After matriculating in 1980, I worked for an electrical engineering company for two years. This was followed by a four year apprenticeship at a well-known company who built massive truck trailers and containers. I successfully completed my apprenticeship and studies for my National Technical Certificate Four (NTC4) Mechanical Engineering.

Both my parents were entrepreneurs in their own right. My Dad owned an antique furniture restoration business and my Mom has a small business in the sportswear manufacturing industry, I had lots of experience and exposure to practical hands work including clothing manufacturing and furniture restoration. This gave me the confidence to start my own sportswear manufacturing business a few years after completing my studies. I successfully ran my company for eighteen years and became a major supplier of sportswear to schools and sports clubs in the Western Cape.

During this time, the local clothing manufacturing industry was rapidly dying. One of the main reasons for this was the shift to buying and selling imported clothing. It was during this time that I became more involved in developing the practical skills as well as Maths skills of my three children. I realized that the education system offered very few hands-on creativity programmes.
I’ve always been a very practical person and I found a special sense of joy when doing projects with my children. What gave me great sense of fulfillment was to see the pride and satisfaction they showed when a project was completed.

Very few people enjoy what they do for a living and even less people get to do what they really enjoy.
In 2009, I was blessed with an idea and if this idea could be realized, I would be able to do what I really enjoy which is to work with my hands and work with children.
I have come to realize that because we are created in the image of God, we are each born with a spirit of creativity given to us by God. Modern technology has done wonders for our modern world but it has however deprived many children of the opportunity to explore their own creativity or to develop basic their practical skills.

In 2009, I started the “Tekioo Club” which is a design & technology club for kids.
The “Tekioo Club” creates an environment in which children aged 6 to 13 can develop practical and problem solving skills whilst integrating art, design and technology.
Simply put: using raw materials, safe hand tools and loads of imagination, we teach children to roll up their sleeves and discover the joy of creativity by making scooters, go-karts, wooden toys, lamp-shades and so much more.
Our programme takes the form of small clubs at schools, churches, or homes and even children’s parties. We encourage creative problem solving and self-reliance.

It is important for me to spend time with God, my family, my church and nature. My inspiration comes from God and I believe that I must position myself if I want to experience His favor upon my life. I enjoy gardening and spending time at the beach. I am so blessed to live in Cape Town. The beauty that surrounds us gives me a greater appreciation for who God is.
My wife Nancy has been a tremendous support and encouragement to me.

Living a Legacy to me means making time each day to positively impact the lives of others.

The charity I support is SAFELINE CHILD ABUSE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION CENTRE where I serve as the Vice Chair Person on the Board of trustees: www.safeline.org.za

My secret to success is, believing that I am fulfilling my purpose in life.

I believe that the key ingredient to making our world a better place is in knowing that I exist not only for me and my family but for those that God sends across my path.

My commitment to bring about positive change is to help our young children explore their creativity, develop much needed basic practical skills and to become self reliant adults.

If you were to visit my Country I recommend that you spend time in Cape Town………. “do, see, taste, experience and enjoy the most beautiful city in the world”