Latest News

New Cultivars - Father and Son Team

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Father and Son team Leon and Reynecke Viljoen nurture the establishment of International Fruit Genetics varieties in South Africa

Father and son team Leon and Reynecke Viljoen are table grape producers in the Hex River Valley but are also closely involved with the exciting process of evaluating the remarkable range of new table grape varieties from International Fruit Genetics, the California based grape breeding company. Leon is a director of Exsa Exports and he and Reynecke take responsibility for the evaluation process on behalf of Exsa.

Clearly driven by a passion for the process, together they employ infinite patience and finely honed grafting skills in nurturing tiny bud wood cuttings into fruition as young table grapes. They form an important part of the South African division of the IFG (International Fruit Genetics) table grape breeding initiative.

“I have been privileged to work closely with Leon and Reynecke Viljoen in the development of the IFG varieties in South Africa,” says Jack Pandol, co-owner of the IFG grape breeding programme. “They have led the way with extensive testing that has been essential in proving the potential of our varieties in the South African climates and markets,” he added.

Although producers are not usually involved in the propagation of new table grape varieties, this has long been an interest of Leon Viljoen. Leon explained that this interest started in 1971 when he realised that standard Jacques rootstocks used at that time did not do well on all soils. He investigated what other kind of rootstocks were available and was one of the first growers to make use of Ramsay/Salt Creek as a rootstock for South African table grapes. From then on he has always taken an interest in the new South African varieties and has been involved in the propagation and commercial development of these for many years.

“Just over ten years ago Jack Pandol started looking for South African companies to be involved in the evaluation and marketing of the IFG varieties,” explained Leon. “We were thrilled when he selected Exsa as a partner for this process. He stressed that he wanted to do evaluation on the new varieties in countries where the necessary disciplines existed to support the evaluation process and South Africa fitted the bill. Reynecke and I manage this process on behalf of the Exsa Group and we share a personal passion as it is truly exciting is to see the incredible potential of these exciting new varieties.”

Reynecke grew up seeing his father’s involvement with the quest for improved new varieties and after his studies (Agricultural Diploma from Elsenburg College followed by B. Comm. Finance at Stellenbosch University), he returned to the family farm in 2008.

“In 2009 I had the good fortune to spend a four month internship in Delano, California evaluating the new varieties in the IFG programme,” says Reynecke. “During this time I worked closely with the IFG Co-owner Jack Pandol and IFG variety breeder Dr David Cain. It was my job to try various manipulations on the new varieties, evaluate the results and then fine tune the most successful approach. I was given a free reign to do this, performed all the procedures myself and the process was an invaluable learning experience for me,” he stressed.

“What was also incredibly interesting was to see how the table grape farming operation were organised and run in California. The meticulous planning and work ethic I observed there were truly an inspiration. To be part of the IFG evaluation process, both on an ongoing basis in South Africa as well as the period I spent in California, remains an incredible privilege.”

“These new varieties are really exciting and hold great potential for South African growers. It is with a mixture of cautious anticipation and excitement that we look forward to seeing the local commercialisation of these innovative varieties in South Africa,” concluded Leon.

Captions:

Leon and Reynecke Viljoen in the vineyards with Sweet Celebration, one of the leading IFG grape varieties

Leon and Reynecke Viljoen in the evaluation block with vines they have grafted.

Indian Delegation visits EXSA

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:33:00 GMT

Exsa receives visit from Indian Grower delegation

During January 2012 Exsa hosted a delegation of three prominent table grape producers from Pune in India. The purpose of their visit was to see the new grape varieties currently being evaluated by Exsa in the Hex River as well as to study the Exsa producer /exporter business model. Exsa directors also introduced them the Exsa’s colleagues in the market, namely Exsa imports in the UK and Exsa Europe in the Netherlands.

“The delegation members have followed a similar business model to Exsa for the past two years and they were interested to learn more about Exsa business model with strategic partners in the UK and EU,” explained Poen Jordaan, Exsa Director. “They were impressed with the way in which Exsa had expanded their operations during the past three years through innovation in packing methods, packing materials and new varieties,” he added.

The three delegates were Shahir Mahendra Shivmurti, the president of the Maharashtra State Grape Growers’ Association at Pune in India, Gaikwad Ashok Vishnu, the vice president of Maharashtra State Grape Growers’ Association and Kanchan Sopan Sakharam, the chairman of The Grape Growers’ Federation of India.

They represent approximately 25 000 producers from the Maharatshtra State in India. This state is on the west coast of India and the capital of the state is Mumbai, also India’s capital. Maharatshtra State contains the main viticulture production region in the country and it is centred at Pune, approximately 120km east of Mumbai.

