KOUGA – Like the water he spent a lifetime helping to treat for communities across Humansdorp, Kerneels “Tai” Lejander’s life has been marked by resilience, strength, and quiet consistency.

Water adapts, flows, and sustains life – and in many ways, so too has Lejander throughout his 35 years of dedicated service in the Water Division of Kouga Local Municipality.

At 60 years old, the artisan plumber recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 35 years of municipal service. Yet for Lejander, the achievement is not only about the years behind him, but about the people, lessons, and purpose that shaped the journey.

From Farm Life to Municipal Service

“When I started in 1990, I was one of the youngest men in the department,” he recalled with a smile.

“I am thankful for everything my principals and managers taught me through the years. I learned a lot from the people I worked with. As a young man, the older staff members always motivated me.”

Affectionately known as “Tai” among colleagues and friends, Lejander grew up on a farm outside Humansdorp as the second youngest of six brothers. Much like water finding its course through rocky terrain, his path in life was not always smooth. He left school at the age of 15 to work on Honeyville Farm and help support his family.

It was during those humble beginnings that he met the woman who would become his wife. The couple married in 1987 when he was just 21 years old.

“We were very young when we got married, but we are still standing strong today,” he said proudly.

Together they built a family and raised three children. Though the family endured the heartbreaking loss of their eldest daughter, Lejander’s faith and determination carried him through life’s most difficult seasons.

A Calling Greater Than a Childhood Dream

Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a policeman, but life had other plans.

“I believe God had something else planned for me,” he reflected.

That purpose would unfold in the municipality’s Water Division, where Lejander steadily rose through the ranks through hard work, discipline, and a willingness to learn.

“I started as a general worker,” he said. “Back then, the men working on the bakkies earned better wages. People notice your work ethic, even when you do not realise it. When there was an opening on the bakkie team, Kobus Grobbelaar saw my dedication and gave me an opportunity.”

From there, Lejander obtained his driver’s licence, joined the standby team, and continued gaining experience until he was eventually appointed as a foreman. Although he briefly worked on the sewage team, his journey ultimately flowed back to the water treatment plant – the place where he built a legacy of dependable service.

The Quiet Strength Behind Essential Services

Over the decades, Lejander became known as someone communities could rely on. Like water itself – essential, steady, and often unnoticed until absent – his work ensured residents had access to one of life’s most basic needs.

“I am grateful and proud that I could work here for all these years,” he said. “I want people, especially my children, to be inspired by my service here.”

Family, Fishing, and the Next Chapter

Outside of work, Lejander treasures his role as a family man. He is a proud grandfather to three grandchildren and remains deeply connected to his 88-year-old mother, Lena Lejander. Fishing, another lifelong passion, gives him peace and time to reflect.

Now approaching retirement, he looks forward to spending more quality time with his family – embracing a slower pace after decades of serving the people of Kouga.

Advice for the Younger Generation

But before stepping away, Lejander hopes to leave younger generations with a lesson drawn from his own life journey.

“These days you cannot be picky when it comes to jobs,” he advised. “Look after your job and enjoy what you do. Even if the salary is not what you expect, hold on because you do not know what the future holds.

“It is not always moonshine and roses at work. Choose your battles. Sometimes you want to respond, but in those moments it is better to keep quiet. Have determination, dedication, and passion for your job. And always remember that respect is a two-way street.”

A Legacy That Will Continue to Flow

After 35 years of loyal service, Kerneels Lejander’s story remains a powerful reminder that, much like water, the people who quietly sustain communities every day are often the ones who leave the deepest impact.