DEDICATION

My dedication is to the people of Walmer Township based in

Port Elizabeth South Africa. They're humble people who
possess the quality of long-suffering hearts and have the
strength to persevere. They're wonderful intelligent human
beings, lovable people, living on our doorstep right across the
road, in conditions, in circumstances that most really don't
deserve. They deserve so much more, and yet they seem happy
most of the time. They are people that I love.

ii
 Alan Stansbury

02*12*1929 - 26*01*2013

Alan dedicated his life to God's underprivileged, some of

whom based in Walmer township as did St Francis of
Assisi. Recently, during his treatment for lung infection
and pneumonia, he chose to be treated and attended to
in a Government Hospital named "The Livingstone
Hospital" along with people who didn't have the
same privilege and wonderful opportunity of affording
the cost of privileged private hospitalisation.
His family wanted him in a private hospital, like St George's or
Greenacres, but he chose to be with the poor! Alan has inspired
so many. He spent most of his time caring for his gracious wife
Molly and the people of Walmer Township. As a retired
ordained Anglican minister, he wasn't concerned about the
normal reverent attire and formal dress code. He didn't want or
have the need to be called "Father" or "Reverend" Stansbury;
he was happy to be called by his first name – Alan.

iv
 A Special Thanks

First of all, a special thanks goes to my Heavenly Father for

this awesome gift He blessed me with – A Spectacular Flying
Life!
I'm honoured in giving thanks to the following people:
My wonderful parents, who owned little and gave us children
their great healthy genes, joy, love and everything they had.
Nerina Skuy and other editors for all their precious time
spent on this testimony, and God given journalism and editing
skills.

vi
 Preface

This book is about telling both sides of the story – the good
and the bad. Nobody likes to tell of the stupid mistakes they've
made in life, including me, but the whole story, experience
and truth will help and inspire others to feel set free to follow
their dreams. I feel that many can learn from my mistakes. The
truth can relieve a conscience and make one feel better and set
flying free.
What I do is more than a job; it’s a paid hobby. It helps me to
be higher than life and high on life. Compared to those who are
earth-bound? I see life in colour, the true colours of our
rainbow nation. I see a real South Africa, like viewing life in
three dimensions and three dimensional colours. Imagine all
the colours that God has created, 20, 30, 50 colours. Observing
the townships and affluent suburbs, I can't help but notice the
contrast of how many more people are outside working and
walking on the roads in the townships in their colourful
clothing than in the suburbs. If you could see the beautiful
colours of the rural Transkei rondavels [huts] from the air,
you'd be thrilled to understand! Suburban lifestyle is as if us
whities are imprisoned behind our high walls. We've got
electrified fences, various security and insurance companies,
suffering from fear, lack of peace, barking dogs and bleating
alarms! You've got to see the big picture from the air, you'll get
a peaceful understanding of how good our future South Africa
can become.
Even when I'm on the ground, I don't forget the thrill of being
high on life up there. It must be the same view the angels have,
and sometimes when I soar with the eagles I am sure that the
angels are not far off! The thrill of flying motivates me to
continue with a vision to help transform a township.

vii
Deep down I sense that we can make a difference as we
continue with our purpose, motivated by a hunger and thirst for
righteousness, wanting to do right.

“I have a dream. That cities like Port Elizabeth and countries

like South Africa, can be changed by praying for and helping
specific townships, concentrating on those efforts.
I dream that the world can be changed through the miraculous
South Africa of the future. The bloodshed that happened in
Bosnia and Rwanda should have happened here.
All it will take is for many of the privileged to spend more time
in the townships. Experience first-hand the hardship and
suffering; support community projects, and so realize that we
can be part of a creative miracle, a miracle that will create
sufficient jobs and bring hope to the hopeless majority.
We all need to believe that miracles can happen, and I believe
they will!”

John Huddlestone (Helicopter Charter c.c.)

viii
 Foreword

John is what you would call a “maverick,” but in the best

sense of the word, focused and enthusiastic to fulfil his
purpose. Sometimes he does his own thing, and loves it! He
constantly reminds everyone he meets that he is “high” on life
and coming from a helicopter pilot, I guess he is!
This book is about a man who has risen and ascending to
fulfil his “dream,” believing without any doubt that it would
happen. He continues to inspire people to do the same with
their God-given potential and to look to God for guidance and
above all to trust God in all things. Not often in life do we meet
a truly unique individual who has taken the trouble to write a
brief account of his life, just telling it like it is and giving
caution to those who follow by the mistakes he has made.
John has sometimes said: “Follow me, spend time assisting
the closest township, and I'll be right behind you!” I think you
will enjoy the book – it's great! Helen Strange (Friend).

I chose to break my autobiography down in what I like to call

"story cards" as you'll see how my life unfolds in brief periods
as far back as 1962 up to present day.

ix
 Chapter: 1

A Dream To
Fly

I had my first helicopter ride when I was eight years old. It

cost my mom R1 (one Rand) back in 1962. I never forget that
ride, and to this day I still relive the picture of me in that
helicopter. It was a life-changing experience and I guess that's
when my dream to fly a helicopter was born. To this day, I still
encourage everyone who flies with me to go for his or her
dream. You don't have to have the highest education or IQ to
fly or follow your dreams. All it takes is determination,
perseverance and discipline.
I knew that if I wanted to fly it would cost a lot financially
speaking, however if it's your heart's desire nothing is
impossible. Yes, impossible is nothing, I got paid to learn to fly
by South African taxpayers, thank you for that.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Life After School!

When I finished high school, my father, then 62, encouraged

me to go to university before commencing my army training.
He was stationed in Italy during World War 11 and experienced
first-hand tragedy, deceitfulness and the evil doings of Hitler.
He also realized the importance of a good education. He
observed a similar tragedy unfold due to the policies of the
apartheid government of his day. My parents were involved
with the United Party and more than likely witnessed the
“jerry-mongering” that took place to ensure the National
Party's election success in 1948/49. My father was the
paymaster at General Motors, and my mom a hairdresser then
house wife.
It isn't easy to lose a loving parent. She became a diabetic
after her first heart attack, and I recall her needing to give
herself insulin injections so that she could see properly before
cutting my hair one Sunday evening. She died of a second heart
attack a fortnight later after cutting my hair that last time. My
father and I lived together until he died about 15 years later at
the age of 96. Whenever I would return from a flight after
hours or weekends, I would call or text him, and he'd drop
everything and come to the airport immediately to assist with
hangering the helicopter. I realized how much my Heavenly
Father loves me seeing how much my earthly father loved me!
The Book says my Heavnly Father's love is much greater. So
much so that He allowed his only son to die for us his adopted
children, so we could live forever. I suppose my earthly father
could have done that.

2
 A Dream To Fly

Young And Restless

After matriculating from Pearson High School in 1972, I

didn't exactly have the desire to go to university immediately,
as I had not obtained an exemption, and all my school mates
had gone straight to the army after completing school. My
darling father really encouraged my to go to university, so in
February 1973, I commenced a Bachelor of Science degree at
the University of Port Elizabeth. Surprisingly, although I'd not
obtained an exemption, no one stopped me attending classes,
probably because I was due to re write my matric
supplementary exams.

I could more than likely have continued, if I had done well in

all my varsity tests and exams. But my heart was not in
rewriting my supplementary exams because, quite honestly, I
was de-motivated, lazy and lacking vision.
I dropped out after the celebrations that mark the first term
and joined General Motors where, through my father, I landed
a clerical job for one month. I knew I still needed to complete
my army training and subsequently contacted the local army
base. I didn't want to postpone my conscription and end up
having to commence it as my fellow school mates were
completing it! A train was leaving for Middleburg, in the
Transvaal the following day 1 May 1973. I decided to catch
that train and found myself en route to start my infantry
training the next day.
After four months I was made a Section Leader and spent the
next four months as an infantry trooper on the border. We'd fly
in a super Puma helicopter to and from our patrol area about
twice a week.

3
A Vision: You Make It Happen

What a thrill! How exciting it was, boarding, being lifted up,

with the awesome noise and vibration! Thrilling once again
with landing and exiting the helicopter, running and circling
this beautiful big bird, protecting it as it ascended and flew
away leaving us to commence our border patrol. I could have
enquired to join the Air Force then, but I wasn't inspired
enough by the permanent force environment and army staff
stationed there to join the permanent force in order to learn to
fly. If I'd been able to meet the pilots, I may have applied to fly
then. The idea of being a defense force pilot didn't appeal to me
at the time. I completed my army training in December 1973,
leaving two months early so as to try and continue studying at
College (P.E. Technicon) in January of '74. My sister was
getting married mid-December, and this was the primary
reason for me wanting to return home so soon, using the excuse
that I wanted to continue studying mid-January which was a
half-truth. Nowadays I hope to continue feeling guilty when
things are not conducted truthfully, and feel much better when I
eventually clear my conscience.

Training For Life

I think that few realize that a step backwards is required in

order to move two steps forward. I felt as if I was starting
below rock bottom by becoming an apprentice and pursuing a
technical career with an academic matric. I was prepared to
start with my feet firmly on the ground and ready to learn a
trade reaching for the stars. I had always enjoyed working on
cars as a youngster, necessity being the mother of invention - I
had to get an automobile. I was able to strip the gearbox on our
Morris 1000, replace the cluster gear and re-fit the gearbox.
There were only one or two small parts left over, and yet the
car was still mobile.

4
 A Dream To Fly

So much so that I was able to drive our Pearson High

Headmaster around the school on our final matric day march-
around. I only obtained my drivers license a month later, the
day I turned 18!
Right from the start I had the vision that I could reach for the
stars. My carrot was that if and when I did well at Technicon I
had a chance of going to General Motors in Detroit, U.S.A. as
part of their G.M.S.A American training program. My
apprenticeship started in January 1974 and I pushed to go on as
many courses as possible, learning about the mechanics of
engines and much more. The primary reason for this decision
was that I would be paid to study on the condition that I passed
all my courses at Port Elizabeth Technicon (PE Tech).
I loved P.E. Tech (another name C.A.T.E. - College for
Advanced Technical Education) because it was practical theory.
I found university impractical and difficult in comparison.
Today, I use my knowledge of engines and mechanics in this
most exciting life of flying helicopters, second only to sharing
the Good News in Walmer Township. I'm even able to conduct
minor repairs and oil changes on my helicopters and
understand or help solve technical problems. On my return
from the military, I faced the normal dilemma of what to do
with my life. I knew I'd study at PE Tech. During school
vacations I had a holiday job in the Service department at
General Motors, but wasn't keen to continue with a trade as a
motor technician. During my first year at PE Tech I just
managed to pass Mathematics (Maths) with a 60% pass. Again,
one does not need to have a good maths pass rate, or need to
have taken maths all the way up to matric to fly well, or run a
successful aviation business. Then, in my second year, came
the breakthrough. I was fortunate to have Flip Potgieter as my
Maths lecturer. He was great! With only four of us in the class,
and his amazing ability to make Maths interesting, I was
inspired to study.

5
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Every day, en route to college, I drove past the popular surf

spots in Port Elizabeth, Pollock and Avalanche. If surf was up;
I’d be out there after class!
I remember clearly how I'd begin to study and do homework
at about 20:00 p.m. but only really reach my momentum,
concentrating properly between 22:00 pm and 02:00 a.m. after
which I'd descend to precious perfect sleep! (It's like climbing
to a flight level of 31,000 feet at full power. Just like I used to
in the Impala Jet, then reduce to cruise power at 80% for the
cruise until power was completely reduced to zero for the
descent). It can be hard work to sit and settle down to study. At
Pearson High School our social science teacher Mr Danie
Malan, was most encouraging and inspiring when he'd relate
that he would lock himself in to study full days over weekends.
In my second year at college, I gained distinctions for Maths
and Applied Mechanics. It pays to work hard!
Mr de Haas, who taught us Applied Mechanics, was another
wonderfully inspiring and patient teacher. What a difference a
good teacher makes. In hindsight, I think that if I'd had smaller
classes for Maths and Science at high school, I would have
obtained better marks. I needed to take extra Mathematics
lessons in matric, especially because I failed it in the trial
exams. While at school I could never understand why I had to
do Maths, but Mr de Haas brought applied Mechanics and
Maths to life for me. He made me realize what I could do with
what was learnt in this challenging subject. It made a huge
difference to me as a pilot, and certainly made flying my
aircraft easier. I loved applied mechanics, which I learnt to
apply in flying and teaching most of the time. Anything
associated with love and passion, will succeed. Especially
when having a passion to spread The Good News!

6
 A Dream To Fly

I always wanted to finish my Diploma in Mechanical

Engineering, but for me it seemed useless as the air force and
flying training was a priority. I couldn't see how that diploma
was going to help me as an entrepreneur in helicopter charter
and training. It helped me with the basics of flying and to get
into the air force, but its long-term benefits were lost on me. In
my opinion, it's much more than scholastic qualifications and
learning. There has to be a strong desire to fulfill a vision or
dream; using all the abilities God has given you. Having had
my fair share of teachers, all I can say is that if a teacher loves
teaching then they will be a good teacher and their role could
make a huge difference in lives, careers and futures. To those
who are still in the process of being taught, whatever career
you want to follow eat, sleep, drink and live it! Use your whole
sixteen “awake” hours and fill it with your dream and work at
it. Give it extreme focus! If you want to be a commercial
helicopter or aircraft/airline pilot, it takes total commitment.
Don't give up, even if you fail the first few times. I've known
potential instructors, with a natural ability to teach, who gave
up after failing their instructor's exams the first time.

7
 Chapter: 2

My Dream Takes
Shape

I enrolled at British United, an engineering company to begin

a trade in mechanical engineering. I probably took this route
because engineering sounded better than motor car mechanics.
Fortunately, one of my foremen, an Englishman encouraged me
to aim higher because of the fact that I had achieved an
academic Matric. After much indecision, I eventually
continued as an apprentice motor technician in the Service
department at General Motors.
In 1975 I returned to the Eastern Province, (E.P.) Command
to complete a two-month army camp because I'd left the army
two months before completing my studies to attend my sister's
wedding. This gave me an opportunity to experience a ride in
an Air Force Alouette III helicopter. The pilot, Lt. Martin
Kruger, let me hold the controls. I was elated!
I had known Martin briefly for about a month, after meeting
at the army base next door to the airforce base. He was a
humble, down-to-earth man, who came from a military
background.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

His father was a high-ranking officer in the South African Air

Force. Martin had a perpetual smile, which made a lasting
impression on me because smiling was not a “done thing” in
the army environment in our day. He impressed and inspired
me.
The thrill of this experience ignited, launched and propelled
my dream forever. On landing I decided to join the South
African Air Force. I received the application forms and
completed them. After arriving home late that night I placed
them in front of my parents who were quietly reading in bed. I
said: “Please sign these papers here” and excitedly explained
my desire to join up. My dad looked at me with surprise and
asked: “Are you sure son?” I nodded. I was absolutely certain
that this was what I wanted, so he signed the forms.
For weeks I waited in anticipation. Then I received the news
that the Air Force had accepted my application and I was
invited to the pilot selection board. It was another wonderful
moment of my life! Dad, whom I could always count on,
organized my leave. I'm certain that if it wasn't for the perfect
small class college environment and great teaching from Prof.
Flip Potgieter, and the great opportunity presented through him,
I would not have obtained the distinction. This in turn
contributed to me being chosen by the South African Air Force
selection board.

