My daydreaming of winning the Lotto was rudely interrupted the other day by the news that Elon Musk, the Pretoria-born fellow who owns X and Tesla and Space-X etc, is now worth US$400-billion. That’s, umm, three times bigger than the South African annual budget.

Not much I can do to catch up in this lifetime, so I went back to daydreaming.

Imagine it is the year 100 000 BC. You’re immortal. You decide to save $10 000 every day and never spend a cent. To work out how much money you have saved, 102 024 years later, multiply the daily savings by the number of days in those years.

There are 365 days in a year, so for 102 024 years, you’d have 102024 times 365 days. Then, multiply that result by $10 000. Here’s the calculation: 102 024 years × 365 days/year = 372 238 760 days Now, 372238760 days × $10 000/day = 372 387 600 000. So, you’d have $372.3-billion. You would still be $27.7-billion – or R498.6-billion – short!

As we wrap up 2024, the Courier has served as more than just a newspaper; it’s been a mirror reflecting the life, spirit, and resilience of the North Coast community.

From cultural festivals to business innovations, from celebrating local heroes to showcasing young talent, 2024 has been a year of community, growth, and engagement.

During the year residents named their local heroes, those unsung champions who spend their days picking up litter and their nights organising community events. There were more people nominated then I could hope to be able to name! No gold medals, but they have our hearts, and that’s worth more than any bling, right?

This growing area generates a fair amount of conflict, mainly caused by the huge increase in traffic and the insatiable demand for electricity. Weekly I offer thanks for the solar system we installed as the power grid goes down again.

Developers earned major brownie points by upgrading the Sheffield Beach/Salt Rock intersection. We look forward to them tackling the N2/Seaton intersection.

Elections were on everybody’s minds at home and abroad. Former president Jacob Zuma’s brand-new MK party staggered everyone – the ANC most of all – by sweeping the boards in KZN. There is panic, to put it mildly, behind the scenes for what might happen at the 2026 local elections. Is MK a flash in the pan, or what?

Also at top of mind was Donald’s sweeping victory in the US elections. Love him or hate him, it seems he is poised to make big changes. He’s going to make Elon Musk (he of the $400-billion) chief czar of reforming government systems. Musk has his eye firmly on the stupendous changes being made in Argentina by President Javier Milei.

In one year he has abolished 12 government departments and slashed inflation. The man has massive cojones. Wish we had someone like him here.

But June twisted the knife when a tornado decided to play “wrecking ball” in Tongaat, reminding us that Mother Nature has the ultimate veto power over our plans. The aftermath was a testament to our community’s resilience, though. It was like everyone turned into superheroes, minus the capes.

The Ballito Pro World Surf Tour contest celebrated its 55th year, again drawing an outstanding field of international and national surfers to Willard Beach. Winners were Ian Gouveia of Brazil and Bella Kenworthy of USA.

The Courier has chronicled a year where we’ve laughed, cried, and rebuilt. From volunteering to voting, from cultural fiestas to facing the fury of the weather, we’ve seen it all.

As we look towards 2025, let’s remember: no matter what, the North Coast will keep on dancing, reading, driving and, most importantly, laughing together.

Here’s to more stories, more surprises, and hopefully fewer tornadoes.

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A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

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