To celebrate Father’s Day, we some readers
to share the one piece of fatherly advice that made all the difference to them.
Josie Borain, photographer
I remember two things very clearly that my
father told me when I was a kid. He told me to get an education because that
was what one needed. I think I was pretty crap at school — he was probably
hoping I would take the bull by the horns and get better at it. No such luck! I
was dyslexic, and after failing twice, I left in standard 8 [grade 10]. The
other lesson he taught me was not to put off until tomorrow what you can do
today.
Her dad: Peter Borain
In parenting, guidance is lot more
appropriate than ‘teaching’, I think. Parents can and do learn an awful lot
from their children: I have always marvelled not only at Josie’s amazing
career, but the way she has conducted herself as a celebrity. That’s nothing I
taught her, it’s Josie all the way. I’m so proud of you, gorgeous girl.
Suzaan Heyns, fashion designer
My
dad said that new answers are only possible when you ask new questions.
My dad said that new answers are only
possible when you ask new questions.
Her dad: Thys Heyns
I always encouraged Suzaan to probe, to ask
the right questions, because I’ve always believed in the simple philosophy
that, in so doing, the right answers would follow.
Ryan Andes, long-distance trail runner
The best advice my dad ever gave me is that
nothing in life comes easily: the only way to be successful and to achieve your
goals and dreams is through hard work. There are no short cuts in life and you
are in control of your own destiny. I find it super-rewarding when I have to
work really hard to achieve something.
I
find it super-rewarding when I have to work really hard to achieve something.
His dad: Chris Sandes
Try your hardest, but if you don’t win,
always try to be a good loser.
Pete Goffe-Wood, food alchemist
I’m not sure that he had any particular
words of wisdom (printable in Fairlady, that is!). What I have learnt from my
father is his work ethic. We arrived in South Africa in 1969 from the UK with
literally the clothes on our backs. Through sheer force of will and hard work,
he provided us with a comfortable lifestyle that he and his family had never
experienced. Of his many talents and attributes, it is his work ethic that I
have respected the most and sought to emulate.
His dad: Eddie Goffe-Wood
Son, there are two things in life that you
must take great care where you put them, and one of them is your signature...
Kay Sexwale, communication strategist and talk show host
on Talk Radio 702 & 567 Cape Talk
My
father told me that nothing is impossible, and never to be afraid to say what
is on my mind.
My father told me that nothing is
impossible, and never to be afraid to say what is on my mind. This was after
years of strict parenting, raising two daughters, under sometimes very trying
circumstances, in exile. When I was a child he wasn’t always comfortable with
my outspokenness — i already had a no-holds-barred personality. But as an adult
woman in modern South Africa, he is 100% behind me — though we don’t agree on
everything. I doubt he expected me to take his advice as literally as becoming
a radio talk show host after a career in corporate communication, though he
glows with pride whenever people ask if I am his daughter. Now. more than ever,
my father encourages me to stay true to myself and to never, ever be afraid to
speak the truth.
Her dad: Mat Sexwale
Never sleep with your eyes closed. Danger
lurks around you, and if you sleep too deeply, trouble will find you.
Roxy Louw, surfer
Always notice the smaller things in life!
Her dad: Rob Louw
I
also taught Roxy to enjoy every day and to appreciate nature.
With all my kids, the biggest thing is that
there are no stars in the family — we treat all our kids as equals. And that
extends beyond the family too — so whether you’re dealing with the petrol
attendant, the guy who sells you your newspaper, your doctor, a lawyer, you
treat them the same way: with respect. And this is particularly pertinent in
South Africa, with our history — don’t discriminate against people even if
they’re a different race, sex or religion. I also taught Roxy to enjoy every
day and to appreciate nature.