A New Experience

A waiting period of two months passed before I could attend

the pilot selection board, so I began glider training in
Uitenhage in mid 1975.
Gliding is actually the foundation of flying, which most birds
do and so inexpensive. That's where one learns to fly without
an engine. Glide - use the air currents to lift yourself to a higher
level (a positive).

10
 My Dream Takes Shape

Soar and understand by using thermals (upward moving air

columns that form from the clouds). For example, after World
War I Germany was forbidden to use powered flight. They
resorted to glider training for their pilots, which resulted in an
air force in keeping with the best in the world.
Soon I was flying solo at the Gliding Club. I training with ex-
military pilots, led by chief pilot instructor Major John Evans, a
retiree from the Royal Air Force who had fought in World War
II. Jim France was one of my glider instructors, and almost
three decades later the wheel turned a full circle when I was
able to train his son to fly helicopters. Pete, endowed with
natural ability as an entrepreneur, bought his own helicopter
and is a blessed achiever and gentleman. In spite of his ability
and success, he has remained a fair and generous man, which is
a testimony to his upbringing. (Peter and I would not have the
time and patience to await our turn in the gliding que, and
await the thermals. With our own helicopters we're versatile in
that we're not affected by the wind or thermals). Nevertheless, I
loved the effortless experience of gliding and being uplifted by
the air currents.

Gliding To Military

In 1976, after completing my gliding training, I spent six

months training on Harvards in the South African Air Force
and later, another six training Impala Jet trainers. What an
extraordinary learning experience! It wasn't easy for me and I
had to work really hard.
For the first six weeks we only did theory of flying, Harvard
technical, meteorology and aero dynamics etc. I found it harder
to study than ever. It was difficult for me to concentrate and
study in the bungalow with the rest of the guys, and I would
inevitably seek out an empty bungalow where I could study
undisturbed.

11
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Often I would study late into the night and return to the
bungalow when everyone was asleep. But it was all worth it.
What a privilege to climb up onto a Harvard to begin flying
training. Even better, to eventually go solo on one of them.
Although I came 14th in the course out of 30, it took me longer
than average to go solo.
You have to give everything, never give up, never look down,
or back, always look up. I saw dedicated hardworking guys get
“washed” or better known as flunk the course because of not
achieving the prescribed standard in the limited number of
hours.
On the other hand, when one is undergoing private civilian
training, you have the luxury of extending your training period
if you're a slow learner, paying more to achieve the required
safe standard. Today, when some pilots struggle, not really
having the ability, and take a lot longer, they can get frustrated.
It may feel we are wanting them to fly more and not caring that
it costs them more. Sometimes they don't realize their mistakes,
and aren't even prepared to pay for the extra hours to obtain the
required safe standard. Their attitude becomes the problem. If
a really keen student pilot realised and admitted to his mistakes
and said to me “I realize what I’m doing wrong, I just need
more time and am willing to pay whatever it takes in extra
flying time to correct the mistakes” then those students often
become good pilots and study further to become good
dedicated instructors.
In keeping with longstanding tradition I had a “mud bath”
after my solo flight. The rest of the “pupes” (pupil pilots)
threw me into the mud pool outside the crew room. It felt
great! And, it gave me a sense of achievement and camaraderie
– I had soloed!

12
A Vision: You Make It Happen

After about six months of mid 1976, we moved to

Langebaanweg to commence Jet training. Impala training was
more streamlined, with the pace almost too quick for me,
especially when learning navigation. We'd cruise at 30, 000 feet
and sometimes - en route from “Bloem” (Bloemfontein) to
Cape Town, Boeings would pass us. They'd fly at higher
altitudes. People were amazed that they flew faster and higher.
As kids we always wondered what the ends of wings were,
bombs or fuel tanks. We learnt that they were fuel tanks. In
about December 1976 we obtained our wings. My parents were
flown to the airbase for the wings parade. What a special day
for us all!

Jets To Helicopters

The year of 1977 seemed to be a season for new and different

experiences, such as the highlight of my acceptance for
helicopter training on an Alouette III. The first three months
took place in Cape Town and final three in Bloemfontein. What
another privilege to conduct high altitude training at the
Drakensberg for the final ten days. This was followed by
further advanced training on the Super Frelons, as a co-pilot for
two years, 1978 and 1979. My time on the border was spent
flying 26 seater Super Frelon helicopters. On some of the trips
we would fly massive loads of food to the infamous Caprivi
Strip. We flew these trips in legs, taking turns in the Captain's
seat. It was a privilege for me, a 23 year old, to co-pilot and be
given the opportunity to learn more from seasoned and
experienced pilots. In fact, it was a real confidence booster. At
night we would gather at the pub, where I taught them songs
that I had learnt over the years. The Irish songs were great
favourites, such as Galway Bay, but the original words were
substituted with helicopter words and phrases.

14
 My Dream Takes Shape

The Super Frelon is wonderful and can even be used to carry a

car, which I know about first-hand. I was on my way home for
the Christmas holidays. Whilst passing through Bloemfontein I
experienced car trouble, and simultaneously a Super Frelon
happened to be en-route to Port Elizabeth. So my car and I
literally hitchhiked a lift aboard.
During the latter part of my Super Frelon tour of 1979 I flew
to Angola as part of a specific military operation, the
Moscow/Cassinga raid with seventeen helicopters.

Close Shave South Of The Border

One event that stands out in my mind is a Saturday briefing

meeting/party held at Katima Mulilo. That night we made our
way back to camp on the back of the Bedford Unimog (military
personnel carrier). We were quite drunk, singing at the top of
our voices, stamping our feet and generally raising the roof. We
got back unscathed. However, the following night, another
group in one or two vehicles were ambushed and killed along
the same road. During the latter part of my Frelon tour about
May 1979, we flew over 200 miles into Angola on a specific
military raid called the Moscow/Cassinga raid. Our assignment
was to bring approximately 170 parabats back. At the time,
SWAPO - The South West African People's Organization a
liberation army must not have had Cuban/Soviet air cover.
Only tanks were sent to retaliate after a SWAPO training camp
was bombed by our Canberra and Buccaneer bombers. The
helicopter I was co-pilot of, was kitted for medical rescue and
we returned with 17 injured parabats. (In May 2013, about 33
years later, the Namibians were celebrating their independence
when a misunderstanding with the customs officials occurred.
About ten pilot friends were on a flying trip in the very same
Ondangua area, and were locked up.

15
A Vision: You Make It Happen

By sheer coincidence they happened to be in the wrong area at

that same time of the independence celebrations!
After my positioning to Super Frelons I requested a posting
home to Port Elizabeth, but succeeded in getting one to the
torpedo-carrying 22 Wasp helicopter squadron in Cape Town. It
was the only helicopter I knew at the time where negative pitch
could be applied when landing or taking off on a frigate in
rough seas. Negative pitch means that the rotors are designed
to push the helicopter down instead of up, as all other
helicopters do. This would force the helicopter onto the deck
more until the crew could attach tie-downs which would
prevent the helicopter rolling off the ship when the rotors were
shut down or when it rolled steeply after landing. We had to
learn to know the Russian ships well and be able to identify
them in our week long theoretical training course. I was based
there until 1980. The Westland Wasp is no longer operated. The
training to land helicopters on to the deck of a frigate was
pretty hectic initially. This included “dunking training,” being
strapped into a helicopter cockpit framework which was then
dropped into water, submerged and tilted over. This was
conducted at Simonstown, the naval base south of Cape Town.
This trained the pilot to avoid becoming disoriented in similar
circumstances. I didn't find this part of training difficult at all
as I surfed and windsurfed. The occasional Jeffrey's Bay
"superwaves" certainly prepared me for the challenge. I was
trained to land on the deck of a frigate, such as the President
Steyn and Pretorius. My knowledge of the sea and waves
(thanks to surfing) definitely made this easier for me. I knew
that the waves come in sets of three, with the third being the
biggest. When the sea was really rough off Cape Point, where
we were conducting anti-submarine training, I knew to wait for
the third wave in the set in order to make the landing easier.

16
 My Dream Takes Shape

I never had a mishap and my first 2000 hours (six years) of

helicopter flying were accident-free, until continuing on to
higher risk piston helicopter training.

17
 Chapter: 3

Opportunity
Knocks

While in Cape Town, I studied for my Commercial pilot’s

license and I was successful just before having to rewrite all
the exams. Hard work and perseverance paid off. What a relief!
Another great moment in my life. A group of friends joined me
to celebrate with champagne at the top of Table Mountain.

Shortly after achieving my Commercial pilot's license

milestone in 1980, I was given a wonderful opportunity to fly
in Argentina. I'd spent five years in the S.A.A.F. in helicopters
after qualifying on Harvard's and Impala jet trainers. It came
via my older half-brother, Ted Huddlestone, who was
employed by Court Helicopters. He knew they needed a pilot
urgently. The job (more like a paid holiday or hobby) entailed
flying for an Argentinean helicopter charter company involved
in oil exploration. I took advantage of the opportunity to leave
immediately by taking two months unpaid leave from the
Squadron.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

As a "junior" I earned approximately R3000 for the two-

month stint. That was great, compared to the R500 per month
(excluding government deductions) I was earning back home at
the time in the S.A.A.F. The assignment gave me the ability to
buy myself out of the Air Force, which I did as soon as my
younger brother Craig was accepted into the Air Force to
become a pilot. I decided to go to Argentina full-time where,
over the next two years I flew 1000 accident free hours, and
enjoyed many wonderful opportunities to broaden my flying
experience.
I was based at a town called Tartegal, south of Bolivia, and
flew 5 or 6 trips per day. Cat naps were the order of the day
between flights. The work involved carrying supplies.
Sometimes we even carried dynamite loaded in nets which
were suspended below the hull flown over bushy jungle terrain.
The price of oil had shot up and many oil explorers were using
our supplies for cutting squares and lines, using dynamite
explosions to monitor seismic readings in order to search for
oil. This meant that the area was divided into a grid, with
workers dispatched by helicopter to cut holes into the jungle
according to the grid and where dynamite was set up for
blasting. This was done daily and the helipads were set up
across the jungle, where workers, supplies and equipment were
delivered.
It was wonderful ferrying people to and fro, whilst learning
to speak Spanish. I began to learn by listening to the local radio
stations at night. I tried out my new knowledge on the locals by
asking questions about the words I didn't know. My evenings
were spent socializing in coffee bars, which certainly had a
positive effect on my Spanish.
I loved learning Spanish and soon I was able to communicate
well with the Argentineans, which improved my flying
efficiency.

20
 Opportunity Knocks

My ability to communicate saved the company flying hours as

I could use the radio to converse with them in their own
language instead of having to land amongst them and rely on
hand signals to gain information. I learnt the value of good
communication. I would take off from base, with loads of 3 x
100 litre containers of water. When the helipads were confined
and it was difficult for take-off in the jungle heat, I planned and
asked the workers at the helipads how much they needed
before I could land there. I was very specific in my questions,
not asking how much they wanted, but rather how much water
they needed, (Qantas agwa neccicietas? Not Qantas agwa
quieres?) If I asked them how much water they wanted, they
would have said two containers even if they only needed one.
My objective and purpose was to avoid waste, because I could
bring them more water at the end of the day, or as they needed
it. The helicopter company kept a beady eye on waste, and my
aim was to fly as effectively, efficiently and safely as possible.

Divine Protection

On my arrival at Tartegal, our base town in Argentina, I met

Hector Figaroa, an Argentinean pilot. I found him to be a really
caring person and we got on like a house on fire. He took
responsibility for me, showed me the ropes, places, maps and
much more. Hector also introduced me to many people and
took me to all the popular coffee shops in Tartegal. On one
occasion, whilst he was showing me the area, I asked him to
demonstrate an auto-rotation. I had not practiced it in this
particular Alouette II Helicopter for quite a while and with a
look of surprise and honor at my request, he responded with a
“sure.” Without carrying out the normal checks I (having had
good training) was used to doing, he proceeded to descend
immediately and flared, just as a bird does before landing.

21
A Vision: You Make It Happen

He was too late and too low in applying aft cyclic (pulling up
on the controls) and we hit and bounced from the ground and
did a 90-degree turn to the right in hover flight. Hector was
shocked! His eyes were the size of saucers and were almost
popping out of his head whilst his mouth hung wide open.
Although I was also in shock I couldn't help but laugh at the
sight of his face. We hovered for a couple of seconds until I
said “Hector, why don't we land and check for damage?” We
landed and found that we had just missed a tree stump, which
the tail rotor blade had nicked. The incident had all the
ingredients for classic disaster.
Hector offered to fly me back to base, but I declined and
intimated that I'd rather walk to reduce load and further risk. I
remember how the squadron pilots laughed at this story,
especially Col. Monster Wilkins, my ace instructor five years
prior in Bloemfontein. He was one of the most experienced
helicopter instructors in the Air Force at the time and in
1976/77 he trained me on the advanced mountain flying course
on the Allouette. I met him again in 1981/82, when he became
Officer Commanding 22 squadron (Cape Town).

Life Checklist

This shows why checks are done before emergency training

called H.A.S.E.L.W. checks. H - If Hector had checked he was
1000' above ground level as the “H” in the checklist indicates,
the increased safety would have decreased the likelihood of an
incident.
"A" stands for Area, if the area/location was checked, and
checked properly, the chances of the tail strike would have
been reduced.
"S" stands for security-doors closed and no loose articles in
the cockpit.

22
 Opportunity Knocks

"E" stands for Engine. Ensure the temperatures are okay and
in the green.
"L" stands for Lookout. Ensure you have looked outside and
completely around about for any other aircraft/helicopters or
any flying thing, even a kite.
"W" know wind velocity-strength and direction.

In life I should make an acronym when I have a crisis or

emergency. Perhaps having an engine not wanting to start for a
flight at a big event e.g. a wedding or game capture operation
etc where 100 or more people are left stranded and waiting. Or
completely let down, a terrible unpleasant feeling like a knot in
the stomach.
"H" look to Heaven, before things go wrong. It's similar to
where children are out too late knowing it's chancy, then
getting into bad habits and trouble when they had been warned.
"A" ask God for help in anticipation. Don't wait till it's too
late.
"S" Soul. Calm your soul.
"E" Engine. My body, relax, have a cup of tea. Relax. Think.
Plan ahead.
"L" Location. Where am I? How are people around me?
Give them hope as one suggests alternatives.
"W" wind of hope, wait on God. I've learnt that everything
eventually always works out in the end.

Always Take Care

Another incident, which could have certainly been fatal, was

when I picked up a second load by mistake. The labourers had
not loosened the ropes on the net loads and one rope was tied
to two loads. When I realised what had happened I stopped.

23
A Vision: You Make It Happen

I lowered the second load for the rope to be untied, and

shuddered, because the second load could still have been tied
to a tree! This would have anchored the craft and slung it
crashing to the ground. The weight of two loads would also
have been a problem, as I had not handled such loads before. In
retrospect, I see now how many times and in different
situations God put his hand of protection over me, even when I
had not yet acknowledged Him.

Many Different Views

Working in Argentina was great and my time there taught me

much about life and the world. Argentina appeared to be
country with such a bright future. There was no racial conflict,
although it had experienced great trauma during the time of
Evita Peron. By comparison, in 1980, South Africa seemed to
hold a bleak future. However, Argentina's currency was
unstable. I would notice regular devaluation on the peso every
two months. This was my rotation period, two months there
and a one month paid holiday break. With one dollar I could
obtain ten percent more each month, similar to Zimbabwe now.
During one such a break I went to Mauritius; on another I
toured Europe for six weeks (which started in London for a
week, then I backpacked through Europe and spent the last
three weeks in Greece). I visited home in Port Elizabeth and
even spent another break studying for my instructor's rating for
five weeks at Grand Central Airport in Johannesburg.
I was in Argentina during the time of the Falklands crisis, and
listened to the BBC and Argentinean radio news reports about
the vessels being bombed and aircraft being attacked. One day
I heard a report that the British warship Sheffield had been
sunk and that four or five British Harriers had also been shot
down.

