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Tag: Clients in Action

Giving Back – Making a Difference, One Child at a Time

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It is no secret that South Africa faces deep challenges when it comes to childhood literacy, particularly in reading and understanding English. While the causes are complex, what stands out more powerfully is the work of people who choose to be part of the solution—one child at a time.

One such person is Chartered client Roy Irvine, who recently joined an inspiring initiative called The Link Literacy Project.

Founded in 2010 by Margi Bashall, The Link is a registered NPO staffed entirely by volunteers who are fluent in English and passionate about helping children—no teaching experience is required. The Gauteng Department of Education recognises the programme and currently supports 18 schools across Johannesburg, with that number steadily growing.

Roy, who completed a TEFL course and has always had a passion for reading, saw The Link as an opportunity to encourage and assist the next generation to discover the joy of reading.

The Link’s methodology is both simple and effective. Volunteers commit to just 2.5 hours a week at a centre of their choice—Roy’s is in Melville. They are guided through the process and then paired with a Grade 2 or 3 pupil for two 45-minute sessions, separated by a short break. Together, they focus on key skills like pronunciation, letter formation, and word construction through blending—turning learning into something both fun and empowering.

Roy describes the transformation he’s witnessed in these children as remarkable. “At the first session, the children are very shy,” he says. “But very soon, they get used to this new person and start opening up and really engaging in the material.” One of his standout moments has been seeing the joy on children’s faces when the tutors arrive: “They’re so enthusiastic, chatting with their tutors about all kinds of topics.”

The teachers at participating schools have also embraced the programme wholeheartedly, recognising the rapid improvement that just a little one-on-one attention can bring to students struggling with English literacy.

The biggest challenge The Link faces is not funding or materials—it’s volunteers. “Come along to a session and just sit in,” Roy encourages anyone who’s considering getting involved. “Many tutors have been doing this for years, and a new volunteer will quickly see the joy that both the children and the tutors gain from the experience.”

At Chartered, we’re inspired by clients like Roy who are living out their values and making a tangible difference in their communities. If you’re interested in joining The Link or just want to learn more, visit www.thelinkliteracyproject.co.za.

Falling in Love with Retirement: Our Slice of Paradise

Written by Patricia O’Hare on . Posted in Relationships. 4 Comments on Falling in Love with Retirement: Our Slice of Paradise

We are singularly blessed to spend our retirement in what I consider to be my very own Garden of Eden. Our home is nestled in a magnificent coastal forest estate on the KZN North Coast, where we enjoy breathtaking sea views and are surrounded on three sides by pristine coastal forests.

Living so immersed in nature is incredibly therapeutic, though it has its share of unexpected visitors. We’ve had our fair share of snake encounters—usually harmless Natal Green snakes (at least, according to me!). The abundance of monkeys can be troublesome, but we’ve learned to baton down the hatches when they come through. Fortunately, they don’t linger for long. We purchased monkey screens for Christmas, which has certainly helped keep them at bay!

A Leap of Faith: Moving from Gauteng to the Coast

I was initially reluctant to leave my life and home in Gauteng – we spent 54 wonderful years in Vereeniging. Quite frankly, I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Although we owned our coastal house for nearly 30 years, it was always just our holiday retreat.

Taking the plunge to move permanently was a significant decision but one we don’t regret. Our new life is even better than our old one. Still, I’ve realised that embracing change requires actively seeking out new experiences and opportunities.

Golf, Friendships, and the Unpredictable Weather

As an avid golfer, I quickly found my way onto the fairways and was warmly welcomed by a fantastic group of like-minded women. In a good week, I play up to four rounds—though the weather here is far less predictable than on the Highveld. Wind and rain make for challenging conditions, but if you wait for a calm day, you won’t play much golf at all!

A Commitment to Conservation

Caring for the environment has always been important to me, and I’ve found a wonderful way to contribute through a monthly beach clean-up group. Walking along the shoreline, I can’t help but pick up discarded plastic and polystyrene—so much so that I now won’t go for a beach walk without a garbage bag slung over my shoulder.