According to the growers the table grape industry does not receive any government support and growers fund all industry activities. In co-operation with government the industry bodies have recently established legislation and a code of conduct to protect the rights of patent and licence holders.

Research on grapes is carried out by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes and State Agricultural Universities at different centres under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Grapes. The National Research Centre for Grapes (ICAR) located at Pune, Maharashtra is the focal point for conducting and coordinating the research activities on grapes throughout the country.

Caption:

The Indian Table Grape Delegation with Exsa Directors

From left to right: Poen Jordaan (Exsa), Gaikwad Ashok Vishnu, Leon Viljoen (Exsa), Kanchan Sopan Sakharam, Shahir Mahendra Shivmurti, Kosie Loubser (Exsa).

a New season has started

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:16:00 GMT

a New season has started for some of the EXSA growers.

Packing has started 3 weeks ago in Orange River with Prime and Flame Seedless. In the Trawal area they have started 2 weeks ago, also with Prime and will start packing Flame Seedless now.

Prime Seedless in the packhouse

Prime Seedless being packed

The finished product, ready to be exported

We wish all our producers the best for the 2011-2012 season, and all the best to our customers worldwide

Running for Children's Home.

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:48:00 GMT

Christoff Du Plessis (EXSA Grower) and De Witt Kamfer (EXSA Technical Manager) ran 112km along the Wild Coast to raise money for the Brave Heart Home in the Hex River Valley.

The race that took place over 3 days, started in Kei River Mouth and ended at Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay along the most untamed coastline in South Africa.

The Brave Heart Home started this year and the primary goal was a children's house of safety which can serve as a temporary shelter for children who are in need. The house are already fully up and running and caring for children who is in desperate need.

R52000 was raised for the home and we want to thank everyone who supported their effort! Go and check out the Brave Heart Home page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brave-Heart-Home/168867683131142

New Cultivars- Sweet Celebration

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:57:00 GMT

Sweet Celebration is a crispy midseason red seedless variety.

The variety has a bright 'cherry' colour with a very good berry size and fresh green stems even after cold storage.

Sweet Celebration

Commercial volumes of Sweet Celebration will be available in the coming season from EXSA. Multiplication of material has been done and next year more commercial blocks of this variety will be planted on EXSA farms.

Getting the new plant material together

Leon and Reynecke Viljoen with some new plant material

Sustainability- Looking after our Soils

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:34:00 GMT

For EXSA growers winter time is a time for looking after our soils.

Putting back what we took out during the season. Balancing of our soils by the help of soil analysis, growing cover crops and applying mulching and compost in weaker soils. Before planting new vines, proper soil preparation is being done to the demand of different soil types. Sustainability and ensuring better soils for future generations is our main aim and focus.

Mulching in the Vineyards Cover crops Nature life on Farms- Guinea Folws

Having our children’s future in mind

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:12:00 GMT

Exsa recently provided Bibles and reading books to the crèches on the farms and to the playschool Rimpelstilskin

The Children with their books they received .

Hex River Valley in winter time

Scenes from the Hex. The first Spring wild flowers have opened up. Most of the producers are getting the vineyards ready for planting new vines. Pruining is in full swing, getting ready for a season coming.

Our Chairman Kosie Laubscher is attending his third World Transplant Games

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:47:00 GMT

Our Chairman Kosie Laubscher is attending his third World Transplant Games at Göteborg Sweden at the moment, and we honour him by publishing his amazing story of perseverance and determination to get back on track after his illness.

My journey through organ transplant and the World Transplant Games

Lived and written by Kosie Laubscher

From left to right: KOSIE LAUBSCHER, 58 years (Kidney transplant, 2004), HEILIE UYS 57 years, (Kidney transplant, 2004), KOOS DU TOIT 57 JR. (Kidney transplant, 2006), WICUS ESTERHUIZEN 39 JR. (Heart transplant, 2006) JOHN TOFTE 65 years (Heart transplant, 1997), Absent at time of photo being taken: DEAN SIMMONS, 44 years and DERRICK PILAY 47 years

Dedicated to

My Heavenly Father for His grace towards me

My sister, Louise Laubscher, who donated one of her kidneys to me

My wife and children

Everyone who prayed for me

Mariaan Els, my sister in law was very supportive and passed away during the writing of this text

This synopsis is a true event and testimony about the life of 58 year old Kosie Laubscher, farmer on the De Doorns farm, Immanuel.

Index

1. Introduction: Growing up

2. Beginning of my farming era

3. Misfortune in Farming

4. Misfortune in Health

5. The Transplant

6. Being a Broken Man

7. The Miracle

8. The Road to Recovery

9. World Transplant Games in Bangkok – August 2007

10. World Transplant Games in Australia – August 2009

11. Footnote

1. INTRODUCTION: GROWING UP

I was born on the farm Prosper Fair in the town De Doorns, Western Cape, South Africa where my father, Mattie Laubscher, grew table grapes. My mother, Beatrice, was part of the Lategan family from the Swartberg district. She was a seamstress and always had a close relationship with her children. Today, she is still alive at the tender age of 89.