24
A Vision: You Make It Happen

They omitted to say that the Argentinean cruiser, Belgrano had

been sunk and four Argentinean Mirages shot down. The
Argentinean people were completely misled into believing that
they were winning the war, and I realised that the country was
gripped by deception and propaganda. Propaganda was rife on
television. For example, news programs would be slated by
asking questions like: “Isn't she (referring to the Prime
Minister of England, Margaret Thatcher) greedy or possibly
crazy by trying to take back The Malvinos? (Falkland
Islands).” Such propaganda caused open hatred towards the
English living in Argentina. Fortunately for me, by that time
my Spanish was quite fluent. We believed that Argentinean
president, Galtieri, was motivated by greed and pride as well as
trying to gain power through the issue. Man's natural instinct is
to dominate and control.

The LIFE HANDBOOK says that the man's flesh always

wants to take control over God's Spirit in us. Seems to be
taking years for me to allow God's Spirit to lead me. So, just as
Adolf Hitler did with Russia, General Galtieri intentionally
over reacted, and in his case made the mistake of trying to take
over the Falklands forcibly. Argentina eventually surrendered.
The Rhodesian pilots, Mark Aitchinson and Trevor Baynham,
instructors who taught me so much, were quite frustrated to be
away from their families to work in unpleasant conditions. At
night they would complain about the "problematic" technical
maintenance conditions but feared they may jeopardize their
jobs if they complained. In fact, Mark became so frustrated I
remember him putting his fist through a cupboard during an
outburst. Mark's daughter learned to fly airplanes in Port
Elizabeth in 2005 and now flies for S.A. Airlink 2013.

26
 Opportunity Knocks

I too decided to resign after a heated argument with my

manager over the risky maintenance situation. However, during
my notice period I was involved in a minor car accident, which
forced me to adjust my attitude. Humbled by the experience, I
apologized to Jerry du Plessis, my manager, who withdrew my
resignation. Most unfortunately, Jerry was tragically killed in a
power line accident whilst conducting game capture operations
a number of years ago in South Africa.

27
 Chapter: 4

Learning Step By
Step

In 1983 I returned home to South Africa for my next break,

during which I completed my instructor's exam and finally
qualified for my instructors rating. I was not called to return to
Argentina so I took a job as a Business Development Officer
with Wesbank in Port Elizabeth. I resigned after six months
when I was offered the opportunity to fly the Road Patrol
helicopter for Johannesburg.
I took to flying the road traffic report and conducting charters
around the Johannesburg area, whilst continually knocking on
the door of the Helicopter Training School at Astra Helicopters
as I wanted to start training pilots. The early days of helicopter
instruction was tough. One occasion, while I was training
someone in auto-rotations (practiced forced landings) we
landed too hard and damaged the helicopter skids. I've learned
that one needs to be very assertive in flight training, especially
in auto-rotations. But, if you're too assertive the student pilot
feels he or she doesn't have sufficient feel for the exercise on
the helicopter or aircraft. It was my first flying accident and
even though it was in a training environment, with the student
at the controls, I felt that I should have handled the situation
better by taking over the controls sooner.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

On another occasion I was at the controls, again teaching

auto-rotation, when the student pilot continuously asked me to
let him feel what it would feel like without me on the controls.
Out of frustration I took my hand off the controls. The speed
dropped too low, so I applied forward cyclic control in order to
have sufficient speed for the flare. I suddenly realized that we
were too low and opened the throttle, however it was too late.
We hit the ground hard! The helicopter rolled and the final
result was that it was a complete write-off. Fortunately,
miraculously, no one was hurt. The Robinson Helicopters are
designed to cushion impacts without injury to crew and
passengers up to 7G (7 times the weight). This is conditional as
long as the impact is vertical not sideways. The baggage
compartment should not be filled with excess solid objects,
which reduces the ability of the seat to absorb the impact as
skid and seat design slowly fold and cushion the force to
prevent and reduce spinal injury.

Everybody Prays When Miracles Are Required

I prayed that I would be able to continue with instruction,

because another pilot who flew the charter Jet Rangers with me
had been unable to continue after a similar training accident.
My prayers were answered and I completed my instructor's
qualification. Today, I am still teaching, after 38 years with
more than 20,000 flying hours. That's more than half of those
on instruction. Two highly experienced instructors had similar
accidents at the Rand Airport in Robinson R22's. I personally
think that auto-rotations to ground touchdown are practiced too
soon worldwide, and too often in training syllabuses. The
Robinson training program no longer recommends them onto
the ground! The instructor is required to take power before
touching the ground.

30
 Learning Step By Step

More Divine Protection

In 1983 while flying a helicopter from Durban to Port

Elizabeth, we flew over a hilltop at Kei Mouth 40 miles north
east of East London. At one point I checked my map, which
seemed to indicate an airstrip down below. I looked down and
saw golfers and a strip which looked like a landing strip. I
continued at low level and was comparing the terrain with the
map when suddenly, as I looked up again I saw deadly power
lines directly in front of us. I had to push the nose forward, but
we were going at about 240 kph and cut 2 of the 3 powerlines
as we passed below the power line. I landed with my fellow
pilot to inspect for damage. I couldn't see much damage on the
blades and continued on to Port Elizabeth.
Once we had landed safely in Port Elizabeth the blades were
x-rayed and the reports gave a clean bill, which meant it would
be able to be used again. A little while later, however, I
received a bill for R291-00 from Eskom for repairs to the
damaged cables. It was a small sum to pay, and I was
overjoyed, as it could have been much worse.

In 1990, whilst conducting a test flight on a R22 that had

been rebuilt we heard a loud bang and the engine lost 95% of
its power. We dropped quickly, flared before hitting the ground
and then rolled over. The mechanic and I were unhurt, but it
was a frightening experience. My life was, and is, in God's
hands. This is evident from many miracles God has undertaken
in my life. Helicopter training can be high risk. For that reason
I supervise and train new instructors carefully. My instinct is to
teach, giving back to aviation what it has given to me. All of us
have much that we are able to give back to family, friends or
society in general.

31
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Over the years I have trained at least 290 helicopter pilots, with
many having gone into an aviation business or bought their
own helicopter. A good example is Roland Black, who was one
of my first local trainer pilots, became a successful commercial
pilot businessman who ran the helicopter ride business in
Storms River and would hop over the Tsitsikamma mountains
to supervise his pilots at Joubertina who flew the lucrative
“Working for water” contract in the Langkloof.

Sharing My Technical Knowledge And Experience

I’ve really learnt to use the strong coastal winds in a positive

way because although strong wind can make a pilot and their
passengers feel insecure when being tossed around, it gives
additional power when they realise that they can defy the
elements and use wind to their advantage. Helicopter pilots
know that if a helicopter were to hover in a 20-knot wind, it
would obtain 10% more lift. This is called "translational lift,"
defined as "that additional lift." This is obtained when entering
horizontal flight (speed above 15 knots) due to the increased
efficiency of the rotor system.
It's better and more pleasant to fly when there is no wind.
Besides, at the coast, engines are more powerful, compared to
Reef (inland) altitudes because of the thin air. When winds are
really strong in Port Elizabeth, e.g. above 35 knots, turbulence
exists between ground level to 1 500 feet. We therefore fly
above 1500' to 2000' near the coastline where it's smoother. For
example, one Sunday I needed to fly to Port Alfred to film a
boat race. The wind was 40 knots and I climbed above the
turbulence from Port Elizabeth airport to 2000 feet where it's
less turbulent.
Another and more expensive turbine helicopter, which has
restrictions on the gearboxes in turbulent conditions, couldn't
fly in the same conditions on the same day.

32
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Apparently, because of the rigid rotor system, turbulence can

cause damage (it can cause the rotor gear chip warning lights to
illuminate). I love the Robinson helicopter, especially the 4-
seater R44. It has enabled many entrepreneurs, like me, to run a
successful helicopter charter and training business.
I heard a rumour that the Bell Helicopter company
approached Frank Robinson to buy him out but he declined.
The 5 seater B206 Jet Ranger is the R44 competitor which
costs nearly three times as much. Granted, it has an extra seat
and a large rear boot for golf clubs compared to the same area
of four baggage spaces under each of the R44 seats. Robinson
now has a popular 5 seater R66 which cruises at 125 knots. The
R66 can carry golf clubs and the demand exceeds supply.

Pilots need to be aware of "The dead man's curve," which

basically states: fly high and fast so that in the highly unlikely
event of an engine failure, a safe landing can be conducted into
the wind. I read an article in the US Rotor Wing that twin-
engine helicopter operation appears to be only 2% safer than
single engine operation. Nevertheless, engines do cut. Around
2002 a friend had an engine cut because of water in his fuel.
One could lose business if one is too safe and insufficiently
enterprising, but incidents and accidents cost more. Safety is
cheaper and costs less in the long run.

34
 Chapter: 5

An Opportunity I Could Not Refuse

I spent 1985 flying in Mauritius. It was a wonderful year as I

enjoyed the excitement of this romantic island. It all started
when my my brother Ted called me whilst I was giving
instruction at Astra and asked “how would you like to work in
Mauritius?" My reply was: "wow, I'll go tomorrow." Flying in
Mauritius is hardly work! When I went to Mr Brendon Nash,
the son of the owner of Astra Helicopters and told him I’ve
been offered a job in Mauritius he didn't really try talking me
out of it or remind me that he' d recently sent me to Robinson
Helicopters in the U.S.A. I've been honoured and blessed in
meeting wonderful people in my life of aviation. Ted
Huddlestone accompanied me for 3 weeks to teach me to spray
sugar during the 3 winter months from June to August. At one
stage Air Mauritius, who owned the helicopter were not keen to
spend money training me. They wanted the Bell Jet Ranger
purchased through my brother's company to include a trained
agricultural pilot, expecting much, as good tough businessmen
would. Nevertheless Ted was able to train me and to return to
South Africa after 3 weeks whilst I lived in bliss on 7th heaven!
A Vision: You Make It Happen

I would prepare everything, my lunchbox, flying overalls and

shave the night before so I could arise before sunrise and
nibble my breakfast en route to the heli to take off before
sunrise and before the wind came up. We sprayed a ripener on
the sugar cane so the sugar would be ready to harvest sooner to
spread the workload, employing more, and reduce the waste of
sugar ripened all at once. If the sugar was not sprayed it would
ripen within a month, crowding the factories. What a thrill to
take off and conduct steep stall turns over the tall mountain
cliffs dropping to the deep blue sea, and drop dive down, right
on top of the tallest cane leaves. I’d watch the liquid ripener
spread over the sugar and at the end of each flight line, lift the
heli just in time to avoid hitting the marker man’s guidance
flag. He would run to the next marker to await my return and
hope I would not hit his flag at any point in time. At night I’d
be exhausted after all the excitement, joy and privilege of
having such a wonderful paid hobby.

Holiday Hotel Helicopter Rides

At the end of the season the plan was to commence helicopter

rides at all the hotels. This took lots of marketing. I would walk
along the beach in my uniform and tell people about the heli
rides. I found that in a week I could orbit the island twice and
manage to land at all the main hotels where they would give
me free accommodation. Tourists would normally stay for a
week. So for example, if I departed from Le Morne Hotel in the
south west at midday on a Monday, I would be there again 4
days later, offering tourists who arrived just after I left, with the
opportunity to fly. I loved every minute, but, with Christmas
approaching, and transient relationships, (tourists would only
spend a week on the Island). I missed Monica, my Polish
girlfriend, and the luxury of living in a stable home.

38
A Vision: You Make It Happen

I mentioned this to the chairman of Air Mauritius and he said

he would provide “a couple of tickets” for her to travel to the
island. It wasn't easy to actually get the few tickets he said he
would provide.
We decided that Monica would move to the island instead of
working in South Africa, an easy decision. After a while things
became difficult because I would be on the other side of the
island in the north where most of the hotels were away from
where we rented a house in the south. We eventually rented a
house in the north where the helicopter was based at The
Merridien Hotel. We completed a scuba diving course, and
loved scuba diving there. However once or twice when we
were booked for a good planned club dive on a Saturday
afternoon, Air Mauritius would call me 3 or 4 hours before to
conduct a flight. This would cause me to miss the scuba diving
appointment and Monica would not have transport. Sometimes
I would be requested to conduct a special flight on my 7th duty
day.

Fight For Your Dreams

I was encouraged by Monica to convince Air Mauritius that

we were worth being given a complementary holiday flight
to Switzerland over Christmas. We both bargained to work
extra days and weekends for the great opportunity. (Other Air
Mauritius members were surprised and jealous because staff
were never given free flights over the busy Christmas holiday
season). That’s when and where I learnt to snow ski, and had a
most wonderful holiday, sometimes skiing at St Moritz and
other awesome glaciers in Switzerland. A German family were
very kind to us, guiding us on the slopes and invited us to their
Christmas party where fireworks are lit at Christmas and New
Year.

40
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Once we returned we continued with the day to day

helicopter rides. As mentioned, we lived in a rented house in
the north of Mauritius, and my assistants would need my
vehicle to get home to the south of the island. This left us
without transport. My desire to be the owner of my own
business, conducting helicopter training, grew. I wanted to
teach people to fly because I really enjoyed it. Besides, I didn't
have my own transport and needed to be on duty 7 days a
week. Monica was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of sailing
across the ocean form Mauritius to South Africa. We met many
sailors in Grand Bay in the north of Mauritius who lived on
their ocean going yatchs, and one additional crew member was
required for the trip to Durban. Our relationship had been
strained, and marriage would not have been good for us. It was
time for me to go home and follow another dream. I think one
always needs a challenge, nevertheless, what a dream fulfilled!
Living and flying on a heavenly island!

South Africa: Home Sweet Home

On my return from Mauritius in 1986, no one was available

to run the Astra Helicopters flight school at the time. So yet
again I was priveleged to resume giving helicopter instruction
and managing the flight school. After six months, the trainer
helicopter was no longer readily available. I resigned from
Astra Helicopters and started my own school at the Grand
Central with a helicopter I had bought in partnership with a
student, Gary van der Merwe. In a way this made things a little
easier for another school, Helicopter Logistics run by Buzz
Bezuidenhoud, which had commenced at the Rand Airport 18
months prior. Business flourished at Grand Central, and six
months later 1997 I purchased my partner's share of the
helicopter.

