter.

We participated in the fastest speed category (80km/h), driving without instruments but finding opportunities to accelerate, primarily through the beautiful Bainskloof Pass.

After a stop at Riebeek Kasteel and lunch in Tulbagh, we headed back for a relaxing soak in the warm water pool at Slanghoek, taking in the breathtaking view after a long day on the road.

We rallied again the next day, embracing the thrill of the open road. Later, we drove to Ceres for a delightful lunch, where we shared countless stories about motorcycles, reminiscing with laughter and, at times, tears as we connected over our shared passion and all our memories.

The last evening was a highlight, with a gala dinner and a prize-giving celebration. It was wonderful to meet so many new friends, but the time eventually came to part ways.

This road trip was a journey of camaraderie, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable memories. If you ever have the chance to join the Fairest Cape Rally, don’t hesitate – it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

South African Masters Swimming

Inspired by fun, friendship and fitness

by Sandy Murray, Chartered client.

Swimming is a great way to keep mentally and physically fit. Many of us, however, need considerable motivation to take the plunge – so to speak.

South African Masters Swimming is a fraternity of aqua enthusiasts who enjoy keeping fit and setting their sights on maintaining or shaving seconds off their previous personal best times. The year’s highlight is the Masters National Championships, which brings together swimmers across South Africa and beyond for a 4-day gala. The excitement of the 379 swimmers – aged 20 to over 90 – is invigorating; everyone is decked out in their club colours, greeting their comrades and competitors, and eyeing the 50m pool with apprehension – or eagerness to clinch bronze, silver, or gold medals.

I met Marion Hollander at Chartered, and we both swim for the largest team, Wahoo Masters. Our section of the stand is generally the most festive, with a swathe of 120 purple t-shirts, banners, silly hats, and other festive paraphernalia.

The 2024 Masters Nationals was a first for Marion: “This was the first time I swam in a gala since primary school – let alone a Nationals Masters Gala! It was terrifying, and I was completely out of my comfort zone. However, I managed to swim in all my races and even got a bronze medal for coming third in one of them. It ended up being a fantastic experience. I met many people, including Sandy, whom I recognised from Chartered Wealth! What a wonderful four days!”

I have swum with Masters for many years, inspired by my teammates who, well into their senior years, continue to relish their sport and strive to break South African records. Our oldest swimmer, Patrick Galvin, a 91-year-old Australian, holds breaststroke world records in his age group and South African Colours. Hosting our American team members added a bonus social dimension to the event for my family. Each member of my relay team earned a silver medal, a proud memento of the event.

Marion and I, fuelled by the fun, friendship, and fitness of Masters Swimming, are ready to set the bar of our achievements even higher for the 2025 40th Masters National Championships.

Don’t sweat the big goals!

Small Habits – Big Impact

I just crossed the finish line at my second Two Oceans Half Marathon! It may seem like a small victory, but it’s a big win for me and one that I celebrate proudly. Running a marathon was never really my main goal – but exercise and fitness have always been important to me. Don’t misunderstand me; when I first started running, it didn’t go exactly as planned. It’s tough getting up early mornings, and it’s much easier to hit the snooze button, especially on cold winter mornings or lazy weekends.

James Clear’s book Atomic Habits profoundly impacted my life, and his words deeply resonated with me:

“If you want to predict where you’ll end up in life, all you have to do is follow the curve of tiny gains or tiny losses and see how your daily choices will compound ten or twenty years down the line.”

So, I followed James Clear’s advice to cultivate smaller, achievable habits rather than pursuing big, audacious goals. Instead of setting out to run a marathon, I focused on tiny gains (consistent, small habits) and became a habitual runner. And the best part is that habits become part of your lifestyle over time.

I truly believe that the only way to look back at your life without regret is to align your time with what’s most important to you. So firstly, know where you want to go, and then make sure that your actions, decisions, and the time you spend on them allow you to achieve that goal.

Too often, we convince ourselves that big success requires big actions. But success is the product of small, repeated actions or habits – no matter what your dreams are, you can achieve them with the right habits. It’s the same principles I teach my midlife clients about investing: accumulating wealth is not a skill; it’s a habit. If you persevere, consistently save, and live below your means, you can cultivate the right habits to build wealth.

