May 17, 2022
KVV | A Note from Janene Marais
“Come, little leaves,” said the wind one day,
“Come o’er the meadows with me and play;
Put on your dresses of red and gold,
For summer is gone and the days grow cold.”
By: George Cooper
The shorter days in autumn is a sign for trees to close down their food production systems and reduce the amount of chlorophyll in their leaves. Chlorophyll makes leaves green and as it declines other chemicals become more prominent. These are responsible for the vibrant ambers, reds and yellows of autumn.
There is a reason for every season, also in life. Falling autumn leaves is a good example of the beauty in letting the right things go at the right time.
Letting go of negative things in your life, makes room for a positive outlook. Conflict and hurt or mistakes are inevitable, but we do have control over how we respond to it. Don’t cling to a mistake just because you’ve spent a lot of time making it. Holding on to a negative experience, conversation or thought can very much stand in your way of pursuing more happiness and joy in your life.
So, as the season is changing what do you need to let go of? What do you need to be bare and honest with yourself about? As nature changes, the blossoms and leaves falling, may it become a reminder to ourselves of letting go of whatever is holding you back.
Along with change comes growth. Are you willing to grow in the seasons of life?
Kind Regards
Janene Marais | Associate
April 26, 2022
Just like that the first quarter of the year is done
Just like that the first quarter of the year is done. It seems like just yesterday that we all sat together around Christmas trees and here we are, having celebrated Easter already. The months just flew by.
We all know that time goes by quicker every year, or so it seems. I read somewhere that a year feels so much shorter as you get older as your brain has the amazing capacity to fit the year into the entire timeline of your life. A year feels longer when you are 5 years old because 1 year equals 20% of your life. That same year however amounts to only 5% of your life when you are 20 and your mind balances this out making the year feel much shorter.
I often sit back and consider the days when I was in primary school. A year, or even a quarter of the year, just felt like it went on forever. I look back on those days with wonder and awe. You see, as adults we tend to lose sight of the promise that time holds and we tend to lose sight of what can be accomplished in what we perceive to be a short amount of time. My daughter is 18 months old, I am astonished when I consider the vast array of successes that she has accomplished in 18 months. She has learnt to walk on her own, learnt to wash her own hands at the sink (and learnt to carry the step to the sink in just the right way to enable this), learnt to communicate with extreme efficiency without using words and is well on her way to speaking fluently. From infancy to where she is now is mind blowing – and here is the best part of it all – her and I have always had the same amount of time all through these last 18 months, yet I did not learn to master anything nearly as well as she has. Her successes in the last 18 months has literally changed her life forever.
When I take time with my family to rest over the coming public holidays, I intend to let my mind wander over the passage of time. I want to go back and view time in the same way that I did when I was 5. When a year was still long and the list of things that I wanted to accomplish, build and become in that year was long, courageous and life altering. I want to go back to a space where I can look at the remaining 3 quarters of this year not as something that is rushing by, but rather look at the year as something that is far from over and brimming with possibility and promise. Something in which so much more is yet to be accomplished. I want to invite you too to consider time in this way when you cast your mind over your life.
Ianthe Biggs | Conveyancing
March 1, 2022
KVV | A Note from our Director
Simplicity, Creativity and Practicality
Some years ago, I heard a very popular story about the space race between two prominent nations, which carries a strong message of simplicity, creativity and practicality. I have now learned that the story is a myth, but nevertheless I continue to be impressed with the message of the story. The story, which many of you have heard or read countless times goes like this: during the space race age the one nation’s astronauts realized that they could not use a pen in space. Because of gravity dynamics the ink in the pen would become unstable and the pen could not write in space. This presented a challenge as astronauts needed to take notes. It is said that to fix this problem millions in dollars were spent in research and development to create a pen that could write in space. Apparently, the other nation’s astronauts resolved to take a pencil to space. According to the story the latter saved a lot of time and money by taking a simple, creative and practical route. According to experts the solution of a pencil in space, in practice, is also a bad idea. But nevertheless, I remain intrigued by the message of simplicity, creativity and practicality carried in the tale.
We are often confronted by challenges in our lives and in our work environment. Because we are perhaps directly affected and consumed by the need for solutions, we sometimes overlook solutions that are existing. This is because we sometimes immediately perceive a challenge to be a problem. A problem by its nature requires a solution and a solution requires us to get to work, lineup resources and find it (the solution).
