Marathon Social Community

07/01/2024

This is an insightful piece about South Africa’s race & social psychology versus the basic personal wellbeing needs of our people. If you are in a position of power or authority don’t underestimate your influence at a micro level to change the race & unity narrative in our country. Think small and lead with your heart. Consider how you can improve the financial, health, intellectual, social and mental wellbeing of those close to your family or organisation. You will be surprised how many hearts and minds you can move by addressing the wellbeing needs of people with small acts of kindness and limited resources. A secondhand cellphone, a lift, words of encouragement, excess clothes, food & furniture, paying for a student in need to travel home over the holiday period, a small emergence bridging loan or donation to help your domestic handle a crisis, helping a talented less privileged student with advice whenever support is needed, tipping a petrol attendant or just thanking them for their service, giving a less privileged child pocket money monthly, etc…We all want to leave a legacy. Your legacy might be the people you raised or build up irrespective of your economic wealth. Hope this note inspires you to lead where you are. Lastly, when you help someone focus on their dignity and self respect instead of your own emotional feelings. Let’s keep the deeper purpose of our Springbok team alive…

In an article written on 24 October in The Conversation last year, Roger Southall, a sociology professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, argues that

09/08/2023

Dit was ‘n voorreg om deel te wees van die “judging” paneel wat die jaarlikse top 3 Eendrag entrepreneuriese besighede kon kies. ‘n Wonderlike inisiatief deur Koos Bekker, ‘n oud Eendragter, om entrepreneuriese denke onder studente te stimuleer. Verder is dit prysenswaardig dat die entrepreneurs van die eerste en tweede posisies van een skool kom. DF Malan kan opreg trots wees op die alumni. 👏👏.

28/02/2023

As a young trainee banker I once argued in a credit application that a client has integrity. A very senior manager said to me. “Alwyn, you should never write in a credit application that a person has integrity. A person’s integrity is determined by how far his back is from the wall”. Wise advice for a young man. Unfortunately, this turned out to be so true. I am skilled in business and have navigated a few cheap integrity “men” in the 30 years since then. I am, however, not skilled in politics, but I wonder what I would write in a credit application if any of the self serving ANC government cadres approaches me now. Integrity will certainly not be a word that springs to mind. Bad things happen when good “men/women” keep quiet. Let’s be men and women of character. Alwyn Rossouw.

26/12/2021

Archbishop Desmond Tutu represented the best in us. He left a legacy of kindness, love, compassion, vulnerability and an intolerance for injustice. A skilful orator that could make fun of himself and relate with anyone, irrespective of their standing in society. A life well lived and an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace Archbishop - you left a huge legacy.

24/12/2021

As 2021 draws to a close, it feels in many ways like we have covered 18 months in a year. Although the pandemic is less feared than a year ago, it still remains an unnatural force to be reckoned with. Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, I am inspired by the grit, energy, creativity and determination I have seen at our clients, business friends and colleagues at the Marathon Group.

There were many highs and lows as we all tried to be resilient in the midst of adversity. We did extremely well under abnormal, once in a life time circumstances. It is now equally important to pause, reflect and re-energise for the year ahead. Please take a moment to rest, be grateful for our blessings, recharge and spend time with family and friends who helped us carry our various loads in 2021.

I wish you a blessed festive season, and a safe and restful holiday.

Alwyn

23/08/2021

“Hard work” always wins unless “Talent” works harder.

30/07/2021

Tatjana Schoenmaker wins the GOLD medal in the Women’s 200 metre breast stroke, breaking an 8-year old world record. 1st Individual record of the 2021 Olympics! Super proud and a “lekker” feel good moment.