Elija Lipheko and I
The conference went very well, I ran a small workshop on ‘empowering people’ and then I was the closing speaker for the Conference. The speech went extremely well and the CEO asked if I would speak again next year. People were delighted with the message I gave them as I reminded them that South Africa has come a long way in the last 15 years and they should take pride in what they have achieved. I also pointed out the need to be focused and ‘face forward’ as they continued to build their future. In many ways South Africa is an example to the world in how to overcome adversity and seek reconciliation.
I was delighted to have met some interesting people, including the Director General of the CIPD in UK. I would like to thank Elija Lipheko the CEO of IPM, Shirley Zinn the President, Nicola who did all the planning and took care of me, and all the team who did such a great job.
Wednesday saw me presenting on behalf of Knowledge Resources. This was a packed workshop that went very well indeed. We had a chance to explore leadership and gave the attendees some very useful tips, which each one of them could use in their business.
Thursday took me to the country of Namibia. I had been invited by the Walvis Bay Municipality to speak at their Annual Business Breakfast. This was a new place for me to visit and I was looking forward to finding out about this Port on the edge of a great desert.
I was met by Piet Van Neikerk who organises the event every year. I was delighted to be told I was staying at a Protea Hotel in town. Protea is the biggest hotel group in Africa and I had interviewed Arthur Gillis, their CEO, last year. They are an imaginative hotel group and provide an excellent service as well as some really great accommodation. I was not disappointed. I met the hotel manager; Dave Wylie.
Piet and I outside the Town Hall
Piet, Dave and I headed off into the dunes for ‘sun-downers’. We drove along the main road out of town and literally turned off the road and headed into the sand. Up the dunes we went, until we found a spot over-looking the sea. Here we broke out the wine and the beer and got to know each other as the sun set over the sea. In front of us was the lovely site of the sun setting, to the left was the town of Walvis Bay, where lights came on in the distance as the darkness moved across the land, and behind us the dunes and desert spread out and changed colour as the sun set.
Even though there was a cool breeze on the dunes, the event was something very special. We packed up as the last bit of sun disappeared and headed into town for dinner. They took me to a restaurant on the old Peer. The original Rhodesian Teak boards still provided the restaurant with a floor. What a magnificent meal. Walvis Bay oysters (like cream in the mouth), and medallions of wild game (Ostrich and Gemsbok). We were joined by Jan and the four of us had a lovely meal followed by a night-cap back at the Protea Hotel.
The hospitality of these gentlemen was wonderful. These are lovely people who enjoy being in this town. Both Piet and Jan work hard to develop the town and Dave is doing a wonderful job with his hotel. I was exhausted, but very pleased with my first impressions of Walvis Bay.
I had an early start in order to get set up for the breakfast meeting. Over 350 people had booked, this was the chance a lot of businesses have to buy a table and invite their clients. Once again I had a chance to share with the people what is happening in the leadership world and gave them some pointers to help them in their businesses. I had an overwhelming response from them and many kind words of thanks.
Jan had arranged a trip to a local manufacturing company, which was very interesting. Then they had a treat for me! They would take me into the desert and show me some of the treasures and fun that can be had. We went for a ride, which I could not even start to describe. I saw the campsite where German soldiers camped in the first World War with footprints and tracks fossilised in the clay. Bottles used for shooting practice and even bones from those that had not made it! What can I say? An experience never to be forgotten, and the company of two great guys who were able to show and tell me so much. I want to thank Piet, Jan and Dave for their friendship and hospitality. I want to say a special thanks to Protea Hotel and the staff who were brilliant. To the Municipality and the wonderful people of Walvis Bay I say thank you for making me feel so welcome and for your kind words.
All I can say is, I will be back! To my new friends I say, thank you and a book is in the post.
Sunset in the Dessert