I listen quite a lot and hence this story caught my ear. One of the things which I have also heard is that not all closed doors are locked doors. Sometimes a situation does not require a solution it requires action. Like taking a pencil when a pen cannot write or extending your hand to a doorknob of a closed door and opening it.
All things considered I guess it is also correct to say that every situation has its solution. The point which I make is that not all solutions need to be created. This is perhaps properly reflected in the phrase that says do not reinvent the wheel. Simple, creative and practical works. I hope each and everyone of you finds a solution and/or takes the necessary action to solve whatever challenge you may be facing and in doing so consider simplicity, creativity and practicality.
Kind Regards
Joseph Leotlela | Director
January 31, 2022
KVV | A Note from our Director
Welcome to the end of the first month of 2022!
Are you still on path with the new year’s resolutions, or was it the first weeks to do list and nothing came from it? Whether you believe in new years resolutions or not, every new year brings an opportunity to reflect on your current position, status and then accept or challenge the status quo.
This topic reminds me of a great book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, the concept of small daily habits that compound to great results. We often first experience a ‘Plato’ before any big significant results. The key though, is to stay disciplined until the habit becomes a part of your new norm. According to James Clear, real results will be achieved if we focus on the systems to reach the goal and not on the goal itself. How are your systems and habits transpiring into your goals? Will they pave the way to personal and professional success?
According to many futurists, the biggest challenge of 2022 will be the mental health of our society. We often have clear milestones and actions in place to reach all the work and physical related goals in our lives but forget of the vital and pivotal goals of our mental wellbeing. We at KVV want to encourage you to set strong goals for your heart and mind in 2022.
It appears that we will see more employees returning to offices, the semi migration to continue to the Western Cape and an increase in interest rates to around 8%. We can continue to expect rapid change in the world of work and performance, so let us buckle up.
Whatever your circumstances, challenges, goals and habits, keep on growing, developing and building.
We will continue to foster our partnerships and relationship with you as we drive results that will contribute to you reaching your goals in 2022!
Kind Regards
Diaan Van Wyk | Director
December 17, 2021
KVV | A Note from our Director
And so, we enter the festive season and I am almost caught by surprise. The year has been a hard year for many of us. Covid left its mark wherever we look. Some were sick, some lost a dear one and then some more.
It reminds me how we should value our relationships with those around us, especially our loved ones. They are the ones that carry you through your hardships, and they are the ones we miss the most when they suddenly are taken away.
I have learned that I spend so much time on me, myself, and that I make many excuses, and sometimes rationalize, when I neglect to put time and effort into building and strengthening meaningful relationships with my wife, kids and those dear to me.
I have also learned the hard way that yesterday is lost if not used, today is all I have, and tomorrow is but a promise and not a guarantee.
This festive season take time to reflect on how we can spend more time building and strengthening our relationships with those dear to us. Through living life deeply with our loved ones, we build meaningful family values and memories. But most of all we give and commit ourselves to our loved ones and they become our focus and priority. We are here for them and to help them become better persons, sons, daughters.
Make it all about them and not Me, Myself and I.
Kind Regards
Roy Kapp | Director
November 15, 2021
KVV Inc | Summer Happiness and Holidays!
Our sunny welcoming South African summer is here!
Take it in with all your senses! Embrace the smell of sunblock! The sound of the birds and laughter of the kids playing outside! Notice the change of colour around you in your summer wardrobe, the swimming towels and vibrant colour of summer salads and cold drinks!
Enjoy and cherish the time with your loved ones!
The other day my three-year-old son asked me to play with him outside, tired and really just wanting to relax inside, I tried to squash myself into our little sand pit. With wonder in his eyes he looked up at me and said “I am sitting with you Mommy”. That is it. That is what’s important – just be present!
Get some rest!
We all know how busy the holiday season can be. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of all the preparation tire you out. Rest will pay off in the new year and ensure that you are able to be present in the precious moments that count the most!
Spend your money wisely
The malls over flowing with excitement and holiday music can make it hard to resist the “On sale” sign.