I was the only son but had two older sisters and one younger. It was my younger sister, Louise, who later donated one of her kidneys to me. As little boy I was happy as long as I had my air gun or rugby ball in the hand. I grew up in a Christian home and I was frequently made aware of the Lord in my life.

In 1964 I started my high school career at Paarl Gimnasium. I did not struggle academically and also enjoyed playing rugby and participating in athletics. In 1968 I played for the Craven Week rugby team and also threw the javelin for the Western Province under 17 team. During that period I fell in love with Zaretha Esrasmus, a girl from Merweville, whom I later married.

I went to the army in 1969, to Oudtshoorn, Heidelberg in the Transvaal, and Walvis Bay. I was the Worcester Commando’s Warrant Officer 2 for quite a while. From 1970 to 1973 I stayed in the Wilgenhof men’s residence while studying towards an Agricultural Economy Degree at the University of Stellenbosch. Until today I have not completed the degree; there were two subjects that I never managed to pass. I blame it on rugby and miniskirts!

In 1973 I married Zaretha and we went to live on the farm Immanuel that my father bought a decade earlier. He passed away as result of a heart attack in 1974. This left me the sole owner of the farm. The piece of land was, however, too small to make a living from and I also worked as farm manager for two other farmers. At the same time I was playing rugby for Worcester’s first team which was considered a great privilege during those days. In 1975 I also played for the Boland team which was another great experience. After a few matches, however, I realised that my farming was suffering as a result and I stopped playing. But my love for the sport remained.

Our first son, Matthys Michael Laubscher, was born in 1977. Three years later our first daughter, Zacharia Jacomè, was born and younger brother, Willem Lodevicus, followed in 1985. The youngest two inherited true Merweville family names.

Jacomè was born with Glaucoma, a disease that causes the pressure in the eyes to become so high that it forces the fluid through the corneas, leading to blindness. Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness and is also common in older people. After several operations to reduce the pressure Jacomè got her first cornea transplant at the age of two. Back then we were quite uninformed and it did not cross our minds to inquire who the donors were. At the age of 22 one of her corneas was transplanted again. In October 1999 a cornea had to be shipped from America because there were none in South Africa.

Our wish for Jacomè was to have a normal life and to be able to look after herself one day. She matriculated in Paarl Gimnasium where she was a member of the first hockey team. After high school she attended Stellenbosch College and then went overseas. Today Jacomè is married to Werner Naude from Beaufort West. They live in De Doorns and are the parents of Werner Junior. Her life is a miracle.

2. BEGINNING OF MY FARMING ERA

When I just started farming I was working hard and Zaretha was working as a teacher at the time, it was normal during those days. I knew my farm and my workers well. I was successful and things were going well for us. During the period between 1977 and 1979 I managed to buy two of the neighboring farms and by doing so I used the economies of scale to my advantage.

Zaretha and I worshipped the Lord; we were regular church goers and did our part on various domains. I was pretty sure that the Lord would still make me a prosperous farmer and was very happy. The successful farmers were of course mentors to young farmers. How wrong one’s judgment can be!

With a bit of luck here and there I was able to purchase another farm in Keimoes Northern Cape next to the Orange River in 1985 in order for me to get into the market earlier with my grapes. Keimoes is a tough area and really tested me and my family to the extremes. Nonetheless by 1991 we got a grip of the farming there and it started going well.

3. MISFORTUNE IN FARMING

After the initial success my vineyards in De Doorns were infected with bacterial blight, called “Vlamsiek” in Afrikaans, the name says it all: it spreads like fire through certain cultivars. I started replacing vineyards but it was not long before the new vineyards were infected as well. I was stumped. Luckily the farm at Keimoes covered the losses and I could replace around 60% of the vineyards in De Doorns.

When the new vineyards succumbed to blight in 2000 I was devastated. After a hail storm in Keimoes during the same year I realised that the Lord was working with me. I prayed a lot, worked really hard but was a very concerned man. I was afraid of losing my existence. My esteem as one of the successful farmers in the area disappeared because I was not setting an example from which others could learn the way I used to.

The eldest two of our children were at university and the expenses were high. By 2003-04 unfavorable/unfavourable exchange rates had a negative effect on the export industry. This was a further financial setback. I was now even more vexed than before. (You will note that this was in the same year as my transplant)

My theory is that life has four components: religion, family and friends, finance and health. These components are all interlinked. According to society finance and health are the two most important. Our social standing suffers when we are poor and sickly. Only when we lose those two do we realise how important friends, family and religion is.

