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Wally Schultz (right), announced his retirement as local AfriForum chairperson, after serving the community for four years. With him is Fanie Otto, a committee member. Photo: Zoutpansberger archives. 

Activist Wally retires as AfriForum chairman

 

Wally Schultz, well-known for his role as AfriForum activist, has as officially retired from his role as local chairperson of the organisation.

The decision was not an easy one to make but, according to Schultz, was heavily influenced by his ailing health. Moreover, the recent passing of his father, Syd Schultz, has also changed Wally’s personal circumstances dramatically.

Apart from this very personal situation, Wally will have to endure another eye operation in the coming weeks. He received a similar operation during 2014 to restore a detached retina in his right eye.

Sadly, said Wally, this operation was not a success. Moreover, his left eye is now displaying similar symptoms, hence the urgent surgery. The left retina is torn and is in danger of detaching, which could leave him almost totally blind. “I simply have to slow down now, and so reluctantly step aside,” said Wally on Monday. “Working as an unpaid volunteer does take its toll though ... and it has! I have to work with my face pressed against the computer regularly,” he added.

After his eye surgery, Wally will pursue other career opportunities as well.

“As I reflect on my time with AfriForum, there are so many highlights and positive results, from being part of a winning legal team that registered landmark court victories, to the successful renovation of our water treatment plant and the controversial, but successful, annexation of a town borehole,” reminisced Wally.

In the meantime, the void Wally has left in the local management committee has yet to be filled. It is expected that his co-chairperson, Mr Corné Smith, might take over from Wally, although this announcement has yet to be made public.

In stepping down, Wally had a special word of thanks to Johan Fourie, Duncan Campbell, Lampies Schoeman and Fanie Otto, who stood by his side as AfriForum committee members during his time as chair. “It has been a privilege to serve this community and if I thought it was a largely thankless job at times, I have been put smartly right on that. The literally hundreds of messages, calls of support and the prayers I have taken from townsfolk have overwhelmed me,” said Wally.

News - Date: 25 March 2016

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]

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