The South Coast Weekly Gazette sat on the couch with chairman of Keep Scottburgh Beautiful, Shane Grant.The passionate community activist is leading by example with his continued efforts to uplift Scottburgh and provide employment opportunities for the youth.The former Scottburgh High School learner has the community at heart through his dedication to numerous community outreach projects.
South Coast Weekly Gazette(SCWG):Tell us a bit about yourself?
Shane Grant(SG): I’m a 43 year-old community activist from Scottburgh. I left the country for several years before returning to start a family in my beloved hometown. I’m an avid sportsman and I enjoy going to the beach and engaging in fun outdoor activities in my spare time.
SCWG: Briefly describe your educational background?
SG: I matriculated in 1996 at Scottburgh High School and I later obtained my Chartered Management Accountant qualification at the United Kingdom Financial Training College in 2006.
SCWG: What keeps you motivated?
SG: Continuous growth and improvement of myself and assisting others to excel in their own lives. There is no greater reward than seeing someone succeed.
SCWG: Where did your love for community outreach projects come from?
SG: When you grow up in a small town unity amongst community members is pivotal to ensure a safe and developing surrounding. I have always felt the need to do more, to be proactive about making a difference and to lead change.
SCWG: What are some of the community projects you are currently working on?
SG: I’m the chairman of a non-profit company called Keep Scottburgh Beautiful, it’s one of our biggest project at the moment.Through a team of volunteers we work on tidying up the beaches, infrastructure, cleaning public gardens, appointing additional security to keep our town safe for residents and tourists.We are collecting strewn litter and have big ambitions to get involved in recycling which will obviously have a huge impact on our environment as well.
SCWG: What are some of the challenges you face as a community leader?
SG: I don’t see challenges, there are only opportunities at this point.We want all stakeholders to see the positive work that we can do as a community.We can all be accountable for the upliftment of our Scottburgh town which is a South Coast tourist destination. People who would like to support Keep Scottburgh Beautiful can contact 079-749-2408 for more information.
SCWG: What is your greatest achievement?
SG: I have various sporting accomplishments like running in the Comrades Marathon, participating in the Sani2C, paddling in the Duzi Canoe Marathon and I have completed a full Ironman Triathlon. Being a responsible father to my children is probably my greatest achievement.
SCWG: Describe your relationship with the community?
SG:I have a very good relationship with the community members and leaders, and I believe my ability to lead inspires direction of success in our projects.
SCWG: What are some of the things you love about Scottburgh?
SG: Scottburgh is a beautiful town with one of the best beaches in the country. We have various activities for outdoor lovers, from diving, fishing, mountain biking, trail running, whale watching and more. We have united community members who are proud, humble and hardworking,
SCWG: What contributes to your leadership skills?
SG: I’m a good listener and I have good communication skills.I’m fair and authentic which makes it easy for people to align themselves with me.Most importantly I’m passionate about making positive change for the greater good of my community.
SCWG: What are your future plans?
SG: Personally, I would like to get back into endurance sporting events and would like to keep growing the businesses that I lead. From a community perspective, I would really like to see Keep Scottburgh Beautiful achieve great things in Scottburgh in conjunction with the Umdoni Local Municipality.I would like this initiative to reach success in other small towns on the South Coast.
