iLevel // Blog

Being in a creative industry, every once and a while it is important to recharge the batteries that get the creativity flowing.

I recently had the opportunity to get away to a private game reserve not too far outside of Port Elizabeth. As locals, we sometimes don't take time to enjoy the spectacular part of the country in which we live. For whatever reason, a holiday means 'far away'. So having never done the african safari thing, I managed to surprise my wife with a long weekend away. It was relaxing, quiet, beautiful and freezing. Numbers are obviously down this time of year and specials abound, so for a time we were the only ones around - the perfect retreat.

But I found that more than just being a creative breath of fresh air, the few days outside of my routine and regular day to day activity did something much more. For business owners, at this turbulent economic time in particular, things are tough and it is easy to become despondent. Many look overseas for greener pastures - stressed by high prices, high levels of crime, constant threat of retrenchment, endless labour issues and strikes, corruption and general bad news. Few see much of a silver lining.

This timeout - away from the media, outside of cellphone reception - was a realisation that we have so much to be grateful for, so much to be proud of as South Africans. What extraordinary wildlife, fresh air, clear skies and rolling plains, superb food, warm hospitality and perhaps more than anything sincere, humble and friendly people.

I have returned to my desk not just revitalised, but re-South Africanised.