Beyond the beach, the estate boasts well-marked walking trails winding through the coastal forests. These walks often bring me face-to-face with bushbuck, blue duiker, and a spectacular variety of birdlife. There’s something deeply meditative about strolling through these trails, surrounded by nothing but the quiet hum of nature.

Quizzing, Camaraderie, and a Good Glass of Wine

My husband and I are keen quizzers and have been lucky to join a local quiz team. More often than not, we’re the go-to sources for any pre-1980s trivia! Despite the age gap, our younger teammates have embraced us warmly. Of course, no quiz night is complete without a delicious meal and a few generous glasses of red wine.

Up Close with the Estate’s Feathered Residents

I recently had the privilege of joining a bird-ringing event on the estate, where expert birders set up special nets before sunrise to safely capture and tag wild birds for research. Each bird was carefully weighed, measured, and released, with the data sent to the University of Cape Town.

The findings were fascinating—a resident crowned eagle is at least 29 years old, and a tagged bird returning from Antarctica had lost 50% of its body weight on the journey. We even learned how to hold a bird properly; some remained perched on our fingers despite being unrestrained. With over 250 bird species on the estate, it was a rare treat to get up close with around 20 of them, including the elusive Marsh Fluff Tail.

Living in Our Own Garden of Eden

These are just a few of the many reasons why we believe we live in a little slice of paradise. Retirement here has been more rewarding than we could have ever imagined. What more could anyone ask for?

Looking Back on a Memorable 2024

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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!

Beyond Inheritance: The Gift of Experiences

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When we think about the legacy we want to leave behind, it’s not always about financial inheritance or material wealth. For many, it’s about creating lasting memories, imparting values, and sharing meaningful experiences that will be remembered for generations. Chartered clients Trevor and Rina White chose a different path when considering their legacy. Instead of focusing solely on financial inheritance for their grandchildren, they wanted to create something more personal, something that would resonate with their family for years to come. Here, they share their heartwarming journey of crafting a living legacy through shared experiences.

“While discussing our estate planning, as guided by Chartered Wealth, my wife and I decided that our financial inheritance planning would be limited to our children, allowing them to decide what would accrue to their children (our grandchildren). From the birth of our two grandchildren, one now eleven and the other eight years old, we, as grandparents, have been involved in their early childhood development. We’ve taken them to and from school, sponsored and accompanied our granddaughter to piano lessons, and our grandson to jiu-jitsu lessons.

We decided that instead of leaving them money, we would find a ‘lasting experience’ that we could share with them as a family – something our grandchildren would hopefully always remember us for, as their Oumi and Oupi!

We considered a long list of possibilities, such as pleasure cruises, skiing trips, Mauritius, the Kruger Park, or even a visit to Disney World, just to mention a few. However, none of these really ticked all the boxes. We wanted to be together as a family, actively involved, while also considering the costs and ensuring the experience was fun-filled for everyone.

Having done a barge trip on the French canals nearly a quarter of a century ago, my wife and I felt that this could be exactly what we were looking for. It combined transport and accommodation in one, with the grandchildren being old enough to act as crew members when entering and exiting the many locks along the way. They helped the lock-keepers with opening and closing the manually operated locks and cycled into the towns and villages to buy fresh provisions such as bread and milk. As a health-conscious family, the grandkids cycled alongside while one of us jogged on the traffic-free cycle routes, which run parallel to all the canals, keeping up with the boat as it made its way along the waterways.

The trip turned out to be everything we had hoped for and more. The weather was perfect, everything went according to plan, and we worked together like a well-oiled machine. The grandchildren were involved from start to finish; they were never bored and seemed to love every minute. We, as grandparents, truly believe we have given them an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them into the future. And the best part? We were able to share it with them!”