42
 An Opportunity I Could Not Refuse

Sky High

The following year, after many trials, I sold six Robinson

R22 trainers and was given a Robinson Helicopter dealership. I
thought I was invincible. Everything I touched turned to gold. I
had an ex-Lufthansa pilot Claus Heinnemann consulting for me
but still made the mistake of growing too fast. I'd also fallen
hopelessly in love and became somewhat blinded in decision
making.
I made many mistakes like employing excess staff for
example, but I thought I was doing things God's way because I
was going to church. I had not been told that I needed to make
a complete commitment. I doubt that I would have surrendered
completely anyway. I was living a good selfish life. Eventually
it all caught up with me. Each time I had a crisis in my life, I'd
ask the Lord to get me out. This time God waited. The
Rand/Dollar exchange rate and interest rate which stood at
approximately 20% started to strangle me. With that everything
else went wrong at the same time including the sales deals.
Three months later, I was a broken boy lying on the floor in my
newly completed thatched cottage in Midrand, with all assets,
properties etc. and court cases pending. I believe that all these
disasters had been necessary to get me to surrender. My
Heavenly Father loves correction and the timing was perfect. It
was because He loved me so much, that he allowed me to get
myself into a big pickle. It's called free will! The choice is ours!
Another way to describe it is that He sufficiently disciplined
me, so that I would completely and utterly surrender my
selfishness. I would be set free from my prison with walls built
out of sin, pride, greed and lust!
Just as a good father perfectly balances love and discipline,
the result was that I promised my Heavenly Father that I would
enter the ministry full-time.

43
A Vision: You Make It Happen

If He got me out of this mess this time. In fact, I said I would

go full-time even if He didn't get me out. He thankfully placed
me in a cul de sac, at last, and there was only one way to go…

44
 Chapter: 6

My Damascus
Road

There were dark days until 1 November 1989 - the day I had
my own “Damascus Road” experience. That day my life
literally turned around 180 degrees and I came out of the
darkness into the light.
Estelle Phipps, one of my secretaries who had a strong
relationship with Jesus Christ, invited me to a fellowship
meeting at her church in Halfway House. She had obviously
been sent on assignment, and I was the assignment! I
remember the Pastor talking about someone in his congregation
who had reached the end of the road. It was as if he was talking
to me. As if he knew exactly what I was going through. When
he asked who was ready to surrender, to make the big decision
(the one I'd been putting off for 15 years), my hand shot up
There was no hesitation. I cried as this happened. For so long it
was something I'd wanted to do, but couldn't. His call to take
THE decision “complete surrender to Jesus Christ” touched
me because I had reached the end of the road. Even though I'd
been searching so long, I still had not found what I was looking
for and in faith I took the step that I had put off for many years.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Suddenly the step was not that hard to take, I realized how
broken I was and that I couldn't heal myself, only God could do
that!
That was the beginning of life for me, a new life, the “old”
me was “dead” and in his place I was born again. He made me
new. My “old” lifestyle of excess drinking, swearing and
fornicating came to an end that day. I had become a new
creature in Jesus Christ. I've completely conquered the vice of
swearing today.
I experienced the words of that well-known hymn "Amazing
Grace" how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I
once was blind but now I see. I realised I was a another human,
a dishonest liar, and started to feel for and love the abused
African people. I had become family with many of my school
friends and a few Air Force mates, who, one by one made THE
decision to surrender their lost, broken and empty lives to a
loving and caring God. How amazing is the fact that all who
have made this decision feel that He first loved us and our
choice is a response to that love.

Understand the words of the world's most popular Book!

“God loved us so much that He gave His one and only
Darling, Treasured Son, so that none should live to be tortured
in hell for the rest of their lives, rather to live in the bliss of
heaven for millions of years!" He came to look for and save
those who got lost e.g. have you ever got lost trying to find
your way to a meeting or party? Christ came to find you and
show you the way to “the best ongoing party happening in the
world today!” John 3:16
Up to 1st November 1989, my life was a big hangover, and
since then the party gets better each day. I occasionally have
bad days, but they get less and less each day especially since
the last heli accident about 6 years ago.

48
 My Damascus Road

In about 2007 the pilot’s medical was not renewed and the
insurance company initially summonsed me to court for
R731,000! I found a great attorney in Johannesburg whilst
paging through an S.A. Flyer aviation magazine, and he
scrutinized the lease agreement and found that I was
adequately covered! This miracle I cannot keep silent about.

I made a complete turnaround, sold two properties, a BMW

and a Mercedes, cut my overheads and started over again. I cut
my staff from twelve to two people, and returned home to take
my old runabout vehicle - a little 1300 V.W Citi Golf, back to
Johannesburg as transport. An associate that I had met whilst
working at Wesbank in 1982, Wayne Grobler called to say that
he wanted to complete his helicopter license and that he had
found Jesus. From this elation, I could not keep quiet, as we
were both “born again” at the same time. Wayne sold his
house and completed his helicopter commercial. He was 30
years of age at the time, with a wife and two kids. His
testimony is a miracle in itself.
Even though I had surrendered to my Creator, things
continued to be tough, because of my mistakes and wrong
choices. I had grown too rapidly and my priorities were all
wrong. It took four years to recover and now looking back at
my life it was like being in prison physically, a constant battle
to keep one's head above water financially. Nevertheless,
spiritually I was a free bird. I remember only having enough
money for quarter of a tank of fuel at gas stations each time,
whereas now days I easily fill my tank through his abundant
blessings. When it’s warm I use my scooter to eliminate waste
because a 4 seater car is heavy and wasteful compared to a
featherweight little scooter.

49
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Boy, am I thankful today, that I chose to serve God no matter

what! Now that I was truly “born again” and my relationship
with my Creator re-established (which was always His plan for
me), my first desire was to clearly express the joy and peace
my Commanding Officer, Jesus Christ has given me. My faith
has been built up. I have learnt to trust God daily. I trust Him
more for everything and to rest in Him; as a result my
friendships and relationships have improved I believe. In
relationships and general communication I didn't see the other
person's point of view properly. I used to be so proud of what
I'd achieved such as the Robinson helicopter dealership, being
a Mercedes and BMW owner etc. and all the other materialism!

My Focus Is Changed

I compare my physical flying to the spiritual experience of

true flying, which I have through the power of the Holy Spirit
who fills me with power on high. It's so natural and almost
automatically motivates me to soar to even greater heights,
which has changed and improved my life. I was, and still am,
ambitious, since my “Damascus Road” experience, except it's
in a different way now. I'm ambitious in a patriotic way. I want
to see our miracle nation continue to grow as it has done. We,
who are called or inspired, are to do what we have to, so that it
happens.
My foremost thought is that the 1994 general elections were
miraculous for South Africa. I was called to fly election
monitors to poll booths based at Port Shepstone in Kwa-Zulu
Natal. This was an area that was closely contested by the ANC
and Inkatha Freedom Party, labeled a hot-spot with bloodshed
expected. Miraculously the transition was peaceful! The
bloodshed that was feared throughout South Africa because of
the elections also didn't happen. Together with Christians
country wide, I believe it was a God given miracle and the
answer to prayer.

50
 My Damascus Road

But the strife we avoided in South Africa did happen in

Bosnia and Rwanda, where civil strife led to war, ethic, racial,
national and cultural violence that tore these countries and their
people apart.
My personal conviction and desire burned in me – to see
people of all races learning to live side by side, putting aside
racism, bigotry and differences to live together in harmony.
The questions burned inside of me: how could I stand by and
see what was happening and what could I do about it?
Eventually my eyes would open to see a way. What was the
way? The answer: put yourself in the position where you are
able to understand or comprehend the plight of those who live
in townships of our country, and have experienced and lived
with oppression for four decades plus.
My situation was unique, because as I flew over those who
lived in the townships, I could hover above them in my
helicopter. I could almost touch them, waving to them instead
of oppressing and shooting at them as had been the practice by
my countrymen on the border (Caprivi Strip) and in the
townships during the “apartheid” years.
As a member of the South African forces, subject to the
“apartheid” government of the day, I was expected to fulfill
the role of “oppressor” against ethnic races of South Africa,
specifically Angola and Namibia. They were fighting for their
freedom. It was a wasted war.
In hindsight, I realize the context of this experience. Today
people are free, free to vote, free from pass laws and passbooks
etc, but still imprisoned under circumstances. As believers, we
are sent to set the captives free to find life in Christ. We're
called to help all, including myself be set free for the 7 deadly
sins like pride, greed, envy, lust, anger, lies, procrastination and
gluttony. Through Christ in us we have the power and ability to
help those held captive. For example, those held captive by
depression (a form of pride) feeling sorry for oneself.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

I think there must be much depression in the world today. I’ve

been there, when things become so dark and the ability to be
free takes time and lies in reading the pages (of God's book). It
says; “I have come to set the captive free, to heal the broken-
hearted and pardon all prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18).
Even as Christians we do not take the time to go to God's book
and find the strength we need to be the salt and light our Father
has called us to be.

52
 Chapter: 7

Testing, Testing And More

Testing

In 1991, I was given the opportunity to run a Hughes 500

turbine helicopter. I cut my rates to market the helicopter and
encouraged people to fly as well as keep my students. There
was too much competition and hardly any profit. After running
this helicopter for about three months, the insurance company
advised that they required more flying time that had initially
been agreed upon before students went solo, which altered their
original agreement. They would have to do ten hours of dual
training and not five as originally agreed. All this put pressure
on me and, although they had changed the rules, and not me, I
didn't get a chance to tell each of the two students that they
would need to spend double on their turbine conversion. They
had already started the conversion. Simultaneously, two new
schools started as competition, and both by former students.
One of those students I had asked to leave my school. Stress
causes mistakes and mismanagement! As you read this, do you
recognize a similar situation you could be in now?
A Vision: You Make It Happen

I allowed the current students to continue flying the Hughes

helicopter as I felt it was highly unlikely that they would have
an accident, or that the engine would cut within the short ten-
hour period. My advice to them was to be “extra careful, just
fly high and don't make too many landings. Just get your hours
up and don't take any chances.” Guess what? It happened. The
engine cut! I'll never forget my student's face when he walked
into my office (I was cut down to hiring a cabin for an office).
He needn't have said a word, his face said it all. The Hughes
engine had cut, and the helicopter had rolled over.
What do you do then? In my case I prayed and fasted for
three days. Would the insurance company pay out? I was on my
knees at night asking, “why me, Lord?” I'm sure many of you
have been there. If you haven't you will because Jesus said, “In
this life you will have trouble, but you waste your time
worrying, just surrender to Him and you win in the end” John
16:33. I write this hoping that many will learn and take heart
from it. I want to give back because of all I've learnt and
because aviation has given me so much. Go by the book.
Looking back, it’s easy to say that now, but I have matured.
The insurance company paid out. Conversely I've also needed
to take calculated risks. The chances I took should have been
more calculated. Think more. Sometimes life's biggest battle is
to be motivated, to overcome procrastination, to find energy
and to make your dreams come true. When it comes, don't fear
man, keep momentum. Get up early and plan your day. As the
well known adage goes: “if you fail to plan you plan to fail.”
You'll fail in achieving your dream, which means you fail
yourself. Gary Fox, a pilot I trained, quoted a number of
sayings that I have remembered: “it's better to try and fail then
not to try at all.” And I would say, "try and see the good in
each person” also, “carpe diem! - seize the day!” and “grab a
passionate hold on life” He certainly has no fear, very carefree,
and took too many risks!

56
 Testing, Testing And More Testing

Piloting Our President!

In about 1991 I was given the privilege of flying Nelson

Mandela to an indaba/rendezvous near Naboomspruit north of
Warmbaths. I was told not to tell anyone that I would leave
from Grand Central airport at about 16:00 p.m. that afternoon.
By 15:00 p.m. the engine had not even been replaced in the
helicopter after I was told it would be ready by then. I couldn't
tell the mechanics who I was flying in order to expedite the
situation. When I eventually got airborne I checked everything
in the duration of the flight from Lanseria to Grand Central
Airport to ensure the engine was fitted properly and everything
was right. My passenger of honour sat at the back with his
secretary Barbara and bodyguard. The private pilot who
requested the flight sat next to me as my co pilot. Halfway to
our destination it became dark, but we could see the distant
destination light against a mountain. Fortunately, on arrival it
was found to be the correct light and mountain. Our future
President disembarked and proceeded to the meeting place
whilst I allowed the helicopter to cool down during its
mandatory 3 minute turbine cool down period. Some pilots say
it's the longest 3 minutes in the world. I need not have switched
the helicopter off, because my role was only to fly the future
President to the destination and not return with him. This was
an opportunity I would not miss. It was dark by the time I
walked to the meeting area to seize this moment to spend
another minute with an angel. It was a minor spectacular delay
and certainly a clear enough, no cloud evening. I had no doubt
that I would be able to identify the City of Gold - Johannesburg
on my return as flight risk prevails at night. Nowadays aviation
law has become more insistent on having a risen visible moon
to provide light to enhance safety.

57
A Vision: You Make It Happen

A Microwave Opens The Door

In the kitchen I found that Madiba and his bodyguard were

trying to get the microwave oven to work. As they stepped
aside, I took the opportunity to see if it was faulty, and found
that by trial and error I got it to function. I can understand that
our savior president to be, had not had any opportunity to
operate a microwave, let alone see one in his 27 years in
prison. Wow, I was invited by my human hero to join the group
for supper. I told him that I had the same surname as Trevor
Huddleston, though I didn't think I was related. (This reminds
me that when I was on the S.A. Airforce pilot selection board,
they asked me if I was related to him. Because he was anti-
apartheid, anti-government, I didn't want to be related to him
then, and I said "no." Now looking back on all the good he did,
I really want to be related to him). I told him I believed that he
had given Hugh Masekela, the famous South African trumpeter
his first trumpet. I believe that Madiba has said that he felt
Trevor Huddleston had done more for the Black South Africans
than any other European South African. I recall him telling us
that President Margret Thatcher had requested to meet him
when he was out of prison. He declined. I suppose because he
had requested to see her whilst he was in prison and she had
declined! If only she had not feared upsetting the apartheid
government, or made the time to see him when he asked her.
Then she could have had a greater legacy or influence of doing
the right thing. I don't want to miss any chance of doing right
for the human race, even if I have the smallest opportunity! We
have big opportunities.
I didn't use the opportunity to tell him the joke that asks what
another name for the black 3 legged cooking pot is?. A
Mandela microwave! That was the evening I had supper with
our Great President! I left on a high, pardon the pun.

58
 Testing, Testing And More Testing

Three days later I had the opportunity the fly and have a snack
with one of the forefront leaders of the A.W.B. I vaguely recall
that I would need to tell someone one day about the great
opportunities God gives people and what a privilege life is, and
how good it is to be alive!

How we need another great leader like Madiba. Teacher and

Evangelist, Dr. Myles Munroe says in his magnificent book,
"Becoming a Leader" that anyone can do it, but too many have
died with unfulfilled dreams. He writes: “the graveyards are
the richest places on earth, as the people have died taking their
treasures of unfulfilled dreams with them.” Every person has
the potential to be a leader; that’s you and me. Despite this
dormant potential lying below the surface, there are very few
individuals who realise this power and fewer still who have
responded effectively to the call. As a result, our nations,
societies, communities, townships are suffering from an
astounding leadership vacuum. So many despise this lack of
truth and deceit in leadership. Greed, timidity and lack of
vision are rampant among the current crop of "pseudo" non
genuine leaders. Where are the leaders who are willing to take
responsibility for the present situation and conditions in the
world? Who is willing to accept the challenge to face it head on
with integrity and a commitment to execute righteous
judgement for a better world? From America to Australia, from
China to Chile, and from Cape Town to Durban and
Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth our country is in desperate need
of true leaders to lead with the truth and point this nation in the
right direction. God’s search for effective truthful leadership is
expressed in numerous statements such as:

But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought
out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his
people. 1 Samuel 13:14

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

I looked, and there were no people. Jeremiah 4:25

Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and

consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one
person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this
city. Jeremiah 5:1

I looked for someone among them who would build up

the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the
land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22:30

Life can be meaningless! It can be meaningless without a

vision or a leader to inspire and promote that vision.

