FACE 2 FACE
. . . with Helen Edwards
Question: Tell us about your occupation?
Answer: This is a complicated question. Officially I am the financial manager for Jacksons Isuzu Suzuki, but I choose to believe that I am an entrepreneur. I feel we should not just settle for one job. We should take our initiative and make ideas happen.
Q: Favourite holiday destination?
A: Knysna, Western Cape.
Q: Favourite snack?
I am loving the frozen fruit from Hogsback Berries.
Q: How important is family and friends to you and why?
A: Family is everything to me, they define me! From my incredible husband who taught me to be brave enough to go and get what I want and my beautiful children who teach me new life lessons every day (especially to be patient), to my parents who believe in me and encourage me. Then there are my brother and sister who listen to me when I hit a brick wall and my huge extended family who make life fun. I love them all!
Q: If you could be the president of any country, which would you choose and why?
A: It will probably be SA. I would love the opportunity to show our people what can be done if we all stand together.
Q: What makes you angry – and what makes you happy?
A: I get angry when adults make choices based on what they can gain instead of looking at the side-effects it has on others, especially children.
I am happy when I am watching and listening to the excitement of my husband and three children play touch rugby in the garden.
Q: Are you proudly South African and why?
A: Of course I am and so should everyone who lives in SA. We have an incredibly beautiful land and a gold mine of opportunities that are waiting to be discovered.
Q: Do you have a hobby and if so, what is it?
A: Oh I have many hobbies . . . I love learning how to do things. I believe I can do anything – it might take me longer than others, but in the end I will get it right. At the moment, I am enjoying the benefits of my new organic veggie garden.
Q: What do you believe should be done to alleviate unemployment?
A: I don’t feel unemployment is the problem. I believe the lack of bringing our children up to be entrepreneurs or to have the bravery to go and get what they want and the strength to get up when you fail, is where unemployment starts. You don’t have to be a scientist to be successful – you just need the determination.