Riding the Waves of Joy with the Granny Grommets

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When Chartered client Ingrid Davidson and her husband Alistair retired to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, she was looking forward to peaceful mornings and long walks on the beach; what she didn’t expect was to find herself reliving the exuberance of her youth, thanks to an enthusiastic invitation from her dear friend, Mary Connock.

Mary introduced Ingrid to the Granny Grommets, a lively group of women who have turned the beach into their playground. Twice a week, this spirited group gathers at Robberg Beach at 10:00 in the morning, ready to embrace the waves and leave behind any cares that might have followed.

The Granny Grommets, as the name might suggest, is a group of women who have discovered the sheer joy of boogie boarding. The term “Grommet” originally referred to a young surfer or someone involved in extreme sports, highlighting this group’s youthful, adventurous spirit. But don’t let the “Granny” part fool you—this group is for anyone with a zest for life, with members of all ages joining in the wave-riding excitement.

Initially hesitant, Ingrid was quickly swept up by the group’s enthusiasm. The moment she caught her first wave, all her reservations melted away. The exhilaration of being tossed about by the ocean, the laughter that echoed across the beach, and the sense of freedom that came with every ride reminded her of the playful days of childhood.

And it wasn’t just the wave riding that captured Ingrid’s heart. After an hour of fun in the surf, the group plunks down on the beach, flasks of coffee in hand, sharing stories, solving the world’s problems, and indulging in delicious treats. It’s a time of connection, camaraderie, and simple pleasure.

Ingrid’s Wednesday and Friday mornings have become the highlight of her week. The Granny Grommets have given her a sense of community, energy, and an unexpected source of joy. Even the chilly water can’t dampen the spirits of this group—though, of course, they take a well-deserved break during the colder months when the sharks make their appearance.

So, if you find yourself near the shores of Plett, grab a boogie board and join them—all are welcome.

A Leisurely Road Trip to the Fairest Cape Rally

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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

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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.

Finding Purpose on the Beach: My Life-Changing Journey with SMART

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My journey with SMART (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team) began after our retirement and move to Mossel Bay. This non-profit, established in 2015, rescues stranded marine mammals and turtles. Our role is to respond quickly to animals on beaches, prioritising their well-being.

While Cape Fur Seals basking on rocks is normal, pups washed ashore during storms need our help. When pup strandings are reported, the SMART teams immediately respond so that the pups can be picked up and taken to a place of safety. We reunite them with their island home as soon as possible. Sadly, three sick Sub Antarctic Seal Pups we found resting last year didn’t survive.

Similarly, dolphins, whales, and turtles on beaches are unnatural occurrences requiring our immediate response. For live animals, we keep them safe, educate onlookers, and ensure they aren’t touched or fed. Resting animals don’t need water or covering! Injured animals are evaluated by a vet for possible treatment. SMART even supports global research by collecting data from stranded or deceased animals.

We believe ocean education starts young. SMART educates children through school visits with Sammy, our entertaining turtle mascot. Dressing up as Sammy also provides us with many giggles trying to get in and out of the costume!

Joining SMART fulfilled the “give back” section of my Bucket Wheel® and has enriched my life beyond measure. It has given me a renewed sense of purpose, and the best part is that I get to learn, play, and work in the most incredible office ever – the beach!

Riding into a New Life: From Jozi to George

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Dreaming of escaping the Johannesburg hustle for open roads and scenic vistas, Chartered clients Huida and Granville set out on a motorcycle trip with a twist: Granville had a secret agenda – to scout potential semigration destinations. Little did they know, George would capture their hearts with its charm, natural beauty, and a hidden gem of a house waiting to be discovered.

Their initial odyssey wound through towns like Prince Albert and Tulbagh, each offering unique flavours of life. While Port Owen’s remoteness didn’t resonate, Gordons Bay, a place they loved, didn’t offer any houses that suited them. Montagu’s historical allure tempted them, but having a Woolworths within a 5km radius remained a dealbreaker for Huida.

