As we approach mid-May—my birthday month, no less—it’s hard to believe we’re nearly halfway through 2025. Time has flown, and the world’s financial markets have given us quite a ride already. Just five weeks ago, we were in the thick of what felt like market chaos: indices were swinging wildly, with daily fluctuations of 4% to 5%. Investors were panicking, and uncertainty clouded every decision. Adding to the noise, Donald Trump was tossing out tariffs like confetti, leaving markets and investors scrambling to interpret the implications.
As an advisor, I can say with confidence that it was not a comfortable time. The panic, disbelief, and relentless flood of news made it a testing period for even the most seasoned investors. But fast-forward to today and the numbers tell a very different story. The JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) has delivered a remarkable 17% return over the past 12 months, and the MSCI World Index is up 10% over the same period. Who would have predicted that outcome in the middle of all that fear?
What this illustrates is a fundamental truth: market volatility is not unusual. It’s not a bug in the system—it’s a feature. While the recent volatility felt especially intense, that’s partly because it was fresh in our minds and amplified by constant media coverage (Financial Porn). Markets have always gone through such periods.
It’s easy to say “don’t react” during times of turmoil, but it’s far harder to follow through. Fear tempts us to act. Yet, as has happened time and time again, doing nothing proved to be the best course. Holding steady during turbulent times often leads to the most rewarding outcomes.
The real challenge for investors is to understand and accept that volatility is part of the journey. The best way to cope with it is by crafting a long-term investment strategy that aligns with your personal financial goals—and then sticking to it. When you do that, you can stop reacting to market noise and start focusing on the bigger picture.
So as we look forward to the second half of the year, remember this: stay the course, trust your plan, and most importantly—behave yourself. That’s the surest path to a comfortable and well-planned retirement.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner.
Previous Columns:
more photos here
Below is the Calibre Security Crime Report for April 2025 with some encouraging stats and figures.
– Village: 2 incidents (2 thefts – copper pipes and a wheelbarrow)
It has really started chilling down a bit in the morning so an early morning dip has become that little bit more challenging
Photo Of The Day by Frank McKenna
Read more: Become a morning swimmer
More local photos here
Last year, the St Francis Bay community lost one of its most passionate and dedicated residents, Tom Roux. Tom was known for his unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of St Francis. His incredible tours around Sea Vista and St Francis Bay showcased the impactful work Rotary was doing in these communities. His tours were more than just informational; they were a testament to the power of service and the difference that Rotary members make in the lives of so many.
One tour, which included Rotarians Lesley de Jager (now President-Elect) and Gail Petrie, ended at the St Francis Bay Fire Station. As they stood there, the heavens opened, and a heavy downpour began.
So, waiting inside for the storm to pass, they noted the station’s conditions. What they saw was a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by those who protect our community. The roof was leaking badly, and the kitchen was unusable. Also, the couches were in such poor condition that they couldn’t even be sat on. Furthermore, the toilets were in disrepair. Even more concerning was that the sleeping areas for both men and women were cramped into one room.
These were the brave men and women who fought the notorious fires that have plagued St Francis Bay for years. They worked tirelessly on 24-hour shifts, putting their lives on the line to keep us all safe. Yet, their own station, where they rested, ate, and prepared for their next mission, was in desperate need of attention.
Seeing this firsthand, a proposal was made to address these pressing issues. The Rotary Steering Committee quickly approved it. Furthermore, a few months later, Billy’s Beach, a local business with a heart for community, stepped up. They allocated a portion of the funds from their annual “Ballies Party” to help revamp the St Francis Bay Fire Station. They contributed a generous R360,000 – the largest allocation from their annual event to the Rotary Club of St Francis.
With plans in place and the legal groundwork completed, today, a year after Tom’s passing, marks the beginning of a much-needed renovation project. The first phase will see the roof replaced, with the project set to be completed in the coming months. Thereafter, Phase 2 will focus on revamping the kitchen, creating a recreational room, establishing separate sleeping areas for men and women. Also, improving bathroom facilities and a gym area. This comprehensive upgrade will ensure our firefighters have the facilities they deserve and a proper place to rest, recover, and continue their vital work.
As we embark on this journey of renewal, the Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to continue the legacy of Tom Roux. A week before his passing, Tom made a heartfelt request to fellow Rotarian Jef Forrer:
“If anything happens to me, please ensure the Fire Station work continues.” Today, thanks to his vision and the dedication of so many, that promise is being fulfilled.
This is more than just a building project. It’s a tribute to the selflessness and bravery of our firefighters and a reminder that when a community comes together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Stay tuned as we share more updates on the progress of this project. The Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to be part of this important cause, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our first responders and our community as a whole.
#RotaryClub #StFrancisBay #TomRouxLegacy #CommunitySupport #FireStationRenovation #LocalHeroes #BillysBeach #ServiceAboveSelf
By Gail Petrie
Read more: MayDay NSRI Golf Day Raises Over R55,000 For Station 21, St Francis Bay
Recent Comments