Leaving a legacy, North Coast seniors golf association founder moves to South Coast
Ballito will be the poorer when popular resident Arno de Wet moves to the South Coast at the end of this month.
It is uncommon to find in a person both the gift for uniting people towards a common cause and the humility that keeps them out of the spotlight.
Ballito will be the poorer when popular resident Arno de Wet moves to the South Coast at the end of this month.
The 86 year old, originally from Clocolan in the Free State, retired from farming and insurance broking in 1991 to live in Ballito.
A keen golfer, he started the North Coast seniors golf association in 2001 and drove a madly successful charity clothes collection for many years.
He enjoyed golf and bowls at Umhlali Country Club and served on the provincial bowls executive committee for many years.
At a farewell event held by the North Coast seniors at Simbithi Country Club last Thursday, seniors player Alvin Els said Arno had always been a passionate man.
.
“His extreme sense of humour made him such an easy person to chat to and play with. We seniors thank him for all the work he has done and for starting the senior golf league. Above all, I will miss his personality,” said Els.
Under Arno’s care the seniors golf grew from 50 players to about 120 at every outing.
“The North Coast seniors are known for their very unique fellowship and camaraderie. Dave Cousens will now take over the reins and I know that it is in very capable hands,” said Arno, who is also a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, giving rise to an annual Christian golf day for charity. He will continue to run this project.
A highlight of his time here has been belonging to 2 Christian men’s groups, meeting once a week over a cup of coffee for scripture, prayer and testimonies.
One used to be hosted by the old Gianni’s and the other by Waterberry, which now hosts both events.
“These meetings acted very much as fuel for my life.
“I only experienced love, respect and goodwill during my stay here. I will miss the generosity and goodwill of the kind-hearted people in Ballito who do more than their share for the less privileged.”
He and his wife will be moving to a retirement village that offers frail care.
That’s called future planning, quipped Arno.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
