Lappies downs tools for final retirement
The Labuschagnes will be using their retirement time to focus on their hobbies such as hunting and caravanning.
Well know resident and caretaker of the Unicor Dam near Evander, Mr Lappies Labuschagne (79), has finally downed tools and is looking forward to his fourth and final retirement.
Mr Labuschagne worked for the gold mines for 39 years.
When he retired from the mines he and his wife, Ms Hendrika Labuschagne, hooked up their caravan and set out to tour South Africa.
However, retirement did not last for very long for the couple who began getting tired of doing nothing and both Mr Labuschagne and his wife went to work with their son, Mr Tinnus Labuschagne, at a gun shop in Trichardt.
The business closed its doors and after five years of service at Impala Outdoor, Mr Labuschagne was employed at DHL for another four to five years.
“The business was then sold and that is when I decided I had had enough,” said Mr Labuschagne.
But the working bug kept biting.
One of Mr Labuschagne’s daughters had told him of the Unicor Dam and of the grass that was overgrown in the area.
The owners were approached, who at that time said they already had a caretaker, however, they took Mr Labuschagne’s CV.
“We handed his CV in on a Monday,
“The Thursday he went for an interview and by the Saturday the owners had let us know that Lappies had gotten the job,” said Ms Labuschagne.
Mr Labuschagne dedicated 13 years of service and both he and his wife are permanent residents at the Unicor Dam.
“I love nature and being outside,” said Mr Labuschagne.
When Mr Labuschagne retired from the mines his farewell was held at the Unicor Dam hall and on Saturday, December 4, residents held a retirement party for Mr Labuschagne at the very same hall.
The couple married in 1967 and have three daughters, Ms Erika Bouwer, Ms Lizette Janse van Rensburg, Ms Ronell le Roux, and their son Mr Tinnus Labuschagne.
They also have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
“He will be 80 years old next year. He can still work but it is now time.
“We want to enjoy our last days with each other and have more time with our children and grandchildren,” said Ms Labuschagne.
The Labuschagnes will also be using their retirement time to focus on their hobbies such as hunting and caravanning.
They thanked all the residents at Unicor Dam for the retirement party and support over the years.
