Renias and Alex van den Heever helped a game reserve start a leopard habituation project in the Waterberg and here is the MESSAGE FROM A WILDEBEEST. A Tracker Academy project to track, find and form relationships with leopards. For the benefit of ecotourism lodges in the area.
During the day we tracked leopards. In the evenings, we made a fire, braaied our food and chatted freely.
Our conversations spanned several topics, and in his usual manner, Renias introduced humour at every possible juncture. He loves making people laugh! And I thoroughly enjoy the banter.
We spoke in both Shangaan and English.
It struck me that the spirit of our conversations is unique. In stark contrast to the hostile tone of the current national conversation. Especially between people of disparate cultures.
Just before bed, Renias reminded me of lions we’d watched hunting a wildebeest at Londolozi.
We had been talking politics and I sensed he had something important to say.
Whilst sprinting for its life the WILDEBEEST glanced back at the fast-approaching lion – at exactly the wrong moment. Causing the animal to crash into a small tree.
The obstacle gifted the lion the extra split second it needed. Ultimately killing the poor wildebeest.
Although macabre, Renias’s theatrics in acting out the scene was very entertaining. Please watch the video if you haven’t seen it yet.
Metaphorically speaking, Ren wants South Africans to know that we should not look backwards. Otherwise, we will be killed.
It is true that if the wildebeest had not looked back, he may still be alive. But equally, his rear-guard vigilance alerted him to the danger in the first place.
Perhaps he looked backwards once too many times?
But something bothered me about the story’s message. I reflected further and realised that for many people the past still haunts them.
It’s not so easy to just drop emotionally charged memories. Above all, trauma.
Renias’s message is that we should rather focus on the now. Build relationships now. Contribute to the country now. Instead of dwelling on the past or fearing the future.
Easier said than done.
I have noticed a trend where white people avoid talking about the past. And black people (and those affected by apartheid) demonstrate the need to address our common history.
One group feels guilty and/or fears retribution. Whilst the other desires acknowledgement and reparation. Both are expected human responses given the circumstances.
The problem is that no ‘side’ will give an inch. Consequently, attitudes have begun to harden – driving us even further apart.
It may be wise to suggest that we collectively engage with both the past and future. The old adage of ‘the tyranny of OR versus the genius of AND’ comes to mind.
The question is, how?
Renias and I advocate for ordinary people to intentionally form meaningful cross-cultural relationships.
To create interpersonal bonds where logic, empathy and being authentically you, can flourish. As it turns out, these are also the main drivers of high-trust relationships.
As a country, we must focus on the only moment that really matters – now.
Perhaps then we have a chance of survival. A chance to escape the charging lion of the eventual demise of our beautiful country.
What can you do today to improve the state of our relationships then listen to our story and others including the WILDEBEEST?
Read our latest book called Changing a Leopard’s Spots
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
Do you remember THE BAIT SWITCH DOES NOT WORK and the first time you were disappointed by a large organisation? My earliest memory of corporate greed (we all have those, right?) was what I recall being a few months after Smarties Mini Eggs were launched in South Africa. As a lifelong fan of the traditional […]
Why corporate motivational speakers are needed now more than ever I am a corporate motivational speaker and my real job is to directly address the major factors contributing to an organization’s successes and failures. As I’ve spoken around the globe, to organizations across just about every industry, I’ve seen how corporate motivational speakers are now needed […]
The power of servant leadership as I was driving through one of the low-income neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Durban recently. There had been heavy rains that had led to significant flooding. When approaching an area of the road that was completely flooded, I noticed a group of boys and young men busy filling it […]
The Power of South African Women Voices: Leading Up to Women’s Month 2025 As Women’s Month approaches in South Africa this August, the demand for authentic, bold, and transformative female keynote speakers has never been greater. With 2025 bringing both continued societal shifts and corporate reflection on equity and leadership, the spotlight is firmly on […]
Beyond the Bio: What Event Planners Really Need to Know Before Booking a Keynote Speaker When you browse a speaker’s bio, it often reads like a résumé, a list of achievements, awards, and professional highlights. But for event planners and corporate bookers, a great bio doesn’t always translate into a great event. The secret to […]
Celebrating Womens Month 2025 — Unleashing the Power of Inspirational Female Speakers Every August, during Women’s Month in South Africa, we come together to honour the brilliance, courage, and achievements of women across all industries. For corporate event planners and bookers, this month offers an ideal moment to spotlight female voices that embody leadership, transformation, […]
Springbok Rugby Legends: Inspiring Your Next Conference with Championship Leadership In South Africa, rugby is more than a sport—it’s a symbol of unity, resilience, and national pride. The legacy of the Springboks runs deep, and their influence extends far beyond the field. At Speakers Inc., we’re proud to represent a distinguished group of Springbok legends […]
Why Every Event Needs a Dynamic Emcee or Moderator – And Why Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp Is the Perfect Fit When it comes to planning a successful event, whether it’s a high-level business summit, an awards gala, or an industry panel discussion, there’s one crucial role that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves: the emcee or […]