4. MISFORTUNE IN HEALTH

We often say “I may be broke but at least I am healthy”. The day you realise that you have lost the two basic necessities in life you are really in the hands of the Lord.

By 2003 I started realizing/ realising that I was not healthy. I was tired and irritable; I could not drive properly, had trouble reading and was overly emotional. The doctors could not find anything wrong with me. By December 2003 I was very weak. Only when I was admitted to hospital for a hemorrhoid operation on February 1, 2004, did tests show that my kidneys were not functioning properly. The hemorrhoid operation was done and I was transferred to the N1 hospital near Cape Town. Further tests revealed that the creatinine levels in my blood were already above 500, by far exceeding the normal levels of 90 to 140. After three weeks the count was 1000 and I was told that I suffered kidney failure. I needed to get dialysis treatment and if possible a kidney transplant.

I went to my home in Tergniet where I prayed for a week for the ability to deal with the news. I did not want to look like “those sick people”.

I went back to hospital where the pipe was inserted into my stomach. The dialysis began with a 1-2 liter bag of fluids that was pumped into my stomach and pumped out and replaced after four hours. This process was repeated four times per day. For four months I spent about 50% of my time in hospital.

I received a great deal of support from family and friends. People came to pray for me, people prayed for me over the telephone, old friends and friends from my days of playing rugby came to visit me. Twelve out of the sixteen final school year boys who were in the Paarl Gimnasium Residence in 1968 contacted me.

In the meantime my sister, Louise, a missionary in Malawi, got tested and she was found to be a suitable donor.

5. THE TRANSPLANT

The transplant was done on the first of June 2004. My new kidney was positioned just above my bladder in my left side. My own kidneys were left in place. After two days it seemed like I was making very good progress and after four days I was moved out of ICU. Even though all visitors were covered in sterile clothing to prevent them from spreading germs to me, everything seemed under control.

Nevertheless, my body rejected the kidney after a while. There was a leakage which led to free urine in my intestines and emergency surgery had to be performed. I was devastated and lost all hope. When I regained consciousness I realised that my entire stomach was cut open, the worst part, however, was that they could not find the leak. I was covered in tubes: a catheter, feeding, a pipe from my nose to my stomach, pipes in my neck connected to my arteries, and a morphine pipe through which I could ease my pain.

I occupied my thoughts with a dream of becoming a Springbok bowler if I recovered.

Two days later I was told that the doctors would be operating again. I knew that it would be my last surgery. I never really wanted to pray while I was in hospital because I believed that I prayed before I left my home and that I would pray again when I was back there. But under such circumstances you are constantly praying.

6. BEING A BROKEN MAN

I was completely run down and I want to emphasize the number of ways in which I was reduced to nothing: I was ruined financially and in March 2004 I had no other choice but to resign from a board that was very close to my heart. Furthermore I had been unable to urinate for two months; all fluids were absorbed during dialysis. For three months I had been unable to take a bath or shower at the risk of getting infection, nevertheless the wound got infected anyway. Also, due to swelling my testicles were the size of an ostrich egg. I had diarrhea and could not control my bowel. I was overly emotional, I would listen to a story someone was telling or see someone and start crying. I was dependent on the nurses, my wife and daughter. Meanwhile my eldest son was in Australia, on his way home at that stage, and my youngest in Johannesburg. I could see how worried my visitors were. I could not read books anymore; my thoughts were focused on survival. The medication I used caused hallucinations; I was seeing rats, cockroaches and mice.

7. THE MIRACLE

When the nurse fetched me for the second emergency operation I took her hand as well as the hand of the male porter and that of my personal ICU nurse and I prayed: “Lord, please help me out of this situation, I do not have any more strength”. In the theatre I did the same after the anesthetist put his needle in my arm and we were waiting for the surgeon. After five minutes the surgeon came into the operating room and announced that the operation was cancelled because the urine was decreasing. I felt that God was giving me another chance.

My son, Michael, tells me that at the same time the miracle took place a group of farm women were praying for me in the mountain.

8. THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

In the hospital I started walking again with two nurses, one on each side. My wife and daughter were of great help. I felt like I was regaining my strength.

Thirty days after the miracle I walked out of the hospital, with help and a lazy kidney that was 60% functional. I weighed a full 105 kg when I was admitted and left the hospital weighing 78kg. I lost 27 kg in 5-6 weeks.

At home I recovered quickly. After a month I was able to board a plane to visit a friend in Outjo, Namibia where we went hunting. I shot two Gemsbuck early in the morning.