Back to the lean times after my Madiba flight. In January

1993, I received a prophecy whilst attending the New Covenant
Church in Johannesburg. The encouraging prophecy was that I
would be set free from the quagmire/jungle, and that soon I
would be running free on the beach.

Some Take Ungodly Advice

Around 1998 a young couple had disappeared off shore at St.

Francis Bay in their rubber duck. The girl's father had hired a
clairvoyant to help locate her. He was told that she was alive in
a cave somewhere along the coast. I searched for 20 hours of
flying up every river between St. Francis and Nature's Valley,
and inside every little cave as far as I could see to find the
missing duo, to no avail. I believe in the Holy Spirit to find
what I need, not fortune tellers and the like. I suggested that he
hand this horror problem to his Heavenly Father and pray for
peace and guidance, because he'd spent his entire pension on
non godly advice. This loving father seemed too broken,
distraught and hopeless to hear my advice then.

60
 Testing, Testing And More Testing

Take Godly advice. Something or someone had suggested in

my mind to speak to one of my top pilots. The next day I asked
Dave Baard, one of my trainee pilots if I could assist him with
some free instruction on a helicopter, so as to help him in any
way. He replied, “I'd like to buy your school.”
Less than two months later he had taken over my school and I
found myself running free on the Kenton/Kariega beach. After
my run, I suddenly remembered the prophecy that I would be
set free. At about the same time I received a request to train a
pilot in Port Elizabeth. It all worked out well, because I had
sold my school I was now able to move to P.E. and start a
school there.

Homeward Bound

The first month home was wonderful, being home and flying
daily in a hired helicopter. The following month the helicopter
was sold and I found myself minus a helicopter except for
weekend ambulance helicopter flying. The owner's decision to
sell the R22 helicopter may have been influenced by an
account that hadn't been paid by a large local game farm.

Financial Struggle And Joblessness

The following six months was a struggle, until a helicopter

was obtained through National Airways Corporation to
commence a training school in December. Until that time I
offered micro-light training during weekends. I felt that
helicopters were unaffordable for people in Port Elizabeth. It
was tough! I spent time at the beach, reading my Bible and
asking, “Lord why, what now?” I remember how I loved
Joseph's story and cried with him as he cried when he told his
brothers who he was (Genesis 45:2). He cried so loudly that the
Egyptians heard him and told others in the king's palace about
it. Joseph also had a wonderful dream as many of us have.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

The next few years entailed a mish-mash of activity. In

December 1993 I commenced training with the R22 helicopter,
facilitated by N.A.C. to train George van Der Westhuizen at
Kenton-on-Sea. That was great, being able to conduct training
over Christmas where our families use to spend annual
holidays on an uncle's farm. My mom's sister's husband, uncle
Neil Mcdougal, owned all the land on the Kariega river,
opposite Kenton on Sea. As stated in his will it was never to be
developed ever, and stands today reserved and completely
undeveloped except for two or three family holiday homes
belonging to his children.

In 1994 I trained and flew for a businessman (who owned a

Spar in Swaziland), Colin Foster, on a two week in and a two
week out basis. I did this whilst trying to establish a training
school/charter operation in Port Elizabeth under National
Airways Corporation Port Elizabeth.

The thrill Of Game Capture

During this time I was able to undertake game capture in the

Eastern Cape and East London. It was a privilege to fly to the
farms and herd game for the late legendary Fred Millar (a game
capture specialist), who lived on a farm North of Bedford, and
Noel Ross, who still trains professional hunters near his farm
close to where Fred lived. One of the first great game capture
opportunities was on Mrs. Patti Cawood's farm south of
Cradock. What a privilege, learning to herd Wildebeest, Eland,
or Hartebeest into a boma during the day. By night I enjoyed 5
star luxury on a beautiful farm with an exquisite view inset into
an environmentally suitably placed, beautiful mountainside. It
was one of the first game capture opportunity for me, so I felt
stressed, but coped well nevertheless. I learnt from Snoopy, my
Border Collie, never to take one's eye off the animals, as they
are herded to the boma as a sheepdog herds sheep.

62
 Testing, Testing And More Testing

I've learnt as with herding darted Buffalo, animals realize very

quickly, the second they are not watched or herded!
Tragically, Patti's husband died in a freak accident years
prior, from a fire caused by a gas leaking fridge. I continue
today with many game counting, darting, and capture operators
and farmers as far as Beaufort West and Mkambati on the East
Coast, north of Port St Johns.
In May 1995, I obtained a R44 helicopter, and commenced
helicopter charters. Once I even flew all the way to
Queenstown to transport cheerleaders to their sports day
activities. A doctor's wife from a farming area picked up the
bill and gave her kids the thrill of a lifetime!

63
 Chapter: 8

Stopped In My
Tracks

October 1st 1996 brought about great change in my life

again, when I nearly died in a helicopter accident. All I
remember is giving the controls to my passenger, a potential
student and telling him to hold the controls still and look ahead.
I awoke in Greenacres Hospital with a broken back. I don't
remember what happened, but something may have broken or
gone wrong and we hit the ground very hard. My forehead had
hit the dashboard, causing a concussion. Superintendent John
Best, one of the first to arrive on the scene of the accident, told
me that I spoke to him. I don't remember talking to him, which
was reassuring to me because at least I was conscious. This
was good news for me as there was the danger that if I was
unconscious it was hugely possible that the accident was
caused by me having a blackout. My biggest fear and worry
was whether I would ever fly again. Could I have another
blackout? Many thoughts and worries plagued me. A military
helicopter brought me to the hospital that fateful and frightful
day. It was even thought that I would not make it, and if I did I
might be paralyzed for life. Would I ever fly again?
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Would I ever regain my medical certification? Would I ever

cope in business? These were just some of the many questions
that came to mind.
The accident hit the headlines of the local newspaper, Eastern
Province Herald. I received calls from one or two parts of the
country after they heard that it was a very serious accident.
Many came to visit me and showered me with their caring. My
father loaned me the five thousand rand deposit needed before
they would operate. My second and third vertebrate were fused
with a steel pin for which, incidentally, they omitted to charge
me a further R10 000 for – another miracle.
On about the fifth day after the accident I tried to walk and
the sister in charge saw me stumble slightly and ordered me
back to bed. Fortunately after about a week I was able to walk
out of hospital. I wore a back brace for three months after I was
able to walk. One wonderful memory of the whole time in
hospital was that I never experienced pain. I received
wonderful support, such as the visits from Anton Von
Vollenhoven, a school class mate, who supported and
encouraged me tremendously.

Wrong Relationship After Accident

I had also grown very fond of a lady whom I'd met three
weeks prior to the accident. After the accident she cared for me
in and out of hospital. Because the orthopedic surgeon didn't
want me to drive, although I could physically, she helped me
with the driving. This compromised the situation as we broke
up a few months later. I had realised that she and I were not
meant to be as she had yet to “make the decision to accept
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior” as I had done. The Book
clearly instructs that marriage must be between those who
believe the same, and can work together in harmony (strife
free) before marriage.

66
 Stopped In My Tracks

I remember lying in bed (with double vision) staring at the

ceiling from October to December. A friend of mine, Pat
Bradfield, at whose wedding I was best man, told me several
years later how concerned they had been because of my eyes
being squint. Apparently concussions and brain hemorrhages
may cause the eyes to go squint. My doctor forbade me to
drive.

I attended Hosanna Church and they were also a great

encouragement. They cheered when I walked into church only
two weeks after the accident!

Starting Over Again

My financial stress began again. The helicopter was not

insured and I had no medical insurance. Among other things, I
felt guilty as the loss to my partners for the helicopter was
more than R200,000. Nevertheless, I set out to live above the
circumstances, be overjoyed to be alive, and to recover fully as
soon as possible. After all, it was a miracle that I was still alive.
There was also the re-analyzing of the accident. The reason I
gave the controls to my passengers was that it's in my nature to
love flight instruction/teaching. I had done this many many
times before in the two-seater trainer I used for lessons and
rides. I told prospective pilots to “hold the controls dead still”
and they loved and appreciated the great experience and
opportunity to actually pilot/fly more than the actual ride. Over
the years I have come to know that it is almost every person’s
dream to fly a helicopter, and I love giving someone the
opportunity to realise their dream. As I mentioned earlier,
Martin Kruger, the pilot who first allowed me to hold the
controls, changed my life forever for the better. The person I
gave the controls to may have panicked and I may not have
been quick enough to catch it.

67
A Vision: You Make It Happen

But we're both very much alive today and life means so much
to me now, having been through this experience. I know of two
cases in the early 80's where highly experienced Robinson
helicopter instructors died after giving the controls over to
beginner pilots. One in the United States and the other in the
United Kingdom. Two commercial pilots had also died in
similar accidents in Germany around that time. Since then 2 or
3 highly experienced instructors have died in South Africa.
Many die in car accidents worldwide daily, so one cannot say
flying is too dangerous. The common factor was a highly
experienced pilot on the Robinson type of helicopter. I
subsequently read the instruction in small print in the safety
notes to be extra careful with initial demonstration flights. It
said to prepare the aspirant pilot extra as well. Even the most
experienced pilot instructor may not be quick enough to correct
a sudden movement in the wrong direction. Mine was a freak
accident.

I couldn't fly and got more and more depressed waiting for
my medical clearance. I flew to Cape Town to see a surgeon, to
avoid having a pin inserted in the front of my spine to
strengthen it. My local doctor was concerned that if I had
another accident, my spine would not be strong enough to
withstand the impact and, with only one pin, I could be
paralysed. The surgeon gave me the go ahead without the
second pin, followed by another brain scan and I got my
medical clearance back. Why do many of us need a catastrophe
to teach us to enjoy life? There are many reports of near death
experiences doing good for people. I say to myself, I shouldn't
be alive. This really, is a free gift. Let me make the most and
best of it. How did I survive?

68
 Stopped In My Tracks

I know my Heavenly Father has a plan for me. Approximately

a year after the accident, I swimming in the ocean at sunrise
remembering what King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastics
"Wealth can be harmful or lost through some misfortune, so
what's the point of working if you dont enjoy life. I could end
up eating in darkness, frustrated and [Link] I realized that
it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink and find
satisfaction in his toil some labour under the sun during his
few days of life God has given him. For this is his lot under the
sun. Be happy in work, this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes
chapter 5 briefly summed up)

Spreading Good News From The Sky

The first flight since my accident was to distribute Gospel

tracts in Zwide, a township in Port Elizabeth. An evangelist
from Mooi River had asked me to brand the words “Jesus is
Lord” on the helicopter. The day of the flight the wind was
blowing when we threw the tracts out. They spread far and
blew out to sea. When I saw what looked like white birds over
the sea I asked my passengers, who were a little scared of
heights, if those were birds or tracts. They replied “birds.” A
while later an aircraft reported to the Port Elizabeth tower that
there were a lot of papers up there! (These papers were
obviously the tracts). The tower responded that they would let
the police know. At that point I decided to spread the remaining
tracts more quickly and return. Thoughts shot through my
mind, like those papers could go into a Boeing engine and
cause it to stop. The wind was approximately 30-40 knots that
day (35-50 miles) per hour. In order to drop the tracts safely
and not strike the tail rotor; I hovered in the 40 knot wind with
my tail rotor facing into the wind.
Besides, I aimed the tail in such a way that the wind took
most of the load off the pedals, reducing wear and tear and
increasing safety.

69
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Getting back to dropping the Gospel tracts, I returned to Port

Elizabeth Airport that Saturday afternoon concerned that the
police might contact me to enquire as to why I'd dropped the
tracts (without advising them, for example). By Sunday I had
not heard a complaint and shared the testimony of my first
flight, since my accident four months prior, at church. It was an
opportunity to literally spread the good news.
Since the accident, I have given out tracts wherever and
whenever I have an opportunity, especially where I know there
is a great need like the Transkei. Did I have to wait for my back
to be broken, to do what my Heavenly Father wanted me to do?
If I'd slowed down a little and been a little more careful, I could
have used the R200 000 that my accident cost and bought a
Gospel tent sooner, or spent that money on something that
could uplift our miracle nation more! I had and still have such a
burning ambition to go out and make a difference in Walmer
Township. We could all do much more to make a difference.

70
 Chapter: 9

The Challenge To Live God’s

Way

From about March 1997, things were tough. The 4 seater R44
was in Durban for a service. My father and I shared a house,
which we had put on the market for R450 000. After a month
the estate agent arrived with an offer. I really didn't think that
we would get that far. It meant that my father and I could both
get our own places, but what then? I went to King's beach to
read the Scriptures and talk to God. I asked: “Lord, what do I
do, do I sell the house?" After much consideration, I called my
agent and told her that I would sign the offer, even though we
didn't want to sell the property. Things get dark in tough times
and depression. The reason I signed was because I didn't want
to be someone whose talk is cheap (as my unsaved lady friend
had been telling me), someone who does not follow through on
commitment. Anyway, what my wonderful estate agent said
was, “John, if you don't want to sell, we won't hold you to it.”
What a lady! Legally she could have held me to the contract,
having found a ready, willing and able buyer. I advised her of a
guesthouse that was for sale near us, which she sold and was an
answer to prayer.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

Because I could not commit myself to my girlfriend, who was

not born again, we broke up. That was a dark week for me, I
felt guilty and down. I understand that guilt is a horrible
weapon used by the devil himself.

Turning Point

During this time, when I committed to living a pure life, the

helicopter was flown back to Port Elizabeth. I was
commissioned for a flight to Boknes to pull a cable over a
bush, as the environmentalists would not allow the bush to be
cut away. It was a successful assignment because of one of my
students, Glen van Niekerk held a rope tied to the cable and
pulled the cable as the helicopter lifted it over the bush. At first
it seemed Glen would be yanked out of the chopper, and then
we changed the strategy. We decided to drag the cable over the
bushy forest, instead of trying to lift it over the terrain, which
worked brilliantly.
I remember that flight and location as a turning point in my
life, which was about May 1997. When I was called to do the
flight, I didn't take any anti-depressants because I was pretty
excited to be flying again, and one is not supposed to fly whilst
on medication. I never took them again!
All of a sudden I received a lot of extra calls to fly. It was as
if the light had suddenly been turned on. Every day I'd rise
early, go to gym, followed by going to Kings Beach to watch
the sun rise, and in my life it did. Adversity and catastrophe
improve one's life. Why do we sometimes need the worst to
happen, to make us enjoy life? The moral of this lesson is “live
morally” and you will be blessed.