Some tips that might help with your finances this season:
- Keep a list (Yes, even Santa knows it’s wise to keep a list! This will help you to focus on that which is planned and budgeted for).
- Don’t over spend on your credit card, if you don’t have money for this now, when will you be able to pay it back? If you don’t have a reasonable answer to that question, rethink your purchase.
- More than “deserving” the item (you don’t have money for) – remember you don’t deserve the emotional stress that comes in January when all the holiday lights are out. Emotional health is just as important!
SO, this year before you enter December 2021, plan and focus on having a memorable and meaningful…
… a festive but peaceful
…. fun filled but wise Festive season!
Kind Regards
Janene Marais | Associate
October 7, 2021
October 2021 News from KVV
Dear Client
Recently the world sat in awe as we watched athletes from across the world compete in the Olympics. One thing that always stands out for me is that the principle that I was taught in primary school when running a 400m race is still practiced by the worlds’ elite athletes. The principle that our coaches taught was that when you run a 400m race you run with your whole heart but it is in the last 100 meters where you need to throw all caution to the wind, dig deep and lay it all out in the field. The last 100m of the race is where the race is won, where we see the type of grit and glory that inspires us. It’s that last 100m that captures the imagination of the world and draws millions of people worldwide to watch these races on the edge of their seats.
To me, the coming of October month has always been the start of the last 100m for any given year. Three quarters of the year lies behind us. When October starts I always find my mind drifting to the three quarters of the year that has passed. I take stock of the things I learned and experienced, the unmerited blessings I received, the hurts and losses I experienced. My mind wanders through the year, the lows sharply contrasted by the highs and I always stop to make room for the impact of all these events to shape me as a person, to let it matter, to let it sink in.
This year was no exception to this process and I think for many people this was a year in which uncertainty reigned and the losses suffered were devastating. 2021 has not been the fairest or most palatable year for most people I speak to. But 2021 is not yet over, it is the coming quarter, the last 100m, that defines the race, defines the players that run in the race, that shows the guts and the glory that inspires nations and brings people together. So let’s dig deeper than we ever have before, push through the sore muscles, look past the sweat stinging our eyes and let’s finish this year like the elite athletes we are.
Regards
Ianthe Biggs | Conveyancer
September 7, 2021
KVV | A Note from our Director
Dear Client
Writing something inspiring in the beginning of September should be easy. There is so much to take positive inspiration from – we just ended Womens Month in August, it is the start of Spring and nature is waking up with blooms and blossoms wherever you look, and we are celebrating heritage month in our lovely country South Africa this month.
But the truth of the matter is, this is not a normal Spring season. Instead of walking around with smiles on our faces, smelling the roses as we go, we have to wear facemasks when out in public. Instead of attending spring festivals and planning holidays with loved ones, we are forced to social distance and nobody is sure when we will be able to gather in large numbers again. We are waking up every day to more news of loved ones being tested positive, and even the devastating heart-breaking news of loved ones passing on, not surviving the virus. People are scared and confused – vaxxers and anti-vaxxers are criticising each other on social media. No one knows what is lying ahead for us in the months and years to come. One thing that is sure though, is that nothing will ever be the same again.
Having said all that, I am still going to refer you to a story from nature. My grandmother had an Amaryllis flower, which flowered so well over the years that all of our family members have been fortunate enough to receive a bulb. Each year we would announce to each other “ouma is blooming”, when the pink flowers start to blossom.
My “ouma” plant sadly was eaten by worms this year – within the midst of everyday live and tragedy I saw too late that the leaves were turning brown. An early sign of worms eating at the bulb of the plant. I gave the necessary pesticide, but sadly it seemed to be too late as all the leaves of the plant died away.
Over the past weekend, I looked at my “ouma” plant and to my surprise I saw the green of a flower sprouting out of the bulb! The plant has no leaves, has been eaten rotten by worms, but not only is it not dead, it still has the energy to produce a flower!!
Sometimes looking at nature makes me feel small and even a little embarrassed. Through all the turmoil we face in our daily lives, we as humans many times feel like we cannot go on. Like the “worms” of our existence have eaten away at everything that could ever be considered as beautiful in our lives. May you, like me, take inspiration from the lesson learned from this little Amaryllis plant. May we stand proud through our storms – and not only survive them, but still find the energy to produce a beautiful flower!