Back at De Doorns I drove to our nine hole golf course to go walking. After a while I started taking a golf club with me and striking a ball as I was walking. I started driving to my farm in Keimoes (700Km) again. By December 2004 I was back on the board of the company mentioned earlier. I was not completely healthy but my friends reached out towards me and kept me involved.

My son Michael set about taking over the farming. He removed the old grapevines and replaced them with new blight resistant varietals that had become available. He also improved the storage facilities. The Lord carried us through a very difficult time and we had new hope as far as the farming was concerned.

By that time my body was almost functioning normal – all “waterworks” were restored! Emotionally I was much more stable. I started giving testimony about what the Lord has done for me. It was a privilege helping people who were also down to the ground. All of a sudden I belonged to a very special minority group that lived to tell the story.

9. THE WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES

During an examination in May 2006 a doctor told me to try and qualify for the South African Transplant Team. I enquired and had three months to qualify for the Bangkok games that would be taking place in a year’s time. I spent so much time on the golf course that one of the muscles in my back gave in. I qualified with an acceptable handicap of 24. I had a year to practice. But as I started getting healthier I also started working more and had less time to practice. I chipped on our lawn and putted in the hallway. I practiced in between the grapevines. It was a damned sport to get the better of!

Background of the World Transplant Games

The Games had its origin in Portsmouth, England in 1978. Currently the games are held every two years, each time in a different country. To participate, a competitor must have undergone a transplant of the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas or bone marrow. The aim of the World Transplant Games is to encourage transplant patients to start exercising, improve their quality of life and demonstrating it to the public. It also aims to show donors that their good deed is being used to the optimum, to encourage disadvantaged countries and communities towards further development, to promote awareness about organ donation among the public, and furthermore to bring all involved parties, doctors, hospitals, etc., together for closer, better cooperation. According to me the Gospel of the Kingdom of God benefits most from this.

South Africa is today still seen as a world leader when it comes to organ transplants. Especially Dr. Chris Barnard who also contributed by becoming involved in the World Transplant Games earlier on.

10. WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES IN BANGKOK – AUGUST 2007

With my green jacket, although not a Springbok or Protea Jacket, I boarded the plane to Bangkok to join 1400 athletes from across the globe that received organs. It was a marvelous experience. I played very well, a medal of 92 on my handicap of 22 brought me equal to par. I was sixth out of the thirty participants in the 50 to 60 years age category and eighth out of the total of 70 participants. Just being there was a big moment for me and I already had the intention of doing even better in the World Transplant Games in Australia in 2009 (if I was still alive at that stage), to practice more, to enjoy and appreciate everything more, and to take my wife along. I wish every reader could be there. The Taiwanese pulled out all the stops. On arrival every country stood behind its flag.

1. WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES IN AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 2009

Our South African team was supported well by the Department of Sport and was sponsored by the National Lottery. In the old South Africa I was a Springbok, even though nowadays it is a Protea. My dream really became a reality. I noticed on the OR Tambo airport already that we were treated special. We all looked good in our sweat suits and drew attention. On Friday evening, 21 August 2009, after a flight of 30 hours, waiting time at the airports included, we entered our flat at the Gold Coast, South of Brisbane, Australia, where all 2800 athletes and supporters stayed. It reminded me of Durban. The Saturday was the welcoming; there was media, photos being taken, and a mass march on the famous Gold Coast beach.

Welcoming at the Conference Centre

Words could never describe the way it looks and feels walking into a conference centre where 2000 athletes are gathered, all of whom received some or other organ and now represents their country in an official international sporting event. 48 countries were represented by more than 2000 participants, 800 coaches, family and friends and 400 volunteers.

South Africa’s 40 participants and their families were a drop in the bucket compared to more than 200 from the USA, the UK and Australia. Each team entered the building behind its flag accompanied by a Scottish orchestra. I was very proud of my South African flag and fellow participants. Tears of excitement, appreciation, the experience of great moment, flowed freely. The South African team was dressed in a Mandela shirt that was hanging out with long pants; the outfit was very popular among all teams. The welcoming was short and to the point. Beautiful music, performances, introductions to legends: an old man of 90 who has been living with a donated kidney for 35 years, small children who had transplants and donors who were experiencing everything with their families. Those who could not get transplants in time were acknowledged. Almost every speaker mentioned his thankfulness towards the Lord for the opportunity to be there, the privilege to have received an organ, acknowledgement to donors and their families, sympathy with those who could not get organs in time. Everyone was friends, all communicating, even if it was only through laughter. Singing and dancing could be seen everywhere.

We had a five star breakfast at the conference centre, received a take-away for lunch, and returned for dinner that evening. During the day we were transported to different sports fields, the facilities were of the highest standards. We felt the spirit of thankfulness towards God; it was as if every individual, across all language borders were collectively yearning to praise the Lord. The resolution to live life to the fullest was visible on every face. From their figures it was clear that most of them were athletes, strong and well-built.

