Maureen Tempelman (65) is one of the admins on the ‘Brakpanites’ Facebook group. Maureen is married to Frans Tempelman (68) and has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her son and daughter have sadly both passed away.
Having lived in Brakpan for many years, Maureen recently moved to Springs to be with family. She remains passionate about the town and has co-owned a local business for 25 years.
• Tell us about Brakpanites. When was it started, by whom and why?
Raymond James Phoenix started the group on September 21, 2012, to notify the community of all happenings and information pertaining to Brakpan – whether it be bad or good.
We are now over 10 000 members strong – those who went to school here, grew up here and moved from the town they once loved and of which they have fond memories, and also current residents of Brakpan.
We have a great caring and passionate admin team who serve the community of Brakpan with their time, patience and efforts.
They are Shawn Hefer, Ana Cardoso, Bryan Coetzee and Madelein Greyling Stoltz.
• What is your occupation?
Co-owner of Speed Queen Specialists.
• What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Be humble, kind and respectful.
• Who is your role model and why?
My grandmother and mother, who taught me respect and values.
• How would you describe yourself?
Humorous, caring, loving, very family-orientated and a nature and animal lover.
• If you had the power to solve one and only one problem in the world, what would it be and why?
To eradicate poverty.
It saddens me to see anything or anybody suffering, especially the elders who were the pillars of our community who worked their entire lives only to be left in dire straits, unable to make ends meet.
The suffering of children living in poverty-stricken circumstances – I often wish I had a magic wand to make this all go away.
• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
Gardening, reading, knitting and crocheting.
My special interest is helping the children and elderly of our community.
• What is your favourite thing about Brakpan?
The people of our town.
I have met some really wonderful people here in Brakpan.
• What do you see as the greatest strength of this community?
How the people stand together to help others when it really matters.
• What is your greatest concern for this community? What do you see as its greatest needs?
Crime and drugs are the biggest concerns for most of us, as it is in many towns.
For the Ekurhuleni metro to step up regarding service delivery issues.
Also read: Public invited to comment on proposed Brakpan North mining project
Twins are passionate about serving the community
Giving a helping hand to the community
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