MAY /JUNE 2025
THE GREYTON POST
15
Our Unsung Hero article is graciously sponsored by
VICTORIANBATHROOMS.CO.ZA
It Takes a Valley: A Conversation with Simon Struben
S imon Struben is no stranger to keeping our streets safe, he’s one of those rare community members who says, “I’ll do it,” and means it. So what inspired him to get involved in the first place? “Too often we hear people say, ‘Someone should do something about it,’” he says. “Eventually, I realised I could be that someone. If we’re going to be part of this village, we must step up.” Whether it’s his lifelong passion for nature and horses, or ensuring our valley is prepared for emergencies, Simon’s dedication is clear. rolling up his sleeves. From fighting fires to tackling conservation and His motivation? It comes in moments. A successful operation with SAPS officers like Captain Louw, WO Prins, and WO Duminy. Seeing fellow volunteers like Gavin, Andrew and Les contain a fire just in time. Watching Penny, Brian and their EARS and GAWS teams rescue an injured animal. “It’s in those times,” he says, “I feel it’s all worthwhile.” Simon’s past experience is as varied as his current roles. After graduating from UCT in Environmental Science and Archaeology, he spent 30 years in industrial project management across Africa and the Middle East. Ironically, those years in environmentally unfriendly industries gave him the insight to influence better practices. “I realised that wherever we are, we face challenges— but someone has to step up. So I did.” One unforgettable experience? The major fire that threatened Greyton. “The way Greyton, Heuwelkroon and Bosmanskloof communities came together was extraordinary,” he recalls. “And it’s not just the big fires—on smaller ones too, people have pitched in, hauling hoses over fences, helping with true spirit. That’s the resilience of our community.” Conservation also plays a big role in Simon’s volunteer life. Conservation also plays a big role in Simon’s volunteer life. “The conflict between people and nature is constant,” he notes. “But thanks to the work of Helen Moss, Rupert, Julian, and
When asked which role he finds most rewarding, Simon struggles to choose. “They all mean something. The animal action group, the fire team—which is, frankly, a crazy and committed bunch— the conservation work, the craft market... But where I feel I can make the biggest impact is in community safety.” As Chair of the Greybos NHW and Vice Chair of the Genadendal CPF, he helps shape how our region tackles crime and builds resilience.
our ranger team, we’re starting to make a dent—especially in tackling invasive species.” He says highlights include joining the heli-hack events and helping upgrade the ranger station at the nature reserve entrance. Simon is also a trained patroller with the ‘Community in Blue’ (CIB) initiative. “These young volunteers from Bereaville, Voorstekraal, Genadendal, Heuwelkroon and Bosmanskloof give so much of themselves. Often unpaid, they’ve made a huge impact on crime in Greyton.” He’s
His advice to new volunteers? “If you’ve ever said ‘someone should do something’, look in the mirror. But don’t start unless you’re committed. People will depend on you. Yes, there’ll be criticism, and yes, it can be thankless. But the reward lies in knowing you’ve helped your community.” He adds, “It takes a village to make a difference. Every person in our Valley of Six can be part of something special. Just try.”
quick to praise the SAPS team under Captain Louw and says the collaboration between the four neighbourhood watch and CIB is one of his proudest involvements. And at home? His wife is understanding—mostly. “She knows I’m driven to help,” he chuckles, “though I’m reminded I’m less helpful around the house. But despite the late nights and smoke-stained clothes, she supports me, and I’m grateful for that.”
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