Reflections from a man and his dog

I have a black Labrador named Bella. She’s 18 months old, full of energy, mischief, and love. She doesn't speak in words, but I’ve come to realize that she doesn’t need to. If I listen closely, I hear her spirit loud and clear.

The other day, I found myself wondering…

If Bella could talk, what would she tell me about life?

What would she want me to remember on the hard days? The quiet days? The busy ones when I forget to breathe.

Here’s what I imagine she’d say,...

I’ve had many dogs in my life.

Big dogs, small dogs. Fiercely loyal, wildly playful, stubborn, gentle, they’ve all left paw prints across the timeline of my years. But none quite like Bella.

Bella is our 18-month-old black Labrador. If you know the breed, you’ll understand: boundless energy, a heart full of mischief and love, and eyes that seem to ask, “What are we doing next?” But lately… I’ve started wondering if Bella is something more than just a very clever dog.

Let me explain.

Over the past...

A true story from Angola, 1986–88

Corporal Kraai wasn’t scared of the Russian Cubans. He didn’t flinch at mortar attacks or a 30kg backpack. But if there was one thing that could make him scream like a tannie at a flea market, it was a snake.

It all started back in Basics, when someone threw a rope at him. He jumped like a ninja, screamed like an opera singer, and ran like a man late for a Friday morning bungalow inspection. By that afternoon, everyone knew: Don’t mess with Kraai when it comes...

In warm and lively corners of restaurants across Durbanville, Cape Town, something truly extraordinary has been happening for the past 23 years. Month after month, through...

Some stories begin long before the first word is written. This one began in the Angolan bush, echoed through the silence of loss, and finally found its way home through the...

By Braam Pretorius

You know him. You’ve seen him. You even may be him.

In every country, there’s That Guy, the name, the face, the entire vibe that screams, “I was born into this culture, and I carry its legacy like a cooler box at a rugby match.”

Here’s a quick global breakdown of the one person who defines the DNA of a nation.

South Africa – Sakkie van der Merwe

Drives: Toyota Hilux with dual tanks

Eats: Biltong and whatever’s on the braai

Attire: Safari shorts, rugby jersey, vellies

Vibe:...

by Braam Pretorius – the greatest author you’ve never heard of.

Last week, I found myself in Cape Town again, visiting our office branch and attending a local event titled “Make Bellville Great Again.” A noble cause, I suppose. The venue was buzzing with early-morning ambition, the smell of bacon and filter coffee in the air, and just enough polyester blazers to remind you this was indeed corporate Cape Town.

At breakfast, I introduced myself as I always do these days: “Braam Pretorius....

You must have heard it: “My son’s in the best school in Pretoria. Expensive… but worth it.”

Or, “My doctor is the best. There’s a six-month waiting list just to get through the door boet. But totally worth the wait.”

And you nod politely, while doing the mental gymnastics of how to pay school fees, petrol, and food with what’s left after tax.

Because here’s the truth: not all of us have access to “the best”. But somehow, miraculously, we get by.

Take Oom Kenny. Drives an old Corolla with...