We got to know him a little better.

Tell us more about yourself.

I’m a surfer from Plettenberg Bay with a love of people and life. I believe we are all here to make the world a better place, even if it’s just by a little bit, in our own unique way, with our unique gifts, given our unique circumstances.

I matriculated at George in Outeniqua in 2004. Thereafter I studied BAcc at Stellenbosch – from 2005 until 2008. During my time at Stellenbosch I got to know myself to quite a degree. I was privileged to be in Helderberg for four years, including my BAcc honours year. They told us in our first year Helderberg is a place where you not only make friends for the future, but also brothers. Fifteen years later “What!?” I can say with conviction and gratitude, it’s indeed true.

I'm so grateful for a group of friends who are like brothers. Life happens, as they say, the good things and sadness. Yet, we’ve always been there for each other, through thick and thin, and it makes life worth living – the quality of our lives is closely linked to the quality of our relationships.

I also recently married my awesome wife – Marzanne Tredoux (Now, Eksteen). It was a challenge to arrange a small wedding during lockdown, but thanks to the grace from Above, hard work as well as help from friends and family, we are so grateful that everything went smoothly.

What type of work do you do?

I currently live in Cape Town and recently started my own business, Axia Advisory. Although in its infancy and small, my vision is to add value to the lives of others as well as businesses across a wide spectrum – beginning with finance.

The aim here is to offer, specifically small to medium-sized businesses, the skill and insight of experienced chartered accountants without them having to permanently hire one. The reality is all businesses need those skills to function optimally, but not everyone can afford a full-time chief financial officer. We also offer tax, accounting and advisory services.

Why do you donate?

Initially, my good friend Lieb Otto, currently the head of Helderberg Old Boys, encouraged me to do so. He has long been aware of the good that donations can accomplish and has convinced me of this. To this day, he donates generously and devotes much of his time to the improvement of the University as well as Helderberg.

As I get older, I realise how true this statement is, “It is better to give than to receive”. I’ve heard it many times before in my life, but now that I have researched good principles and practical wisdoms to lead a type of life that adds value to the world, I realise the importance of giving.

You were young when you started donating. How could you manage it at the time?

The principle is simple: donate just a small amount, whatever you can. Over time, every little bit makes a big difference. So, if I’ve got this right, I started with R50 in 2009. It's easy to think my couple of rands is not going to make any difference. But the truth is, that's exactly what happens. And, as is said, “It compounds over time”. I really think we underestimate the collective impact that small contributions from individuals can have.

How would you encourage others to start donating?

Start small and be committed. What worked for us, then and now, is a debit order. The deduction is made at the beginning of the month – much like your savings. In a way, you forget about it, until one day you see the growth. You’ll hardly believe it!

Another way is to ask yourself why you want to donate or give back. For me, it’s simple: I was very privileged to be able to study at the Stellenbosch University. It encompasses: an incredible level of teaching and the subsequent degree that is obtained; many employers see it as a sign of potential and credibility in your skills. Not to mention the fun of student life, and more importantly, the friendships that are formed.

I donate to SU, because I want to help current and future generations – affording them the same opportunities and being able to reap the rewards for the rest of their lives. The responsibility then lies with them to seize the opportunity and make a success of it.

You have also indicated that you want to give some of your time to mentor students ...

As I get older, I realise there are quite a few things I wish I knew when I was at university. Many things are only relevant when you’re an adult, but there are so many practical wisdoms that could’ve helped me a great deal at university and would’ve prepared me much better for the world of grownups.

At 27, I worked with a life coach as part of a managerial development and training programme – it really had a positive impact on my life. So, I can help by mentoring and, in so doing, have a positive impact on a young person's life. I believe it's worth trying.