RAVE: Thank You, Jane

I recently had one of the biggest pleasures of my life to date: I got the opportunity to see Jane Goodall speak in person.



Well, to be very honest, it was already a few weeks back that I had the honour and the privilege to sit and listen to this remarkable lady, as she wooed an audience of a few hundred at a Dinner with Jane, the wondrous Champion of the Chimpanzee, at the Sandton Sun here in Johannesburg.

Yes, it was already a few weeks ago now. I confess. That is how long it has taken me to process just what an effect this small lady of 77 years of age had on me that night.

I was struck by so many things that night:

• Her soft-spoken, lilting voice, that held an entire audience in the palm of her hand
• Her humour, her grace, her insight
• Her astounding, simple wisdom
• Chimpanzees at Gombe her life, and now still tirelessly travelling the world with new projects of hope
• A wonderful project called Roots & Shoots that trusts in the best - the young
• Her commitment, which is total, and continues unwavering
• Her belief in nature, the environment, the youth, the human spirit, in us

It was a defining moment in my life. That much I know. She made me reflect a lot on what she has accomplished, and how little I have in comparison. I wasn't crushed by that nor did it sadden me. It was a simple realization about too many compromises made that I can only hope will embolden me in time to come.

And that was the least of it, if that can be understood.

It was very humbling. And very, very inspiring.

I was profoundly moved by Miss Goodall. And I shall be forever grateful for that.

Thank you so very much, Jane.