Tucked high up in the verdant bush behind Umdloti’s beachfront is Andre Cronje’s lair. To get there you have to climb hundreds of steps.
I must have stood on my skirt at least three times – how embarrassing! But once I reached Andre’s idyllic home I understood why he lives here.
With his feet firmly on the ground, Andre explained his unusual lifestyle. “I grew up in Jo’burg but always had this love of the ocean, the surf and sailing. Every holiday my yearning to live near the sea grew stronger.”
He’s worked hard at getting a name in the television industry in Jo’burg and finally had an epiphany that you can sculpt your destiny. “People said I couldn’t surf and live in Jo’burg and tried to stop me, saying my dream was out of reach. I realised you are in charge of your own life, which in itself is a frightening realisation, but you can make things work for you.”
Six years ago he moved to Umdloti and now, more than ever, he’s managed to merge his work and lifestyle into one happy union.
Andre can be seen once again on SABC’s popular environmental programme 50/50. His established background as a TV producer/director has given him the opportunity to produce a segment titled Eco-Warriors in the new season starting this month.
“The programme played a major role in cultivating my love for nature, which had been with me since childhood. Eco-Warriors will highlight people we consider ‘eco-heroes’, and it’s not necessarily the big guys. In many instances it’s small contributions from everyday people that make the most significant changes. It aims at being educational with a broad appeal.”
Andre believes we have great power as humans. We have achieved and generated huge changes in our lifestyle, but sadly a lot of it is driven to feed our laziness.
“We can be so much more,” he reflects. “We need to turn things around a bit. We’ve developed technology to free up our time, now we need to use it far more constructively to tune in, enhance and enjoy our lives.”
The 50/50 programme will provide an ideal platform to bring Andre’s refreshing philosophy to life.
“It’s so important to protect what we have, and to demonstrate our gratitude. Things can change in seconds and we need to show appreciation for what is out there.”
Andre’s inherent desire to facilitate change stems from the major roles his father and grandfather played in his childhood. “They were men of the earth and farmed in the Groot Mariko area (Herman Charles Bosman country). They taught me how to love nature, to know it and to survive. They planted the seed for my awareness and love of the outdoors.”
But it was his mother’s strong spiritual connection with the ocean that has brought him to our shores.
“Time management is critical for me. I run my own production company called Baobab Pictures so I have had to learn to plan to work, play and relax.”
Andre practises Chinese martial arts as well as surfing, running and skate-boarding.
“I love anything that puts wind in your hair,” he laughs, adding that he intends having a go at aerial acrobatics. “I believe it’s necessary to physically train and push yourself. Coaching the body and mind in various disciplines is equally important. I don’t believe I would be as happy and focused if I hadn’t discovered the value in nurturing both. In this critical time in world events we need to put our energy, money, business and philosophies in the right place. Look at the positives, see them and admire them!” Amen!
Useful info: Find Andre at www.baobabpictures.co.za and on SABC’s 50/50.