Reflect for a moment on the path of your life and where your daily actions are leading you. What you don’t want is to look back and wish you’d spent more time doing the things you love. When you decide what’s most important in your life, you can start making small daily changes to ensure you align your time without regrets. It’s the tiny steps you take that will eventually change everything!

Once I established a consistent routine around my health and fitness goals, it opened the door to stacking other important goals – like learning and travelling. I am busy planning to participate in the Berlin Marathon in September. It’s quite a stretch, seeing that I’ve only run 21km races so far (I really have to up my game to run this 42km marathon), but this isn’t just about the run. It’s about combining my broader intentions of travelling and learning with destination runs.

Let every tiny step be a celebration of moving closer to the life you envision.

Reinventing Retirement – Cheryl and Duncan’s Journey

In the serene heart of Eswatini (Swaziland), Chartered Clients Cheryl and Duncan are embracing retirement as a time for rejuvenation and self-discovery. Their story shows how retirement can be a time for reinvention and new possibilities.

Cheryl and Duncan’s backgrounds were as diverse as they were successful. Duncan had spent his career in the meat industry, while Cheryl owned an industrial laundromat. After retiring, they embarked on what they thought would be a leisurely chapter in their lives. However, after just 18 months, they realised that retirement wasn’t about slowing down; it was about finding new avenues for stimulation and growth, so they took over the lease of a coffee shop in a nursery in Malkerns, Swaziland.

Despite working seven days a week and managing six staff members, Cheryl and Duncan love their new venture. Duncan has always loved baking and cooking, so he spends much time creating new recipes and training staff on how to make them. His latest additions to the menu have been well-received by customers.

Cheryl uses her skills honed during her years in the laundry business to manage the back end and bookkeeping. Cheryl and Duncan spend a lot of time mingling with customers, most of whom they know personally since they have lived in Ezulwini, Swaziland, for 32 years.

Despite their full-time commitment to the coffee shop, Cheryl and Duncan recently took a well-deserved break to visit their newborn grandson, Max, in Zimbabwe. This cherished family time was a reminder for them that retirement is about finding a balance between work and life’s other joys.

Cheryl and Duncan are inspiring examples of how to reinvent oneself in retirement. They found something they are passionate about and are now running a successful business. They are actively involved in their community and continue to grow, learn, and contribute to the world around them.

Cheryl and Duncan’s story reminds us that:

  • It’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
  • Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it.
  • Don’t be afraid to take risks.
  • Be active in your community.
  • Enjoy your life!

U3A – A Look Over the Fence

Although I still have two feet in the working world, it seemed like sensible pre-planning to find out what social options lie on the other side of the fence for my next (and not-so-distant) life chapter. And so I joined U3A.

I first heard about the rather quirky-sounding University of the Third Age from my neighbour, a fit and feisty 70-something with whom I do a 5 km walk on Sundays – which gives us a lot of time to talk! She explained that U3A is a worldwide organisation that aims to provide mature people, many retired or semi-retired, a forum for continued learning, interaction, and knowledge exchange; there are around 30 branches in South Africa. She belongs to a smaller branch and, in addition to attending some of their talks, she participates in a photographic interest group and one for birding enthusiasts.

I selected one of the bigger branches – for its proximity to work and on the assumption that bigger would mean better when it comes to monthly talks. Upon arriving to attend my first talk and seeing the busy car park, I did have fleeting second thoughts about making a solo entrance. However, in the foyer, I met a friendly lady also on her own who bought me a “welcome” coffee and chatted to me about her part-time work in education; shortly afterwards, I also bumped into a couple of Chartered clients.

Over the past few months, the topics have included conservation, personal stories, and township economics, all delivered by engaging speakers. There are also various special interest groups that one can join, which cover art, computers, writing, hiking, theatre, history, philosophy and – for the poetic at heart – even Shakespearean sonnets! That’s quite an array of options to keep the brain cells firing and meet new friends.

The annual membership fee ranges from around R80 – R200, and the various branches’ monthly talks are usually held on a Tuesday morning in a community/church hall or auditorium in the respective areas. Membership is branch-specific, but most have a nominal visitor’s charge if you want to attend a talk at a branch other than your own.

While online information about the branches and contact persons is currently sparse, an umbrella website is under construction to list all the South African U3A branches with their essential details. For now, a Google search will bring up limited results for U3A Johannesburg, Johannesburg East, Johannesburg North and Pretoria, as well as Cape Town, George, Plett, East London and Durban if you are keen to join or find out more.