My fellow Gondwanians

It’s true when they say that life can take an unexpected turn in a blink of an eye.

I just returned home a while ago after the memorial service here at the Gondwana House for our Eddie-Attu, who passed away a few days ago. As I sit here in a reflective mood, I realize how we have become oblivious to the essence of time. In these quiet moments, I can't help but feel the weight of the truth: that our time here is short. I wanted to leave a voice message for you all, but I needed to structure my thoughts. I decided to write them down.

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So much has happened since the morning that we received the tragic news, and it all culminated in the service for Eddie, where we were completely overwhelmed by how many of his family and friends turned up to celebrate and mourn a beautiful life lost too soon.

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What an extraordinary evening we had. Lots of tears, some laughs, lots of reflection and sadness.? Despite the diversity of languages and cultures, there was a unified purpose and a singular voice. It was a truly humbling, touching, and beautiful experience.

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Each time I believe I've grasped a comprehensive understanding of Gondwana, situations like these occur. A team coming together with firm unity and excellence even amidst such a sorrowful occasion. The intensity of this Gondwana connection, along with its far-reaching effects and influence, exceeds our ability to fully comprehend.

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To be very honest on a deeply personal level, when something like Eddy’s passing happens, I find it difficult to lead.? As most of you would know my emotions sit close to the surface and I also want to hide away and mourn. But people look for leadership in the difficult times more than at any other time.?

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As I sat and listened to the tributes and watched the candles, I realised what an absolute honour it is to be a leader at Gondwana. Sometimes it is hard, but it is such a noble calling.

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I specifically say, “a leader” and not “the leader” because we have so many leaders at Gondwana.? Each and every one of you could be a leader. The ladies from Reservations, under the leadership of Anthea Cloete, the Reservations Manager, were absolutely amazing in how they took charge of this memorial service. Their brother Eddy would be so proud to see what they did for him. ?I must acknowledge the support and camaraderie that all fellow Gondwanians showed during this period of sorrow. Starting from the arrangements, extending to the warm reception of guests, and especially the emotional solace we provided to one another. As I observed individuals lighting their candles using the flames of others, it dawned on me that we are all dependent on each other to maintain the enduring flame of the Gondwana DNA.

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One of the speakers in attendance was a lecturer of Eddie many years back. He told the story of how one day as a student Eddie told him that he wants to end up working for Gondwana. Dr. Erling Kavita replied: “Eddie, at Gondwana, they do not have employees or staff, they only have team members, so if you want to work for them, you have to be a real team player and you have to be one of the best.” These words strongly echo our core belief: that we are a family before we are colleagues.

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I am lucky to be a team member of Gondwana.

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I stand ready to serve, we stand ready to serve.

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From a somber and a sad Windhoek, but with a heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

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Gys