Realising our South African dream

Hello Family and Friends and all those taking the time to read our story,

As those close to us will know we emigrated to South Africa in June 2013. We arrived with excitement and promises of a very prosperous future in a family business. However, within 3 months of arriving my brother announced his separation from his wife. Four months later he re-married. The original "family plan" was for Willem to join the family business and develop and run the construction element. The direction of the family business changed the moment Willem's brother re-married. It was decided to not pursue the construction side and since that decision we have been ostracised and isolated as we no longer form part of the "new family plan".

Willem has a great passion for construction and especially carpentry. At this moment in time he is not being allowed to pursue his passion. In a very recent meeting it was made clear that there is no plan to pursue the construction side of the business. In the current climate in South Africa, it is very difficult to obtain other work and it is not without us trying. We have been sending job applications over the past two years, without any success.

Over the past year Willem has been approached by various potential clients in and around Ladybrand (where we live!) but unfortunately due to contract stipulation he is not allowed to do any private work within the construction and building industry. Willem has built up numerous contacts and definite work should we decide to pursue our dream for Willem to work on his own and this is why we are here with this campaign.

This is our last chance at making our South African dream a reality and giving our children the lifestyle that both Jacque and I grew up with in Africa. By lifestyle we don't mean material objects, merely the outdoors, sunshine and laid back way of living here.

We have met with the banks here and they are not able to help us due to us not being back in the country for long enough to have built up a substantial credit history to get the financial backing for the amount we need. This does not mean that I have not given up on trying to raise funds myself. Apart from the crowdfunding, I am doing small jobs that do not conflict with my current contract and will keep posting picture updates of items I have made and sold to put towards the target.

Our dream is to run our own business and I want to utilise the skills, knowledge and experience I gained in England. I would like to start a contracting firm with the main emphasis being carpentry. My aim is also to supply employment opportunity for some of the unemployed yet qualified individuals we have in the area.

Where will your donations be spent?

• To purchase a work vehicle
• Registration and set-up costs

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading our story. Even if you cannot help with a donation please help share our story.

Thank you.

Willem and Jacque