THANK YOU, SOUTH AFRICA

MINNEAPOLIS, MN --- Here in the U.S., one of our more scenic-laden states labels itself, “The Land of Enchantment”. Obviously, New Mexico’s variety of scenery is enchanting, but if that state was to ever partner with another geographic entity for parallel topography, scenery and unpretentious friendliness, that country would definitely be The Republic of South Africa (RSA).Like an illuminating, but non-destructive, lightning bolt, the RSA’s panorama of cities, forests, bush, plains, jungles, waterfalls and desert, all contained in a space the size of the state of Texas, provides never-ending fascination, exhilaration, wonder and magnetism of a truly unique nature. From the surprising size, energy and vitality of every city we visited…Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town (the later especially breathtaking in every conceivable manner)…to driving through and staying overnight in Kruger National Park, and visiting with our hosts and their families, having to leave was truly gut-wrenching.

At age 70, and as one who has been blessed to live, travel, vacation and work on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, the privilege to visit the RSA this past February was tantamount to a personal, let alone business, epiphany. As a former longtime member of the U.S.-South African Chamber of Commerce, I suggested to my employer the RSA might be a great candidate for her business, as well as any philanthropy in which her company might wish to engage in regard to the betterment of the lives of some of the RSA’s less fortunate citizens.

Via longtime relationships with the RSA’s Chicago consulate personnel, and arrangements kindly made for us (Veritec, Inc.) by their counterparts in Pretoria, business partners were suggested and government workers assigned to assist us in every possible manner upon our arrival and during our ten-day stay. Those who would become our representatives in South Africa, as well as most of the remainder of the continent, treated us better than royalty, but did so genuinely, and not with any hidden agendas. We got to know their incredible families, and their incredible country, thanks to the extraordinary amount of time they took to make certain we were lacking for nothing, and experiencing everything that was good, pleasant, productive and “real”. Aside from business, they also became instant friends, and people for whom I’ll be forever grateful to have met. We communicate frequently, and happily, thanks to the Internet, and my incessant goal will be to return there as often as the fates will allow the privilege to do so.

South Africa is too special to try to accurately extol via verbiage. It must be seen to be truly experienced. I was told the behavior of our new friends was commonplace in South Africa, and a way of life regarding mutual business relationships, too. If so, it’s even more magic than I imagined.

Actually, the RSA is truly magic in every respect. Anyone fortunate enough to be enchanted and enveloped by the spell she and her people cast, personally and professionally, should consider themselves among the most blessed people on the planet. Thank you, South Africa, and great new friends, for my blessings, which shall reside within me for as long as I live.

--- Barry ZeVan, Vice President – Public Relations, Marketing and Sales VERITEC, INC., Golden Valley, MN