Reaching George, they met up with friends who had already made the leap, and their glowing experiences about George ignited a spark. The town’s clean, friendly atmosphere left a positive impression. But the true magic unfolded on a breathtaking motorbike ride up Outeniqua Pass. Lush valleys, ancient forests, and panoramic vistas unfolded with each turn, sealing their desire for a change.

Back in Johannesburg, the “what if?” echoed. Inspired by a vision of their ideal home and a couple they met on their travels encouraging a “just do it!” attitude, they took on the challenge. The search for their perfect George haven began.

Despite initial hiccups – a damp property and limited options – they persevered. A serendipitous discovery led them to a magnificent house in Welgelegen Estate, ticking all the boxes, even the motorbike-friendly location.

With an accepted offer and their Johannesburg house sold, their semigration dream materialised. Moving in November 2022, the timing was perfect. Today, nestled in their haven, they’ve embraced the George lifestyle, made new friends, and explored the Garden Route’s wonders.

Their journey is a testament to open hearts, serendipity, and the courage to take a leap of faith, proving that sometimes, the best destinations are discovered on two wheels and with an open mind.

Transforming Zoo Lake One Clean-Up at a Time

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Zoo Lake, a cherished oasis in Johannesburg, owes its origin to banker and mining magnate Herman Eckstein. In the late 19th century, Eckstein envisioned a lush city oasis, initially naming it Sachsenwald after Otto von Bismarck’s estate. After his death, his partners donated land to the Johannesburg City Council in 1904, leading to the creation of Herman Eckstein Park and a zoo. In 1906, an artificial lake, aptly named Zoo Lake, was added, becoming its centrepiece. The Coronation Fountain was added in 1937 to honour King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and remains a famous landmark of Johannesburg.

Over the years, Zoo Lake has evolved into a vibrant hub for community gatherings, sporting events, and cultural celebrations. Its sprawling lawns provide ample space for picnics. In recent years, Zoo Lake has faced the challenge of litter, a common issue in many public spaces.

Stuart Norman, a Chartered client, has lived in Parkview for 17 years. Like many residents, his busy life prevented him from doing more than just using the park for recreational walks and bike rides.

One day recently, while walking around Zoo Lake, Stuart was struck by the amount of litter everywhere. Stuart had an idea and was determined to make a difference. He had been so impressed by the cleanliness of Rwanda on a recent trip, and he was convinced that if Rwanda could be cleaned up after its turbulent history, surely Zoo Lake could be cleaned up too.

Stuart’s initiative took flight when he reached out to a residents’ group, inquiring about the availability of a skip for an upcoming clean-up effort he had planned. The response was overwhelmingly positive, prompting him to establish a dedicated WhatsApp group exclusively for residents eager to rejuvenate Zoo Lake. Stuart then forged a partnership with the Zoo Lake Users Committee, setting the wheels in motion for their inaugural clean-up event.

The event was a success, with 13 paid staff and four volunteers participating. They filled 155 bags of rubbish, waste and glass. The second clean-up was even larger and more successful, collecting 210 bags of litter. It’s important to note that these clean-ups are not focused solely on picking up the litter left behind, as the council already employs staff for this purpose. Rather, the emphasis lies on revitalising the general area, the lawns and the lake itself. To clean the lake, volunteers are equipped with pool nets, allowing them to retrieve discarded bottles and plastic from the water.

Stuart has managed to raise R19,000 in donations to date, and local businesses have stepped in to help. The money raised is used to provide lunch and refreshments for staff and volunteers, buy equipment needed and pay the staff hired to help with the clean-up. Several of the individuals employed to clean the lake reside in nearby shelters and appreciate an extra day of work and pay.

Stuart is committed to making Zoo Lake a clean and beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. He believes that the key to sustainability is to have a long-term strategy. Stuart’s vision extends to involving all the suburbs around Zoo Lake, mirroring the successful approach that transformed Central Park into the beloved destination it is today. You can’t help feeling inspired by Stuart’s story as it really proves that change begins with you and that you need to be the change you want to see in the world.

If you would like to know more about the project or get involved, you can contact Stuart on 0825572706