74
 The Challenge To Live God’s Way

Touching The Local Community

From June 1997 I began to spend much more time in Walmer

Township. Sundays I'd join Anton van Vollenhoven, a vet and
former school friend, for a church service at a township home.
Eventually I joined Harvest Christian Church being close to
Walmer Township, where I met Brian Cutting. Later that day
we flew over the township and agreed that this was where we
would focus our efforts. (On arriving in Port Elizabeth in 1993
I visited Walmer Township, as it was closest to me, and chose
to focus my efforts there). Brian had a 4-ton truck and together
with the helicopter we'd do outreaches in Walmer Township.
Our friendship has grown and grown and we have great times
in townships meetings.
In about 2000, we organized a Gospel band on the truck and
on Friday afternoons we would drive through with the
“Bandwagon” and hand out Gospel tracts. We were joined by
many friends and received support through broadcasts by
Radio Kingfisher, a local Christian community radio station.
We were also joined by Alan Verreyne from the Walmer
Methodist Church and screened the Jesus film on Saturday
afternoons. On some Saturday afternoons, whilst some are at
church or prayer meetings, I would take my newly acquired
karaoke system and set it up outside the community hall. If the
hall was locked I paid the closest homeowner to plug in the
computerised system. I knew I had to be there. We played and
sang songs like, Amazing Grace and Another day in Paradise.
The children came and joined in to sing and learn English
pronunciations; it was a time for seed planting. When it was
appropriate, after a song, I told them about Jesus and asked if
they wanted to make the decision and commit their lives.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Long Township Knives

On one occasion, in fact, my last karaoke outreach at the

centre, I was alone and the only white person there. We were
praying with a young girl who had made the decision to accept
Jesus Christ. A group of men arrived and when we opened our
eyes I thought that it was great because at last we were getting
results. A few moments later, one of the men pulled out a six-
inch knife and chased a teenager. I didn't even worry to
commence the normal shut down procedure on my computer.
Within about 30 seconds I had all the equipment in the car and
left. This group had seen me as easy prey! To do their deed
they topped up enough courage at the local tavern, the Sunday
afternoon norm. Fortunately, the teenage son of Korky, an
airport re-fueler, was there and saved my life. He knew me and
distracted them, whilst I made my exit. The Walmer police are
attempting to close illegal shebeens in the township, but others
are still opening.
I do believe a solution is to spend time in the townships,
communicate with the poor more freely, and find further
solutions together.

Fairhead Murders - Occurred In About 2000

What is the answer to township evil? Spend time there to

show you care and pray like crazy. People are much bolder
after consuming alcohol or drugs, as was in the case of the
Fairhead murders. If the attackers had only just asked the
mother and daughter for their car keys, Brenda and Kia
Fairhead would be alive today, but the perpetrators resorted to
violence.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

I was directly involved, in that I followed the proceedings by

air, from the hi-jacking scene to the eventual murder scene.
Roger Hilligan their nephew called me one Monday morning to
fly to the Fish River Mouth, to help find Brenda and Kia
Fairhead (Brenda being his aunt). They were fishing there in
the late afternoon, unaware that the two perpetrators were
watching them. As Brenda returned to her Pajero, Bongani
sprung out from behind the vehicle to assault her as he wanted
to hijack the vehicle. Brenda collapsed from the shock and
mother and daughter were bundled into their vehicle, which
sped off towards Peddie. The assailants held Kia captive on the
floor in the rear. On reaching the Fish River Mouth, I landed to
uplift Roger Hilligan, and two other passengers. We flew on
past Peddie to Bisho and then to Komga, where I landed to
uplift fuel from Dr Torch Dalgliesh, whom I’d trained to fly in
1997/98. The doctor was conducting flight house calls in his
helicopter and his son was able to help. As a Believer, I
immediately decided to call two friends, Bryan Cutting and
Monty Weir who attended Harvest Church with me, to give
some wise ideas, and to pray for the search. Each minute that
ticked by reduced the chances of finding the missing vehicle.
I’d often flown over Soweto in Johannesburg in search of
stolen vehicles, but to no avail. We were now searching
throughout the Ciskei and Transkei, fourteen hours after the
hijacking. We needed every bit of assistance we could get.

Prayer Works

Dr Dalgliesh called to say he’d spotted a Pajero over

Stutterheim and asked if the missing vehicle had a tow-bar. My
passengers confirmed that it had. The Pajero was found. We
were at least thirty minutes from Stutterheim and en-route
informed the police aircraft of the discovery. On sighting Torch
Dalgliesh’s helicopter on their tail, the hijackers sped off and
eventually ditched the vehicle and ran off into the bush.

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 The Challenge To Live God’s Way

They were caught the following day, and the bodies of Brenda
and Kia found. The gruesome details of the crime were
subsequently revealed in court. Violent crimes seem to be a
daily part of township life, but for us, it's a matter of “out of
sight, out of mind.” Because we don't experience it ourselves,
we are almost ignorant that it's a real part of their lives. These
are real people, with real needs and real issues. But if we take
the time out to touch their lives and give them hope and value,
they can change, that’s the difference we can and must make!

Birth Of The Tent Ministry

I purchased and pitched a tent in Walmer Township in mid-

2002 for eighteen months, during which time I really learnt a
lot. I had noticed that townshippers were drawn to worship in
tents, and hiring became a waste of money so I decided to
purchase a tent instead. I advertised a meeting at my home in
the local newspapers, for people who wanted to be involved in
the fight against poverty and to reduce crime. One of the
people who attended the meeting was Anthony Harvey from
Walmer Christian Outreach, close to Walmer Township.
Anthony's response was basically that they had been working
in Walmer for many years and he didn't see me or the tent
succeeding. I took his comments personally and this became
the driving force for me to succeed in the tent ministry, and to
"never give up!" It's just what I needed, a challenge! Just
keeping the tent up in the storm winds was a challenge in itself!
I met wonderful people during that period, and invited Pastors
to preach in the tent. Pastor Murray Smith from Summerstrand
United Church came one evening to preach. It was so special
that he made the effort to come. I see him as a visionary for the
poor, lost, abandoned and disadvantaged, especially those in
Walmer Township and Kleinskool, and I supported him.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Under Pastor Murray Smith, Summerstrand United there was

an oasis set up in the heart of the township. It's two containers
on a large cement slab where they hold outreaches Mondays to
Fridays, in the form of a soup kitchen. Members of the church
man the soup kitchen on Wednesdays, with township residents
doing duty the rest of the week. They, however, need lights and
water, so that they will able to establish toilet facilities. Also it
can be used to water the vegetable patch, (possibly the only
successful one in this township) and to run a brick-making
facility, part of a job creation project.
I also heard that the Algoa bus company may have provided a
46 seater bus for community projects. I ended up purchasing
the bus for only R25 000 and was planning to use it to
commute folk to and from tent meetings, etc. I provided the
tent for Pastors to utilize, as it was not my plan to commence
my own church there although I still envision to see a dream
centre there where folks can get reborn, rewewed, and assist
with job creation and transformation of the township. The bus
was used to transport football players to their matches in a type
of sponsorship etc.

On 15 May 2003 Howard Myers (a Pastor from Harvest

Christian Church) came to minister at a great tent meeting in
Walmer Township. The African worship team were calling to
conduct the worship whilst I already planned for our Walmer
worship team to conduct. We met halfway, and each team
shared the great opportunity. The hall was packed with equally
mixed black and white rainbow nation worshippers, my dream
came true and through for the night. God spoke a word of
prophecy in song through his saint Howard Myers who was an
available vessel:

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

"I am opening a new page in this book says the Lord. Don't go
back to the past or depend on the previous thing that I have
done, but look and see - I am doing a new thing in this place.
All things that you have believed me for, I will do and also
much, much more. Do not limit your vision, but have faith in
me" says the Lord. "I will pour out my blessings and anointing
on this place. I will take all the seeds that have been sown and
multiply so that you will reap a great harvest. Nothing that you
have sown in here will go to waste" says the Lord. "I will grow
and multiply every seed. Do not get discouraged, but have faith
in me" says the Lord. "I am your God and I am opening a new
chapter in this book, a chapter of great blessings and
fruitfulness."

This word is an encouragement to anyone involved in

ministry in Walmer Township that God had, still has and will
always have a plan for Walmer Township, because He loves the
people of Walmer Township.

Satan's Clutches Over Walmer Township

That evening after the event, the security cabin was broken
into and the watchman/keyboard player was held at knifepoint
and robbed of his cash, cellphone, TV and video equipment.
We had to find a new watchman and place proper security. I
enabled Pastor Zolile Dymani and his congregation, who were
involved with us, to take over security and maintenance of the
tent. About mid-November 2003, whilst the watchman was
away, I believe that he went to find lunch, as his new overseers
are not able to afford the same security budget as I did. In
hindsight I should have hung around and tried to identify the
security weakness before a group of naughty kids ran onto the
tent and found it to be a great trampoline and damaged it.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

A week later, before the damage could be repaired, a storm

wind came up at 01:30 a.m. one morning and flattened the tent.
Driven by my motivation to help Pastor Zolile and Walmer
succeed with the tent ministry, I tried to have it repaired,
against all odds! Then, I thought twice. My tent season was
over. The repaired tent would not last in these storm conditions
and the locals could not cope with the upkeep. A beautiful
Youth Centre is presently being built where the tent was - 2013.

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 Chapter: 10

Change In Direction But Not

Vision

The tent was later repaired and sold to Jerome Liberty for a
quarter of the price, and was used in the Northern suburbs. The
bus required maintenance backup and became a liability. In my
attempts to support the township with night trips to Alexandria
for example, I’d get late night calls to say that it had broken
down due to an electrical or mechanical failure, or it got stuck
due to punctures, etc. It had its season and was sold a year after
the tent. Investment in people could be easier! What do I have
to lose?
By declaring war on poverty, which is what we are doing, we
are uniting more and more. The war and struggle against
apartheid, forced township residents to unite. I spent much time
at the tent, organizing concerts and facilitating equipment for
church meetings. During that time I've had equipment stolen.
Thankfully my bus stolen by my security man was recovered
the next day!
A Vision: You Make It Happen

An Inspiration

I attended one of the annual SACLA (South African Christian

Leaders Association) conferences in 2005, addressed by Dr.
Tony Campolo (My City, God's City). Hoe shared how in his
opinion, we as Christians should be here to uplift the poor and
help with job creation. If we stopped focusing on the
challenges and stopped looking at our country, our city, our
townships and our people in a negative light, then we will be
able to be part of the drive to get people to start thinking
differently, those are the baby steps. The hard part is to start
“doing” things differently because that makes the difference.
We are God's miracle nation! In 1994, when the whole world
expected us to disintegrate into bloody civil war and anarchy,
the peace of God reigned and a nation came together to stand
as one! As a citizen of this miracle nation, I write this story as a
testimony to what Christ has done for me personally. You can
see it through all my life experiences, such as when I nearly
died in the helicopter accident, and what I see Him doing for
the people of South Africa. I have been blessed with an ability
as a helicopter pilot. Albeit dangerous, it has given me
opportunities to meet and interact with political and business
leaders, foreign dignitaries and a range of influential people, as
well as ordinary people who have touched and made a
difference in my life. I’d rather do than talk. I find I act without
taking time to explain why or what I'm doing!
It's not easy to decline an exceptionally wonderful
opportunity of flying a new student helicopter pilot to a high
quality farm stall like Nanaga. There we have an excellent
breakfast whilst we read through a very logical and high
quality helicopter lesson, from a beautifully coloured exercise
book, in superb surroundings. At least I can have an
opportunity to talk to him about how Christ has given me such
a great life, and the same can happen for him!

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 Change In Direction But Not Vision

Healthy competition is good, but pressure to meet demands

can cause mishaps. From 2005, a competitor arrived in Port
Elizabeth, a new kid in town. I had little choice but to spend
more time at my business. I obtained a beautiful hanger, and
moved my office from my home to the airport. I bought a R22
from an ex customer/pilot in Queenstown as a trainer. A month
or two later I obtained a game counting contract and needed to
fly at Great Fish Reserve.
I organized a pilot from Cape Town, and whilst away, the
helicopter tail rotor apparently failed and there was an accident.
I obtained another helicopter from East London and six months
later, the Nigerian Instructor had an accident one Sunday
afternoon when I was unable to fly as I was booked to conduct
another flight. The insurance company paid the owner and
proceeded to sue me for the R731 000 damage because the
pilots medical was not valid. Miraculously I found a God sent
lawyer in Johannesburg who with great expertise saved me
from any court case and R731 000. His bill of only R10 000
was a pleasure to pay. What a massive miracle! Two years later
he was tragically murdered in a mugging outside his
Johannesburg home.
Competition continued to grow. One of my customers and a
pilot who had recently moved from Kwazulu-Natal, offered to
"take over my business from me to help me." I asked what their
offer was to purchase it, and they said they would not pay me
anything. They felt that I was about to close down due to the
competition, and they would be helping me. They said I would
still be able to fly, but would lose control of the business. I
decided to decline their offer, and about that time business
started to boom. I needed to purchase a two seater trainer from
Cape Town belonging to an Airline Pilot associate, Des
Dumbleton.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

I opted to use my own helicopter instead of the customer's R22

two seater trainer, which he had called a "cash cow." I had little
option but to put my community upliftment dream on hold until
I had more time and business security. A year later I purchased
my second R22, and the following years purchased 3 R44, 4
seaters due to business demand and commencement of
operation in Mtata in the Transkei.

A Sigh Of Relief And Awe

In 2010 I was able to spend more time in Walmer township. I

had been working with Trevor Jennings, who as a member of
the Walmer Methodist Church, had been volunteering much of
his time helping in Walmer township and focusing on John
Masiza Primary School across from the township Methodist
church. Trevor (Walmer Township Transformation Project)
initiated and co-ordinated noticeable and effective changes in
Walmer township. I love to hear and echo his sentiments,
namely "if Walmer township, which appears to have the
highest crime, aids infection and unemployment rates in Port
Elizabeth can be transformed, then so can any area in South
Africa."

Be Part Of The Solution

South Africa - if we don't unite and persevere to transform

our country, the forces of darkness will continue to rule. How
do you get involved? I chose to use my day-to-day activities
and abilities as a pilot, to make a difference where and when I
could. However, it is not the only way, you may have
alternative suggestions. Are you sick and tired of the
lawlessness? Why do we allow it? Come on, let's get involved
and do something about it. It's time to appeal for help, as the
few who are trying to do something cannot continue unassisted
indefinitely.

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 Change In Direction But Not Vision

As an aviator, I have seen and experienced what happens if I

don't refer to the pilot's handbook and apply it properly, things
go wrong! In the same way, if we do not refer to the handbook
of life, the Bible – things will keep going wrong.
Believers, we really need to pray, pray and pray some more.
We need to seek God for guidance, wisdom and ways to reach
even just one person or family. It will make a difference! The
Book declares: “If I ever shut off the supply of rain or order the
locusts or send a plague and my people respond by humbling
themselves praying and seeking My presence and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will restore their land.” (2 Chronicles
7:14) Prayer has discernible effects such as reduced crime,
because we are not fighting flesh and blood but principalities
and powers in heavenly places - demonic spirits.
We really need to take the Gospel into the highways and
byways, and the streets of Walmer township are those
highways and byways. The enemy (satan) uses places like pubs
and shebeens (informal settlements) to trap families in
alcoholism, crime and abject poverty. This robs the children of
living in a decent environment and something as basic as a
meal or their value as people. Walmer township needs those of
us who have abilities, talents, finances, skills and any other
means to help get involved so that its people can overcome
their circumstances. Teachers, nurses, social workers, builders,
dressmakers, cooks, gardeners, secretaries, journalists, business
owners, lawyers, entrepreneurs, printers and salespeople... each
one has something that will make a difference when they share
it. Remember the five fishes and two loaves? It fed 5 000 men
and their families, and twelve baskets (not little bitty bread
baskets!) were left over! Just because one person shared their
‘little’ the Lord blessed it and multiplied it. We need to share
our ‘little’ and watch the Lord bless and multiply it!

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

In mid 2011, I supported a pilot Evangelist friend Glen

Brown with a big outreach drama that we conducted in the
Walmer High School hall. Each of the three evenings had in
excess of 50 teenagers committing their lives during Glen's
wonderful alter calls after excellent acting on behalf of Word of
Faith members and Walmer teenagers. I supplied a talented
organist from the High School Student Christian group with an
organ which he plays when we conduct practices and open air
outreaches in the township. Our vision and motto - never ever
give up!