The reality of knowing how sick they must have been at some stage remains. If we think about the habit of complaining and all the unhappy faces around us it is astonishing to see how they appreciate this second opportunity to live.

The competition

From every country it was expected that its competitors had to meet the qualifying standards. We all participated in age groups of ten years, 19-29 years, 40-49 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60 years and older.

With exception you would find that a younger athlete in his/her age group did not have as much competition. Logically, the older groups had more participants. The most popular items were, swimming, cycling, golf, tennis, badminton, bowling, table tennis, all athletics (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m) all field items, 3-5 km walking and running.

The Monday consisted of participation, practice and buying of that which stayed behind. Also, friendliness changed into the hard reality of competing to win. It was clear that the standards improved annually.

After six days of participation, support and final preparation everything ended on the Saturday afternoon. Our South African team performed very well. I believe it was because most of us were sportsmen even before our transplants and also because we were selected through strict try-outs, after which we practiced hard. I also believe that we were more competitive. The women in our team were excellent walkers while the men did exceptionally well in the badminton and golf. Then there were also certain individuals who won two or three medals individually. South Africa ended 7th with the amount of medals won, a remarkable achievement.

The teams of some countries arrived as much as a week in advance for preparation. There were coaches, physiotherapists and medical doctors in certain teams.

A feeling of unity was established very early on. You immediately realised that you had to do your best because there were motivated athletes. Mutual respect was achieved by observing and acknowledging who had potential and who did not. Many of those who did not receive a medal were better examples because they practiced harder or did not have natural talent or had better opposition. Believe me, you get unbelievable respect and you see the hand of God in many athletes. It is at such times that I resent myself for being too lazy to practice. Every moment, every competition, remains a privilege because you know: Everything is out of mercy.

The Closing Ceremony

Everyone was dressed up in our smart outfits. There was an exchange of T-shirts, sweat suits, caps etc. We enjoyed an outstanding meal, witnessed amazing performances, said goodbye to friends and took some final photos.

Special athletes

A few of the athletes I encountered during this trip really stood out. One of them was an Australian who was married to a South African girl. He came from Brisbane to support South African athletes, Trevor Gird (18) and Alice Vosloo (24). His sister in law died in February 2008 and her heart was transplanted into Trevor and her lungs into Alice. Both of them participated with great success.

Trevor’s sister, Melanie, a very attractive girl and good athlete was also there, she had a heart transplant one year earlier. Can you imagine two children from the same family receiving a heart transplant!

Tracey Jegels (33) had a bone marrow transplant in 1996. She was accompanied by her husband, Brendan, as well as her two infants of one and three years. Everyone just admired them, on the airplane/ aeroplane, they attended everything and Tracey won a gold medal in the 3km walk. Her will to participate was an example of a decision of the will with which she simply persisted.

One of the surgeons who operated on Nkanyesi Biyela, known as Star,during his transplant in November 2003 immigrated to Australia in the meantime and came to visit him during the opening. It was a two hour flight for him and he told Zaretha that Star lived with him for a while because he had no other refuge. Star is a brilliant athlete with a grateful attitude and cheerful personality.

There were also exceptional participants from other countries, among others a blind man who ran the 150m with a guide.

Here are a few examples of times achieved for those at home to measure themselves by:

Women’s 3 km walk

Susan Liebenberg from Amanzimtoti, age 60, had a heart transplant in 2001 and finished in 23 minutes and 1 second which won her a gold medal.

Tracy Jegels from Cape Town, age 33, had a bone marrow transplant in 1996 and finished in 23 minutes, 27 seconds. She also won a gold medal.

Nomkhosi Mbele from Johannesburg, age 35 years, had a kidney transplant in 2005; she finished in 23 minutes, 30 seconds and won a silver medal.

Mens 5 km walking

In the 50 to 60 year age group the winner was a Polish gentleman, who finished in 28 minutes, 40 seconds.

Four South Africans participated in the 50 to 60 year age group but with times above 34 minutes they just were not fast enough for a medal.

A gentleman from England was the winner in the 60 to 70 year age group with a time of 33 minutes and 26 seconds.

Men’s 400m

In the age group 40 to 50 years, the winner was an Australian with a time of 58.8 seconds.

In the age group 50 to 60 years the winner was from England and finished in 1 minute and 3 seconds.

The age group 50 to 60 years was won by a Dutchman with a time of 12.9 seconds

In the 40 to 50 year age category Sakkie Van Der Westhuizen achieved a fourth position with a time of 13.46 seconds. Sakkie also won the high jump with a height of 1.45 m (quite an achievement for a 42 year old) and also finished in third position in the men’s 200m.