July 2, 2021
KVV | A Note from our Director
Dear Client
Are you wearing enough PPE to protect your income?
All over the world, the fear, worry, sadness and loss, that are spread with the virus are unprecedented.
Together we are fiercely trying to combat the virus, by following the COVID-19 protocols, whether we are at home or work, whether we are buying groceries or picking up our children from school.
For the COVID protocols to achieve their purpose, each one of us needs to take up the responsibility of abiding by the safety rules personally, regardless of what lockdown level we are in.
But not only is our health at risk, so is our businesses, our income, our salaries, our bread and butter on the table. Just as important as our lives and health are, so is our healthcare system and keeping a roof over our heads. And someone needs to pay for that… and that someone is the salary earner.
This begs the question what PPE are we wearing to protect our income?
Yes, we do not have control over the job losses and businesses closing on a global scale, but don’t let the fear of the uncontrollable make you underestimate your worth in contributing to the economy, by “earning your salary”.
Food needs to be packed to reach our tables, Insurance companies needs profitable companies to invest with to pay out, income tax needs to be generated to fund hospitals. Every individual contributes on a larger scale, more than you and I realise.
As you sit behind your desk at work, or in isolation at home behind your desktop, with your kids playing around your feet – take hold of your commitment and responsibility to keep whatever business you are in going.
Protect your company`s productivity by not letting your emotional state get the better of you. For the sake of our economy, stay strong and focus on how you influence those around you. That is a difference that only you, have the power to make.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said:
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear”.
In time we will look back on what we’ve overcame and be grateful for the effort we’ve made to keep as much standing as possible, even when the world caves down around us. You are making a contribution. Focus on how you influence those around you. Be a difference maker!
Kind Regards
Diaan Van Wyk | Director
April 20, 2021
KVV | A Note from our Director
By now almost everyone has heard or encountered phrases such as “the new normal” or even more hectic concepts like “VUCA” (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity). No doubt the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic threw the world, as we know it, into a tailspin. Suddenly we found ourselves in the world of uncertainty. We started having discussions we never had before regarding our reality and its volatility. Many became alive to what is important and began to appreciate even the insignificant. A colloquial “walk in the park” was yearned for. Just to make a point.
Our reality may have been bended by a pandemic. However, I submit that it is equally true that humans have experienced worse. Imagine a pandemic in an age where there is no advanced communication, medical devices and advanced science to treat or manage the pandemic. Without digressing I wish to make a point that the human journey is that of resilience.
There have been instances in history where cities were levelled by war, people left hopeless by unexpected life events like the emergence of a pandemic. However, through it all, what has proved to be consistent in every encounter is human resilience. Levelled cities were raised more majestic and what was a novel organism became old and understood.
Like most people, at the peak of the pandemic, when all was but bleak I subscribed to the notion of the “new normal”. But recently, perhaps controversially so I have stated that all I see is return to the “normal” and the “new normal” appears to be dissipating. Perhaps I am experiencing and observing the effects of resilience. Where things inevitably normalize. This is my personal opinion.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage lifes and livelihoods. The cost is too much. The best we can do, I would argue, is to sustain each other while the storm withers. We can do so by extending a helping hand where we can. Protect others by complying to established protocols to curb the spread and be generous where circumstances permit.
I agree with the view that many of the challenges we are facing e.g., economic challenges, existed before the pandemic and were elevated by the advent of COVID-19. Perhaps this is an opportunity for a different perspective on all old challenges and I do not propose a solution. I am however convinced that like many challenges faced before the resilience of humanity will prevail. Despite the costs that we shall count, some recoverable and some, such as the precious human life, not recoverable, the resilience of humanity will prevail.
I am reminded of the brilliance of Walt Whitman as he expresses the passing of a leader just when victory is achieved and laments “O Captain! My Captain!”. Even though there are casualties in this crisis, humanity will prevail. A “new” story will be written and the future will read it when things are “normal”. The human journey is that of resilience.
Though disasters may befall humanity, humanity has a future. At this point allow me to borrow from an age-old wisdom – Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you – this is the LORD’s declaration – plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope – I therefore conclude that the human resilience is ordained and divine.
Kind Regards
Joseph Leotlela | Director