Pursuing leisure and wisdom is what Eugene Hauptfleisch devotes his time to these days.
Since formally retiring as the Strategic Executive Director (SED) of Corporate Services a few weeks ago, Mr Hauptfleisch is enjoying a change of pace after four decades in local government.
This marks the third long-standing staff member to leave the municipal ranks this year.
Corporate Services staff held a farewell recently for Mr Hauptfleisch, alongside stalwart colleagues and fellow retirees, Maeve Palmer and Moses Gumede.
“An informal function was held by staff of Corporate Services to bid these three a happy and healthy retirement,” explained Theresa du Toit, personal assistant to the SED of Corporate Services.
Among gifts presented to the retirees was a set of golf clubs to Mr Hauptfleisch.
Reflecting on his time with municipalities, Mr Hauptfleisch said he spent one year on the Kimberley City Council and 39 with the Newcastle Municipality, besides completing a Masters in Business Administration and earning multiple certificates in training management.
His journey was by no means an easy one.
Nevertheless, Mr Hauptfleisch proved himself capable, even through the transition of power in 1995, after the fall of the apartheid government.
“Every day was a highlight, each day had its challenges.”
With the community as his ‘client’, Mr Hauptfleisch said serving those needs and receiving positive response had left him deeply satisfied.
The controversial Civic Centre remains rooted in his memory.
Another highlight was presenting the highly successful Newcastle Career Show in the mid-80s, despite working from a zero budget.
Mr Hauptfleisch has left big shoes for temporary successor, Nkosi Ndlovu to fill.
“He has a wonderful team; enthusiastic, well-trained and developed. With them, he can face all challenges.”
With many days of relaxation ahead of him, Mr Hauptfleisch will continue to perfect his swing, and complete his thesis towards a Masters of Philosophy in Knowledge Management.
Yet, his retirement is a time of emotion too.
“These have been 39 exceptionally wonderful years. They have treated me well,” he said with a lump in the throat.