Shot-put (5kg)

The 50 to 60 year age category was won by a competitor from England with a winning distance of 10.95m. I was fifth with a distance of 9.43m.

However, everyone was considered a winner.

At night during dinner individuals would sing and give performances. That was where CJ Etzebeth, 62, from Cape Town, got a standing ovation for his version of Dean Martin songs.

Kosie Laubscher's gold medal in golf (50 - 60 years age category)

Dale Hayes’ comments about the course: “South Africa’s Transplant Golfers have just returned from the World Transplant Games at the Royal Pines Golf Resort Naroona on the Gold Coast in Australia. The golf course is the home of the ANZ Ladies' Masters every year and there are water features on 9 of the 18 holes and well placed bunkers that require accurate approach shots”.

Pictures tell stories:

Our team with athletes from the USA

Attie and Zaretha, “Bob”

The medal winners

Eligible Stephan and Coenraad

Sakkie, Ronel and Magda

A picture of me with an athlete from Sudan, he was so glad to see me even though we do not understand a word the other speaks!

The athletics pavilion

Children from Japan

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Photos on previous page, starting on the top left

Practice tee in the early morning.

Our golf cart with our names

A number of golf carts waiting in anticipation

Two from the top: My captain studies the map

Golf cars on their way to the shotgun start.

John and Heilie waiting to tee off

Middle : Ball in the water

Heilie wins gold

John Tofte enjoying a beer

Kosie and omnipresent supporter Willie Uys.

Photo bottom right is our four ball: an Australian, Kosie, and a Taiwanese and an Austrian

On Tuesday, 25 August, Koos Du Toit from Standard Bank, who had a kidney transplant in 1995, and I played together against 30 other teams from different countries. The handicap was added together and divided by four, for example 22 + 22 = 44, 44/4 = 11. We played a medal, each time from the best stroke. The only unusual rule was that we had to play a minimum of six times from each player’s drive. Our total number of strokes were 79, minus the 11 handicap brought us to 68. The winners were New Zealand with 66, the second and third places both ended with a score of 67, meaning that we just missed it!

Thursday, 27 August, was D-Day for the golfers. It was medal on your high handicap. Different to the Bangkok Games there was much stricter control over the handicaps in Australia. By that time I had played on the course twice and had a good idea of which clubs to use when and where. I was very nervous but could sense that my competitors were feeling the pressure as well. There were four of us: an Australian, a Taiwanese, an Austrian, and myself. The Taiwanese was the “gevaarman” (Afrikaans for dangerous one) one to beat because he won a medal in Bangkok. By the 9th hole the Taiwanese and I had equal scores of 7 strokes above par. I made a mistake at the tenth hole and was set back one strike. But after that I played two holes par consecutively that left me with a score of 9 until the twelfth hole, where he made mistakes. The last holes I played one strike above par each, not taking chances but rather playing with caution. That brought me to 85 gross minus 22 handicap, thus a nett score of 63. That won me medal for my age group of 50 to 60 years against 25 other participants. Most of the other participants are retired and practice daily. Out of the overall group of 60 I ended second, which was a great honor. To me it was a miracle, a dream come true. I really burst into tears. I could not honor the Lord enough for what had happened.

My big moment! A picture of the winners in the 50 to 60 years age category: South Africa in first position, Netherlands second and Ireland third.

After the Games Zaretha and I spent another ten days touring Australia

A warm welcome at Cape Town Airport!

Finally, back at home in our daily routine we so often forget about our privileges such as health, food on our table, our family and the privilege to be able to work. When we spend time in other foreign company with your thoughts more focused on your privileges you appreciate everything, yes everything so much more.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the course of the last five years, to every sponsor, every golf player who supports organ donation, for every contribution, a great thank you.

Feel free to contact me on 082 376 8623 should you wish for me to tell my story about the hand of God in organ donation in my life at your club, congregation, society or workplace. I will gladly testify.

11. FOOTNOTE

My sister, Louise Laubscher

Before donating her kidney to me, Louise considered returning to South Africa after 20 years of missionary work for the Dutch Reformed Church in Malawi. At that stage her life was endangered by Malaria. After the removal of the kidney she has never suffered from Malaria again.

She eventually resigned as missionary for the church and started working as an independent missionary. This was a big move. She received a lot of support from California in the USA and still from her old South African congregations and many individuals. She speaks the language of the locals in Malawi, she writes booklets, and she provides training. It is not an easy life. She only comes home three times a year.

Feel free to contact her on 002651972652 or 00265888309654 if you would like her to speak to your congregation about her work or go visit her in Malawi.

Louise’s Life: Photo’s where Louise is busy with training. Pay attention to the happy faces and expressions of gratitude.

