An exchange of information about a noteworthy baobab in rural Limpopo was the introduction to an acquaintance with legendary eightysomething Flip Wessels.
It must have been a decade or so ago that he first shared information about a baobab in the area of Modjadjiskloof - where he was a trader - for a newspaper story about the King of Ga-Ratjeke, which was reportedly later classified the second largest tree in South Africa and declared a champion tree. Years later it was learnt that he drew attention to another giant of the forest at Ditsotsing, also in the Modjajdjiskloof area. He relayed knowledge of names and numerals carved into the bark of the tree dating back to 1889, hinting at the assumption that it could have served as gathering place for meetings in yonder years.
During the odd meeting, in phone calls or on occasional Sunday morning walks he enlightened with his vast general knowledge and in return prompted opinion about the political situation in the country. Since having swapped Polokwane for a small town in the Free State last year, not much has changed as reliance on technology ensures a flow of conversation about a host of topics that gets covered in a single call.
His journey has taken him back to his roots, for he related having grown up on a farm some 20 km from Virginia in the Free State where he learnt Sesotho from his minder, Mpai. This stood him in good stead later in life, having spent 32 years in Limpopo where he could quench an insatiable interest in culture.
Liberally crossing the divide between cultural dynamics and dictates as well as a detesting of any form of racism are the most obvious denominators we have in common. Throw into the mix his affinity for reading matter and in particular history, for sharing a wealth of stories and anecdotes from roadtripping adventures, a love for nature and a passion for woodwork, his sense of humour and a teachable spirit.
Flip Wessels is proof that life's learning curve never has to end. Limpopo’s loss is evidently the Free State’s gain.
* Photo: Supplied
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