On top of the world for Ballito resident’s 91st birthday

Taking to the skies for a birds-eye-view of the small coastal town he has been part of for decades was a birthday wish come true for Ballito’s Michel Robert.

Michel, fondly known as ‘Guppa’or ‘Grandpère’ by his grandchildren, is one of Ballito’s longstanding residents and celebrated his 91st birthday with a memorable microlight flight along the Dolphin Coast on Tuesday.

What made this special occasion even more memorable, was having Michel’s grandson, Chris Sibbald, take him up himself at the Ballito Microlight Club.

Of the many attractions seen from the air, the ones that stood out the most were views of Marichel near Thompson’s Bay – a holiday apartment block which took over the original cottage built there by Michel in the 60’s, about the same time his father-in-law, Charles de Charmoy built the Thompson’s Bay tidal pool.

“When I first built the cottage, it was all bush. Ballito didn’t even exist,” said Michel, who arrived in South Africa from Mauritius in 1946.

The cottage was then knocked down in the early 2000’s and Marichel was built – named after both Michel and his wife, Mari.

Michel was also flown over the farm which he lived for many years, and holds precious memories.

Like going down memory lane, seeing the Dolphin Coast from a different perspective was an unforgettable experience for Michel, which was made even more exciting with views of sting rays and manta rays bobbing about in the water as they flew down the coastline from Sheffield to Zimbali.

“I really enjoyed it. The weather was great and I was very lucky to have such a great pilot!” said Michel, who has seven children, 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“Now I have done just about everything I have ever wanted.”

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