Top right: Visitors from congregations from South Africa and the USA

Citrus Season Week 21

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:03:00 GMT

The EXSA Citrus season is in full swing

Star Ruby and Marsh grapefruit was packed in the Tshipise area of the Limpopo province. The fruit has excellent skin finish the flesh has good sugars and acid.


Grape Fruit Grape Fruit , ready to be exported

EXSA has started packing Navels in the Marble Hall area. Fruit has excellent sugars with good eating quality. We will see peak harvest over the next few weeks.


  Navals being sorted    EXSA Navals

New Citrus Season

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 07:42:00 GMT

New Citrus season of 2011

EXSA will pack its first Grapefruit in week 16 from the Tshipise area. The two Grapefruit cultivars are Star Ruby and Marsh grapefruit. This stock will find its way into Europe. Tshipise is one of the earliest areas for Grapefruit. This area also producers excellent Valencia type cultivars starting around week 24 harvest and will continue until week 30.

Star Ruby Grapefruit Marlene Carlitz with Citrus Producers New crop for 2011

The Grape Season of 2011 is at an end in the Hex River Valley now. Thank you to all our producers and customers.

Pictures of the 2010 / 2011 season


Red Globe in Trawal    EXSA Gold Packing in the vineyard

EXSA Producers excels again

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 09:48:00 GMT

Best Vineyard Block Competition Jan 2011

The Hexriver Valley once again held the vineyard block competition in January. There were 18 entries, with cultivars ranging from Crimson Seedless, Red Globe and Ralli to Midnight Beauty.

This competition is held annually to distinguish vineyard blocks that are tended to a very high standard and display outstanding quality grapes for export purposes. Overall quality and production is emphasized as winning criteria.

Two of Exsa’s producers were amongst the entries. Paul Reynecke of the farm Mooiuitsig, (manager at Leon Viljoen) entered with a block Ralli, and Pierre Joubert of the farm Buffelskraal with a block Red Globe. Joubert was placed second (final judging decision) and Reynecke landed fourth.Both producers said that their farm workers played the key role in getting the awards.

Alfred, Pierre, Japie that was second Red Globe of the second place block Paul, Martha and Zet that was fourth

Congratulations to them, EXSA is very proud of our winners.

Harvest News week 1

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:11:00 GMT

The Hex River Valley has start harvesting .

Most of the producers have start harvesting in full this week. The Grapes are of sound quality with good colour and sugars. Cultivars being packed are Flame Seedless, Ralli Seedless and Sugraone.

Ralli Seedless packed Flame Seedless packed in Punnets

The new Hexpak pack house has also opened its doors this week, with Flame being packed.

Hexpak ( Hexpack) in working

Workers cleaning the bunches Flame Seedless being packed in punnets

Harvest News Week 51

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:34:00 GMT

The Orange River and Trawal area is now packing in full.

Keimoes - Orange River Trawal

Cultivars being packed are Flame, Sugraone, Ralli, and Victoria. Grapes are of good quality with high sugars and with good color.

Area’s like the Berg River valley will start packing in a week’s time and the Hex River Valley a week later

.

Flame Seedless being packed Sugraone packed in the new EXSA ziplock

Exsa family excels again

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:43:00 GMT

In 2010 three Exsa employees achieved top honors in the Farmworker of the Year competition, sponsored by the Dept. of Agriculture (Western Cape) as well as Sanlam.

This fruit production industry competition was initiated after the need arose to provide employers and employees with a platform to improve and upgrade management skills, leadership and production, and reward personal improvement.

Local competitions are held in all relevant production areas, with accolades awarded to all areas in which Exsa produces.
This good news follows that of the past 6 years, in which Exsa employees have consistently won about 60% of the competition categories. This proves that Exsa’s dedication to training and social upliftment has been successful.

Western Cape Minister of agriculture : Gerrit van Rensburg with the winner in the Hex Valley : Jan Maritz and Poen Jordaan

Damon Janse (Technical Operator Award), Diedre Malgas (Administrative Personnel Award), Jacob Morris (Irrigation Specialist Award) all employed by Poen Jordaan (Director) Exsa

The category winners in the Hex Valley

Congratulations to all winners!

Harvest News Week 46

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 04:33:00 GMT

First grapes was packed of the new season 2010 - 2011. The season is about 10 days earlier this year.

On the farm Langgewacht of Kosie Laubscher (Upinton area) the first Flame and Prime was packed this week. Good colour, berry size, and sugars.

At Trawal (Western Cape) Prime was also harvested on the farm Klein Vaalwater of Leon Viljoen. Also good sugar and berry size. This is the earliest harvest time out of this area ever.

Week 46 and 47 harvest will be on the shelf’s before Christmas.