Born in Newcastle, Kwa-Zulu Natal, I grew up in a middle-sized town in the countryside. Surrounded by various peaks of the beautiful Drakensberg range, this area is a treasure both for the nature lover and the historian. Majuba mountain was frequented often, whether with family, or not. The Ntendeka Wilderness Area visit cannot be forgotten, from grasslands to astounding tropical forest.  Dad being an honorary forester; So I had ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Both primary and secondary schools were dual-medium, meaning my English was nurtured from grade 1. Even so, I can only say that I learnt English properly from grade 10, when a friend encouraged me to think in English. However, university sorted out any issues that might have remained.

When starting grade 11, Dad took a giant leap to move to a small company. This took the family to the southern suburbs of Johannesburg. Once again we were fortunate to live close to nature; a beautiful stream across the road and the Kliprivier Nature Reserve just down the road.

Merely two years later, the family moved to Cape Town (surrounds). This gave me the privilege of studying at the University of Stellenbosch; where I stayed for 10 years until I completed my PhD in Electrical Engineering. Some say that I did not make the most of my student years; being the typical "teacher pet" along with a desperate drive to reach my goals.

Two things that I sorely miss are the open roads for cycling after work or over weekends, especially the beautiful road up the Jonkershoek valley and my wonderful classical guitar teacher, the late Mr Dietrich Wagner.