GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Boundless has bid farewell to their gentle resident weatherman and expert riempie repairer, Gertjie Ferreira.
Carmen Isaacs, the Boundless Protective Workplace's Assistant Manager, describes Gertjie Ferreira as "irreplaceable."
But after thirty-five years of work here, this gentle, humble man is leaving the Boundless carpentry workshop and moving to Jansenville to live with his sister.
Many of Gertjies' colleagues were not born when he started work at the protective workplace, which was based at the Botanical Gardens before it moved to its present location in the Industrial Area. Gertjie recalls that back then they also worked in private homes, producing fine finishes on woodwork throughout the town.
Gertjie Ferreira and Carmen Isaacs in the Boundless carpentry workshop. Photos: Gaby Cheminais
Dedicated and hardworking, Gertjie is an expert riempie repairer and was responsible for the fine work on restored furniture. His departure will leave a big gap in the carpentry workshop. His close colleagues, Oupa Isaac van Rooyen and Lucky Floors will miss "die geselskap en die samewerking. Ons was die beste chommies; ons sal hom baie mis en sal hom nooit vergeet."
Carmen's sadness at Gertjies' departure is evident. "He was my star." She will miss his gentle manners, his kindness and generosity, his daily greetings and goodbyes. "During Covid, Boundless distributed food parcels to people's homes. Every morning since our return to the workplace Gertjie brings us biscuits. We said we don't expect him to, but he insists, saying he wants to show his appreciation for our support during Covid."
Gertjie's most important memories of Boundless will be of samewerking. On his plans for the future - he intends to keep busy, assisting his sister. He hopes for an end to Covid and criminality. He took the opportunity to thank Boundless: "Baie, baie dankie vir al die jare."
Each day, before leaving, Gertjie Ferreira would inform the Boundless staff of the radio's weather predictions for the following day. Boundless is going to miss their resident weatherman. They wish him all the best for his future in Jansenville.
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
