Author: Charles Leaven

The Caves of South Africa

Exploring the Depths – My Journey Through South Africa’s Caves

Over the last two years, my fascination with caves has taken me on an incredible journey across South Africa. It all started with a visit to the Sudwala Caves, which sparked a deep curiosity about these natural wonders and the history they hold. Since then, I’ve made it a mission to explore as many caves as possible, uncovering the rich cultural and scientific heritage embedded within them. Here’s a glimpse … Click here to read more

The Voortrekker Monument

Discovering the Voortrekker Monument: A Journey Through South Africa’s History

My first visit to the Voortrekker Monument was an eye-opener, and it sparked a deep interest in South Africa’s history that I never quite expected. Since that visit, I’ve been back a few times, and each time, I uncover something new—another layer of understanding about the land we live on, the people who shaped it, and the stories that have been passed down through generations.

One of the things that … Click here to read more

The Blyde River Canyon

Discovering the Lowveld – A Journey Beyond the Blyde River Canyon

When I first set out to explore the Blyde River Canyon, I was expecting to see some breathtaking views and perhaps learn a bit about the area. Little did I know that this journey would unravel a whole new world of experiences, each trip leaving me more fascinated and drawn to the Lowveld region of South Africa.

The Surprising Reach of the Drakensberg Mountains

Like many, I grew up … Click here to read more

My Experience Volunteering

Volunteering has been a cornerstone of my life on the Bluff in Durban, the place where I grew up and a community I deeply care about. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on various committees and structures, all with one goal in mind—strengthening our community. Whether it was through economic development, public safety, or youth engagement, every role I took on was about making a meaningful contribution to the Bluff.

One of my earliest experiences was with … Click here to read more

The need for Civic Technology in South Africa.

Civic Technology: Unlocking the Potential of CLO Work in South Africa

In a country as diverse and complex as South Africa, the role of Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) has never been more crucial. These professionals act as vital intermediaries between communities and the organizations or government entities that serve them, ensuring that local voices are heard, needs are met, and projects are implemented effectively. However, despite their importance, CLO work often faces significant challenges, from bureaucratic inefficiencies to a lack … Click here to read more

My Obsession with Charlie Munger

Illustration attributed to DALL·E 2023-01-01 19.58.50

My Obsession with Charlie Munger: A Mind Like No Other

From the moment I picked up my first book about Charlie Munger, I was hooked. Munger’s way of thinking, his ability to simplify complex ideas, and his timeless wisdom have fundamentally shaped my approach to life and business. Over time, I’ve read every single book about him, studied his partnership with Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, and absorbed his mental models and theories. To … Click here to read more

From Third World to First World

From Third World to First World: Lessons from Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore

In late 2015, I stumbled upon the story of Lee Kuan Yew and the transformation of Singapore—a story so extraordinary that it left me both flabbergasted and inspired. Here was a tiny island nation, with no natural resources, no military to protect itself, and a population of diverse ethnicities and religions, surrounded by countries that offered little support. Yet, under the leadership of one man, Singapore rose from … Click here to read more

My dream to draw

My Journey in Architecture and Beyond

When I left high school, I was driven by a singular ambition: to become an architect. I had a vision of creating spaces that would not just serve a function, but also evoke emotion, foster community, and stand as a testament to the human spirit. Architecture, I believed, was more than just designing buildings—it was about shaping the way we experience the world, the way we live, and how we interact with our surroundings.… Click here to read more