I have resigned from Benevolent Park

I have been enthusiastic and optimally available to be involved in the reconstruction process of Benevolent Park since 22 August.

This senior citizens' complex is the last home for many of our senior citizens.

It is therefore with sadness that I inform you of a decision that will definitely impact my future involvement in Benevolent Park.

After long introspection and analysing of the processes at Benevolent Park, together with discussions with my wife and our children, added by my involvement as the coordinator and secretary of the Mossel Bay Community Soup Drive and Mossel Bay Community Development Organisation, I had to come up with a decision, as a husband, father, grandfather and community advocate.

My decision is:

Resignation as board member of Benevolent Park, effective from 4 October.

Availing myself to be involved in whatever capacity that might exist or arise. My motivations for resigning are as follows:

1. The influence and impact that politics have on this process.

2. The reluctance and derailing of the “old” board members.

3. The unnecessary personal attacks by the community.

4. My personal state of mind and the effect it has on my personal life as husband, father and grandfather. 5. The negative impact this process is having on my focus as the coordinator and secretary of two NPOs.

Please know that this decision did not come easily and is not the action of one who cannot climb this steep hill, but rather the decision of a person that had to weigh all options and came to this decision, keeping his certified post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mind. I an not willing to be a peddle pusher for any political entity.

That being said, let me thank you for your trust in my abilities and know that my community involvement has not come to a standstill, but rather to a point where I had to decide what is more important and adjust my priorities accordingly.