My good friend Bryan Cutting, (who as mentioned, had been

involved with me in Walmer since '98 with the great tent
outreach), helped me to obtain the key from the Walmer High
School headmaster, so we could help the kids more. We were
there for the kids not necessarily for the adults, although that
would also become part of our plan in time. We were given a
key, and have been able to use the hall on Sunday afternoons
for the high school kids. Bryan has been a great support for
Walmer in that he ran a cell group in the middle of the
township for a year or two, regularly every week.

These days when I fly, I hear more airline pilots specifically

from previously disadvantaged backgrounds (both male and
female), on the radio. Before democracy it was not even
considered that a black African was able to command an
airliner. What was previously a white male dominated career is
now open to all. It's exciting seeing the change in our miracle
nation. Black South African capable and competent female
pilots, what a vision they have! It's great! It makes you realise
that God created us with abilities we have not even dreamt yet.
Today, I continue to have a God given vision for South Africa
and the unity of our people.

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 Change In Direction But Not Vision

Since returning to PE I have been able to sow to the poor,

ensuring there's a plan and that the money actually gets to
them. Making the big decision doesn't mean life will be a bed
of roses all the time. Although for me the last 5 years (since the
insurance company tried to claim R731,000 from me
unsuccessfully, and since I had the engine cut on the R44 that
I'd just purchased), life has been a bed of roses.

93
 Chapter: 11

Each Of Us Has A
Say

After having had the privilege of living and working in

different parts of the world, I still feel there's no place like
home – Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I conduct ab-initio
(beginner) helicopter training for pilots who want to obtain
their private pilot's licence. A small percentage will continue on
and become commercial helicopter pilots, with a small
percentage of the latter going on to become instructor pilots. In
order to improve job opportunities in these times when
business is quiet, it is better to become an instructor as well.
This improves safety and understanding of flying. Many of the
pilots I have taught over the past thirty years since 1983 have
included successful and influential business people, each with a
vision or dream to fly, specifically a helicopter. I'm sure they
have big dreams and aspirations. One of life's ultimate goals is
probably helicopter piloting. Once that's achieved we surely
need the next challenge. It would be great to be able to unite in
a common goal by making the world a better place, and
improving people's lives. If we unite to help fulfill God's dream
His way, it will certainly happen.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

My aspiration, my dream, is to see a multiracial Walmer

township Church plant, to see black and white worship
together. To find and finance a leader/Pastor/champion to do it.
The right place close to the main road (Heugh Road) is also
needed, so people feel safe to venture to the boundary of the
township. These days, with the slow economic situation, I need
to instruct and be present at the office to reduce cash flow
waste, overheads and risk, as well as to maintain flying
currency besides imparting my experiences. The tug to be
sharing The Good News in Walmer is greater and the rewards
are greater, but I don’t need the rewards. Just doing God’s will
is a great reward.

In 2012/13, I employed two Zimbabwean pilots, who due to

their excellent education and flying ability have been very
valuable to me, and I was privileged to obtain their good
performance and excellent services at an income I could afford.
Robert the first man was offered an I.T. job ultimately paying
R15,000.00 to R20,000.00 pm. They do I.T. well, and any
manual work like moving or cleaning helicopters whilst not
being exploited. In a manner, they're grasping an opportunity to
learn to be able to do anything, as is required if they ever
wanted to run their own business one day. If the S.A
government had done more for education as Zimbabwe and
other African countries did, we would have moved much
further, rapidly reaching a point 20 years ahead in time where
what was lost in the evil 40 years could be recoverd and
restored! It's exciting seeing the change in our miracle nation.
Be Part Of The Solution

I see on T V that a few white senior female citizens are

volunteering and teaching primary school children to read.

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 Each Of Us Has A Say

They are not sitting back at home writing to the newspapers

proposing solutions and complaining, they are doing
something! My heart is to touch as many township lives as I
can with the flying opportunity God has given me – especially
the men on the sides of the road, who wait patiently for some
form of employment, even if it's for a day. They are the
husbands, fathers and leaders of tomorrow and I want to be part
of that future. I want to go back and share with them the Christ
I know who has given me freedom employment and life in
abundance. I've been there often, to encourage and provide a
little food, and sometimes they've been demanding in their
stubborness, suffering and frustration! I'll not give up! The
challenge is to make the time!

A primary inspiration comes from Trevor Huddleston. Trevor

Huddleston's book, Naught for your Comfort will inspire you
to get involved in community upliftment. In my opinion,
Trevor has an appealing, inspiring, superb, and special writing
gift. We ask why there is so much crime, rape and human abuse
today. If you read Trevor's book, you have a much better idea,
and understand why! This is the heart and motivation of this
book.
In the initial part of the 1900's, mission schools were
providing African education. Approximately 430 schools were
established throughout the country. In about 1955 the
Nationalist government decided to implement Bantu education
and stopped assisting the mission schools. This was a sad
disaster! Apart from missionary effort there would have been
no African education in South Africa at all. Secondly by 1930-
40 the pioneering work of the missions had been done and the
position reached where state schools and far more generous
state subsidization were essential if progress were to be
maintained.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Thirdly the fact that the missions had the right to guard what
they had so laboriously won for the African people; an
education system which however imperfect, was based upon
the Christian faith itself and the traditions of western culture
and civilization. The Bantu Education Act was to make African
education entirely separate from education itself. To make
certain that "Bantu Education" would be of a new and other
parentage than Education, the Minister responsible for it would
not be the Minister of Education but, of course the minister of
Native Affairs. How sinister that plan, the horror of Apartheid.
This is the primary reason I believe for the human abuse
dilemma we all face here today! If only the mission schools
were supported or allowed to continue, or the education
standard was made higher!

Complete Lack Of Proper Education

Three pounds (£3) per annum was spent on an African child

and £44 on a European child. Education was compulsory for
us, not for Africans. I remember accompanying my father to a
bookshop somewhere in Sidwell in Port Elizabeth in about
1970 when I was about 15 years of age. We helped our
gardener Joseph, buy school books for his children and
thinking, thats not fair, we get free books and "they" have to
pay for them! Ten percent of this nation says- "We can't still
blame apartheid." I say at least half of the blame is due to
apartheid! Don't give up, we've passed the halfway mark to our
second miracle.
By December '54 the mission schools had to hand over to the
state, or have their subsidy cut to nil. No teacher training or
private schools could continue without permission of the
minister. Heavy penalties would be imposed. The tragic
mistake lay in the churches' failure to act together.

98
 Each Of Us Has A Say

The Dutch Reformed church, to do it justice, condemned the

Bantu Education Act! Trevor Huddleston said then "The
suffering of the African people through the Bantu Education
Act is particularly hard to assess and to describe." It also
became compulsory that they be taught in Afrikaans and
English. I understand why they rebelled against it, I would
have too! Today in hindsight, after reading up, it's easier to
understand why there is so much rape, human abuse etc. caused
primarily by, in my opinion, the Bantu Education Act,
apartheid, failure of churches to unite in action, our failure in
not doing anything or enough, or fulfilling our purpose, writing
or completing the book in us! Also, failure to realise that we're
in a spiritual battle. Once reading both sides of the story, i.e.
knowing what really happened, knowing the truth, we should
know why today's problems are occurring in South Africa!
Look how good the education has been in places like
Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ghana to name a few. They
have done sterling jobs educating their scholars. They taught in
English as can be heard when meeting African students in S.A.
The solutions written in God's Book! Granted, the striking
teachers are certainly depriving the African children of the
education they so dearly deserve. Nevertheless we've gained so
much and all lose if we sit and watch, complain, and do
nothing constructive!

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 Chapter: 12

Forty Years Of
Deprivation,
And Hard Labour

(I think Apartheid from 1948 to 1993 was similar to slavery

in the world 100 years ago in about 1850. Slaves were fed and
had a place to live. In the township conditions today are that
people can't grow their own food.) The township hunger today
must be terrible. The following is a story of a murder trial that
took place during the struggle years, it's an extract from Trevor
Huddleston's book.
An interesting murder trial took place in September '54,
where Mr. Johan Snyman of Harmonie Farm in the Koster
District Transvaal was brought before Mr. Justice Dowling on
the charge of murder. The victim was a convict labourer
serving hard labour. The purpose was "combining justice with
economy" and of course, it pleased the farming community,
which was a most important matter. Before the trial three
jurymen with English names were withdrawn from the jury. Mr
Snyman was allowed to speak for himself "Mpiwa...stood there
just like a tree stump. I gave him a couple of blows with the
hose pipe and he walked in a slow cheeky way and stood again
refusing to work. I hit him again and again.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

It occurred to me that this K..... felt nothing with his sack on

(convict labourers have their clothes taken away and are
dressed in sack to prevent escape). I told a native to remove it,
so that I could hit him on the thighs and see if he could feel
anything." Mpiwa died as a result of this thrashing. His
offense, that he might have been convicted to farm labour for
being a vagrant, for being in town seeking work, and having no
pass! The jury found Snyman guilty of common assault, and a
sentence of eighteen months was imposed. Johan collapsed
when the verdict was announced, and it is said that he wept in
his cell at the "injustice" of his conviction for any crime at all.
The pass laws must have been hell for all black SA’s.
Horribly frustrating and terrorizing. Learn to see it from their
point of view. Passes required in suburbs used to be torn up and
their owners then jailed. This must cause hatred and complete
indifference today, which must result in the greed, selfishness,
corruption today. Of the 72,000 prisoners, 41000 were pass law
offenders in prisons in 1955.

See Their Side Of The Story

We reap what we sow, we cannot expect fifty plus years of

human abuse to disappear in 20 years, and have nil
consequences! Concerning the overcrowded prisons today, I
always pondered a solution to reducing capital crime like
murder would be punishment in the form of "life-hard labour."
I now see why it may be subject to human abuse and be
impractical. I have pondered that life labour would be worse
than the death penalty. That could lay itself open to torture
where prisoners are beaten to death. Which is worse? Living in
prison fed and accommodated or hungry and jobless in a shack
being barely able to communicate and be trusted by anyone
providing a day's casual employment? We humans can be lean,
mean and instinctively selfish.

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 Forty Years Of Deprivation, And Brutal Hard Labour

Our Father says our stone hearts are naturally wicked (Ezekiel
36), primarily because of the bad decision Adam and Eve made
from satan's influence and deception.
Part of hell is seeing a better but unreachable life! To
continue where Trevor left off; South Africa was like hell in the
years from ’56 when he wrote his book. He wrote,"The real
pain and agony of hell is frustration, as in the gospels. Its
atmosphere is dread. Its horror is its eternity. When you’re in
hell you see the good but you can never reach it. You know
you’re made for God, but between you and Him you can never
reach it. "There is a great gulf fixed." We are now bearing the
burn of the effects of apartheid. The evil had its effect for 40
years from 1950 to 1990-40 years, so we can't expect it to be
reversed in only 20!

In the same way I lived only for myself for 35 years until
Amazing Grace saved a real wretch like me. I was blind and
suddenly my eyes were opened. That was 23 years ago. I still
live for myself, I'm still selfish, but less and less so each day,
and each day I realise more how much I have. Therefore, in 12
years I’ll be so much further. It would be great if I could die
empty, as a good friend and lecturer André Venter once said:
"plan to die empty, you can't take anything with you." How can
I give back wisely without it being wasted? If I oversee the
giving back it should be much more effective and efficient to
make a difference. As the song goes; "Everybody wants to rule
the world."

Be A Problem Solver - Never Give Up

I have devised a solution or method of solving problems. I

normally meet halfway, and call it "the 50% rule/guideline." If
someone quotes me R150 to do a job and I think it's worth
R120, I meet halfway and offer or pay the person R135.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

I believe that 50% (half) of all European South Africans and

even the European S.A police (blacks were not allowed to be
policemen) would agree that apartheid was wrong, (but could
not be outspoken, for fear of being labelled as traitors, and
could be severely dealt with, as outspoken south africans were.
(Just as half of Nazi Germany agreed that they were doing
wrong and today I would say that half of those involved in the
corrupt regime want it to change). They just need someone
(like you and me) to try, and show them how. Half the blame,
in my opinion would be the devil himself the other half is us to
blame. Who is going to make a difference and try? Who is
going to do something if we don’t? I’d say that the town-
shippers should be treated like our (illegitimate children). If we
don't try, all South Africans suffer. We cannot just cancel this
football game halfway through the 2nd half, it's just not fair.
Let's understand it better and teach ten kids to read English
using our natural english accent which will double their
chances in the new S.A. More than 50% are in substandard
schools and we need to take half the blame and responsibility
to make a difference. As discussed, after the Second World War
in 1948 when The Nationalist Party took over, us English
speaking South Africans were somewhat divided and not
willing to fight the Nationalist/Apartheid government. It suited
us somewhat to have cheap African labour, and I suppose there
was not much work available after 1945. I assume the
Nationalist government was pretty united and not necessarily
pro Britain after having had mothers, grandmothers and
children die in their scores of hundreds 48 years prior in British
concentration camps in the Anglo Boer War!

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Don't forget the inequality and suffering. In the same way

Black South Africans can not forget how they suffered and died
in similar concentration camps/townships during the last 65
years since 1948, when the law was made that they a secondary
inferior race and today, 2013, where they have little choice but
to burn tyres or cause whatever disruption they can in order
that their swamp/rubble/rubbishbag littered streets can be
cleaned as they are in the white suburbs. I see it in Walmer
where prior to the last unpleasant "uprising" in early 2013, the
roads and living conditions were unbearable. They had little
choice but to rise up against municipal non-action, laziness as
they did, and it worked. Imagine living in a shack, being
jobless, uneducated, needing a wood, coal, paraffin fire,
inhaling the fumes when you're in your shack. At night over
weekends do you see yourself getting in your car to see a
movie, hire a DVD etc. or do you walk over to the nearest
tavern to desensitize the hurt and torture of life. Would you
drink at all, if you drank would you only have one drink, or
would you deaden your senses and drug yourself till you felt
less pain? Perhaps untill you felt almost as if you could be
floating through space or heaven. I most likely would, given
the squalor and vicious circle parents and grandparents
(ancestors) lived through. If you lived in a one/two roomed
shack when you arrived home from this tavern and lay amongst
a family of 5-10, you can and could understand that human
uncontrollable abuse, incest, rape would prevail. I doubt
anyone would be able to control human desires living under
those circumstances.

The ratio is 10 to 1. It's easy for one of us to help ten in the

townships. One can understand why there are approximatly 40
million townshippers and 4 million whites today. The African
middle class is growing rapidly and moving to decent size
homes from Townships, they deserve to!

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 Forty Years Of Deprivation, And Brutal Hard Labour

The 40 plus years of hurt and human abuse was not corrected
and punished in an immediate black on white revolution as
happened immediately in Bosnia and Rwanda, thanks to
Madiba. I believe that what happened in Rwanda was that one
tribe gained preference with enterprising and western civil
cultured Belgium, gaining more in materialism and influence,
resulting in jealousy, domination and hurt. (There are always
two sides to a story). I see the result of us sewing what we
reaped correcting itself day by day (justice). We have a
direction to steer and work to do to compensate for and speed
up the healing process so that all of us do not need to suffer
longer than another 20 years. I now begin to understand the
hurt and mistrust that I see in some headmasters whom I
believe I'm trying to help. I have enough to do at work in
planning helicopter engine overhauls, Civil Aviation
inspections, student pilots safety and liability in the workplace,
than struggle in trying to help township schools and church
leaders and not be supported. There must have been lots of hurt
that makes it so difficult to help. Nevertheless, "I'll never give
up" as Churchill did, to overcome an almost impossible to beat
enemy. With God, it is possible to overcome anything and the
darkness of evil! One of the township girls that I care for, was
abused by her mother's boyfriend, and has found a place of
refuge with a non relative "Gran." I doubt she desires to see her
mother!

