Here I am, Japie van der Westhuizen with my wife Ria. Normally I am not dressed like that as I enjoy all the privileges offered to me by Africa. That is the outdoors in particular.

We as a family enjoy camping and exploring the not so frequently visited areas such as Chobe, Moremi and the Central Kalahari in Botswana, Kaokoland in Namibia and the Baviaanskloof in our own country.

I turned 50 earlier this year. Had a heart bypass in March but still headed for the North-western parts of Namibia in our 4x4 1994 Nissan Patrol. God saved me to do more, such as enjoying the company of my family and friends and experiencing what nature has to offer. see work now as the periods between really enjoying the things I am made for. Without sound foundation in family life and a proper belief system I can hardly imagine surviving.

Africa offers more to the ones with adventure embedded in their genes. She also offers more to those living with a passion for others and wanting to explore new things in nature and people. Testing character in an environment of suffering, people making choices destroying things and people around them and political torrents not often understood by ordinary folks.

I am privileged to have three children of my own and Alexander, our foster child. My own children are Sanli (Married to Clinton), Jan and Japie Jr.