In 1948 The Nationalist Prime Minister would say, "the

opposition party is like a banana, without backbone and
slightly crooked. It was without strong renewed leadership. We
needed strong leadership then and today, and half the blame is
ours for the state of our nation today. In about 2011, when I
was transporting Minister Ronnie Castrils by helicopter over
Queenstown, he mentioned that General Smuts had been very
unfair and harsh to an African tribe living in that area!

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Could General Smuts have done more to prevent Nationalist

victory in 1948? I'm sure he did try.
These are some things one could do to to uplift a community;
1. Help with a community project/church plant or transport
township kids to a white school or their school/church, or
subsidize transport.
2. Get involved in your municipality. See if and how you can
help. Find your vision and do it!

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 Chapter: 13

Saving Your
City

Paul the Apostle was stirred over the sins of Athens. Are you
stirred over the sins in your area? There must come a
provoking in your spirit, a righteous indignation against the
wickedness of sin in a city. The stirring will cause action. (Acts
17:16). Instead of saying, "Well, there's some kind of
wickedness here, that's for sure. Father, bless this city and
change it," we need to find out which spiritual forces are over
that whole city, attack them and bring about change. We attack
spiritual principalities over cities for various purposes:
-To change the spiritual climates over the cities.
-To pull down spiritual darkness, allowing people there to see
the real Jesus;
-To bring revelations from God in order for Him to do His
works in the people, to train them and to launch some of them
out into other cities. In the book of Acts we are told of Philip
going down to Samaria to "preach Christ unto them" (Acts
8:5). He didn't go down there to complain about the problems
in Samaria or to criticize and condemn the Samaritans. He
went there to preach Christ to them.
A Vision: You Make It Happen

And, we see what happened immediately. And the people with

one accord gave heed to the things, which Philip spoke, hearing
and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits,
crying with loud voices, came out of many that were possessed
with them; and many taken with palsies, and that were lame,
were healed. And there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:6-8).
A city is made up of people, not buildings. Our goal, like
Philip's, is to help people live the abundant victorious life that
Christ has for them. No matter what has happened to them,
Jesus wants to help people live in victory. That needs to be
preached to the cities of the world. The reason so many cities
and nations are living under the circumstances is lack of Godly
spiritual encouragement.

A Two Fold Process

In many cities, especially in America, people want to change

their areas. Most of the time they mean well. But they miss the
strategic ingredient, changing the spiritual climate. Instead,
people only concentrate on trying to change the natural
element. They go out and march, holding demonstrations and
so on. It can do some good temporarily. The symptoms of
wickedness may clear up, but sooner or later they will burst out
somewhere else. You must find the cause of the problem and
eradicate it.
Many of us have a book to write. Procrastination is one of the
seven deadly sins. Reading Alison's book, "I have a life," was
another factor that motivated me to finish this book. She was a
survivor of a horrific rape and attempted murder. A veterinarian
doctor and God saved her life. After that, she can be sure that
God will take care of and supply all her needs – Philippians
4:19. Seems like she is fulfilling a purpose, motivating and
encouraging those who have been in similar situations, and
others who need to be inspired and encouraged.

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Declare War On Poverty

We must help wherever we can as well as give hope to the

hopeless, encouragement and training to those who want to
learn different skills and assist in creating jobs. Just
considering the fact that in Walmer township, when it rains
people need to walk to work and their shoes get ruined, makes
me feel for them even more.
Many have so much to give, not only financially but also
through our talents and gifts. We can all make a difference in
changing the world by touching just one person at a time. We
are instructed to hunger for righteousness, help mend the
broken-hearted, uplift and feed the poor. I believe that by
proving the poor with food and the Gospel message, then the
way is opened for more miracles to take place. As I mentioned,
I see the hopeless and squalor from the air. Optimistically, I
mentioned this to 3 Dutch students (who were advancing their
studies at the N.M.M.U. University), as we were on a
helicopter tour of Port Elizabeth and flying over Red Location.
I believe, more than anyone else in this city, I see the townships
from the air more often. The inequality is brought home to me
every time I see the rusted red shacks alongside the businesses
at Deal Party and Walmer etc. I shared this insight and its
injustice and imbalance with the students. They agreed with my
view in principle. We're a miracle Nation. South Africa could
have experienced a tyranny similar to that of Zimbabwe, but
God in His wisdom spared us the fate of such an experience. I
believe we were spared because of the united prayers of the
nation of South Africa. How do we remind ourselves how
blessed we are if we don't see the poverty and suffering on a
daily basis, like I do. For once, a whole nation was united in a
common goal to save our land. We received mercy and peace
and saw an incredible unity amongst our people. We could only
stand in awe of what transpired.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Come to think of it, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) didn't have

apartheid, but we did. Shouldn't the land ownership problems
be occurring here in South Africa before they occur there?
Doesn't this show how fortunate we are? My earthly father
often used to tell me "leave South Africa, go to Australia" I
would answer "No Dad, I don't want to go. You can go, I'm
staying!"
Perhaps we have an insufficient vision or lack of vision.
Doesn't it make sense to help make our miracle nation one that
will encourage all former South African's to return or a country
that no few want to leave! It won't be that difficult; we're not
far off. I love what our Heavenly Father says to His children
"We are going to be pleasantly surprised by the great things
that will happen in our lives and in this miracle nation." All we
need is to realise that there are many of us with so much and
many more with so little. We need the churches to help; we
need each other, all races. I see no other way. Do you? If we
shared more, and included Jesus Christ, we cannot lose. How
will we be able to share more without Christ? Most people are
desperate and in trouble because no hope is preached to them.
They see no way out of their problems. They have no solution
for the crime and drug problems that are running rampant. In
order to improve and positively affect the quality of life
anywhere in the world, we have to write our books, tell our
stories and record our precious moments. We have to live out
our passions and dreams. The more I write, the more I feel the
publication of this book is a must. I have been blessed with one
of the greatest occupations/hobby I could dream of, and to live
in a great holiday city, a City of Joy. To me Port Elizabeth is
South Africa's 'Jerusalem,' a City of Hope, a City of Peace. The
Life manual/handbook says "Steep your life in God reality,
God initiative, God provisions. Don't worry about missing out.
You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Matthew 6:33 The Message Bible.

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If we really seek the person who wrote the greatest best selling
love story for us, and shows us how to live our everyday lives,
we win! The obsession with having our way will be brought
into the right perspective. Finding, having and being
accountable to a spiritual father or mother, will certainly help
ensure this. This is what I need to do, to be more accountable to
my spiritual father.

People Who Make A Difference

The tent ministry and needs in Walmer Township drew a

wide range of people and institutions over the years. Many
have been a tremendous blessing, others have moved onto
other ministries or callings. The following are a few of the
people and institutions who were and are involved in Walmer
township. Each person, each name is special and meaningful.
Each person has made an effort and made a difference in
someone else's life.
Alan Stanbury- dedicated to Walmer's transformation his
persevering spirit lives on there. He should be called “St.
Alan” today because of his gift, Christ-likeness and love. He
never seemed to notice one’s mistakes and was a real example
and inspiration to many. Alan spearheaded our bi monthly
Walmer township prayer meetings, and when we'd have turns
to express ourselves he would be quick to remind us if we
spent excess time on and about ourselves. He was always on
time, a very good all round sportsman, and really dedicated to
people in townships, building relationships there. Alan co-
ordinated an annual prayer day which was held about 5 years
ago at Walmer township high school, and it was great to see
most of the Walmer Suburb Pastors were there. How much
more prayer needs to happen to cry to God to help reduce
poverty and suffering in townships, especially in Walmer
township! Oh, if only annual mass prayer meetings could be
held in the Walmer High school.

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Alan preferred to be in a township church on a Sunday, with

those who did not have the opportunities he had. (As a
youngster in the Anglican church at St. Barnabus in Sydenham,
I was never told that I needed to be born a second time in order
to go to heaven when my body died. I'd never heard of the
term, and Alan would not shy away from using the term).

Bryan Cutting was the pioneer and started the first massive
tent outreach with myself assisting. In the year 2000, after
various “Bandwagon-Pied Piper” outreaches initiated by us, we
were involved in the establishment of the Restoration/Harvest
tent outreach in Walmer township, Port Elizabeth.
Jerome Liberty loaned us his 3000-seater tent in the year
2000, which we used for about a month. When the tent was
returned we realised the importance and it motivated us to get
our own tent.
Granny Cathy Crompton (deceased) from Word of Faith, wife
of the late Basil Crompton (Pastor and Evangelist) was
renowned for the heart she had for the needy in our
communities, often preached at the tent.
Pastor Zolile Dayimani from Motherwell, was originally
drawn to Walmer by the gospel tent. He joined us to run and
later take over the tent ministry. Although the tent was
destroyed in a wind storm, he had committed to the Walmer
community and decided to stay. Pastor Zolile moved to a
humble Walmer suburb home on the doorstep of the township.
He has a large, supportive and loving congregation, who meet
at the Walmer Town Hall on Sundays. They are praying for
finances to purchase a local hall in order to return to worship in
the township. He was given a reliable car by a kind Muslim
family.

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Themba Ndhambi and his wife Hlekani, oversaw Position for

Blessing courses at Harvest Christian Church and lived next
door to the church, where he was employed by Family Life
(Harvest Ministries). He originally came from Mozambique
and later the Northern Province. After arriving in Port
Elizabeth they spent some time with a local missionary
organization, before joining Harvest.
Soso Salman, who contributed wonderfully to a church in
Walmer township, has since returned to East London.
Unfortunately his work was interrupted when he stumbled, but
that does not take away for his contribution.
Michael and Patricia Kulati are the Pastors of Welcome
Church. Michael works full-time in a secular job and his wife
plans to go back to studying.
Maxwell Mrwashu, an electrician, works closely with
Micheal and Patricia Kulati, and has taken up the support role
laid down by Soso.
Pastor Vumele and Patience Ndzululeka from Harvest
Christian Church, who ran a home cell where township folk
gathered for their weekly meetings. At the time of completing
this book they were leaving for Mthatha where they continue
with mission work today.

St. Johns Anglican

Bible Institute - Villiers Rd, Walmer - closed 2012
Fountain Vineyard Church - Miramar
St. Nicolas Anglican Church.
Family Worship Centre - Walmer
Salvation Army - Walmer township
Hoogland N.G. Kerk
Summerstrand United
Victoria Park Baptist
Holy Spirit Church
Lighthouse - Frank Street, Newton Park

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A Vision: You Make It Happen

Harvest Christian Church - Walmer

Walmer Baptist Centre - Walmer.
Walmer Methodist - Main Road, Walmer
Holy Saviour Church - Walmer

Walmer Township Intercessors - pray at Walmer Baptist Centre

bi monthly. They have been out to Coega on a couple of
occasions, right to the harbour wall and prayed for the project,
the workers and its success. They have faith to believe that
residents from Walmer township could also benefit from jobs at
the development.

Pastor Anton von Vollenhoven – Love of God Church, Walmer

township.
Simphiwe Msizi – Edited Gqebera News
Trevor Jennings - Transformation Africa
Larry Goswell – Dawn Ministries
Patrick Douglas Henry - Judea Harvest
Hennie Jacobs - Judea Harvest
Pastor Fred van der Westhuizen - Operation Mobilization
Happy Hlwempu – Radio Kingfisher
Young Chiefs Soccer Team - Walmer township. Attended the
Alpha course and transported by my Yellow bus.
African Renaissance Dancers – Florence and Ronnie
Lourens Boshoff – Micro-MBA
Francios Joubert – Harvest
Keith Buncombe
Helen Strange – Harvest Ministries. A word of encouragement
to stay the course. Early in 2004, the Lord gave Helen Strange
a Word, she's an intercessor ministering with the Walmer tent.
Psalm 85:6-13 to pray over Walmer Township - a Psalm that
was prayed for revival. Will you not revive us again? That your
people may rejoice in you! Show us your unfailing love O Lord
and grant us your salvation.

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I will listen to what the Lord will say, He promises peace to His
people, His saints - but let them not return folly. Surely His
salvation is near those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell
in our land. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our
land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before Him and
prepares the way for his steps.
Lunga Jan – Headmaster, Walmer High School (formerly
Vernon Gamanda High School) and member of Gqebera
Development Trust
Reverend Abraham Kim
Thenjiwa Sellem - Prayer warrior, Walmer
Pastor Lucius - Walmer suburb, since deceased
Soso Salman – Welcome Church
Pastor Sabeko Matanda - Love of God Church, Walmer
Dave Clark – His People
Jabu - our tent keyboard player, who was the tent watchman
when he was robbed in the tent the night after the wonderful
Harvest Church missions outreach took place in the tent. He
became a presenter on Radio Kingfisher
Caroline Dalton – Walmer Methodist. Caroline conducted a
wonderful clothes making project in the tent until it was
damaged by a storm
Pat Gibb – UPE
John Molyneaux – St. Bernadette's Catholic Church
Pat Fairs – UPE
Tony Bester – AACL
Errol Glaus – Sponsor/helper
Craig and Andrea Barendse - Provided music and transport
Howard Myers – Harvest
Bev Miller – Sponser
Trudi Lovegrove – Sponsor
Pastor Afrika Mhlophe – Good News Church
Patrick Peter – driver of the Walmer Transformation bus
Brian Cutting – Harvest

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Peter Allan – Harvest (now in Australia)

Grant Dryden – Harvest Missions
Alisha Biljon (neé Els) tireless editing assistance, Bisho
Ivan Bam - missionary
Pastor Joseph Bae - missionary
Pastor Micheal Jacobs – Ministered wonderfully in the tent for
a really blessed 3-6 months. Now he's at A.F.M New
Brighton/KwaZakhele
Daniel Erasmus - Wonderful helper and carpenter-suffered
physically and mentally after a car accident prematurely
deceased.
Susanne Pillans – Author and Evangelist from the U.K. Held
various powerful crusades in the centre of Walmer township.

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Final Summary

"Life can be Meaningless" - Herewith a book review called

"The Sunshine Years by Afseneh Knight" Local newspaper: The
Herald - 15 Mar 2013
Set in successful, sun, sea, sand filled Australia where the
unemployment rate is as low as only 6%, the novel as reviewed
by Felicity Capon has the following headline:
"As Soloman said: Life is meaningless, just meaningless!"
The characters are well educated, have successful careers, and
social lives that involve casual sex and drinking. They have
nice flats and visit the Sydney food markets, yet underneath the
facade the characters are broken. Their behavior at times
disturbing etc.
If only they could realise this quality, different, exciting and
free life. It's called the abundant life. The power of a long
delayed, good choice! This book review was chosen because it
heralds a powerful scripture in a secular newspaper, not to
make this book or author appear to be too spiritual to be no
earthly good.
What's the use of going to another country, like Australia or
New Zealand where life can be just as meaningless. "Without a
vision the people perish." Basically what is said here that
people who lead meaningless lives don’t have to live that way.
All they need to do is to get a vision, then apply their
vision/dream. A vision is not only to satisfy one’s self but to
help meet the needs of others as our great universal King does.

John Huddlestone

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