Andries making CANSA’s voice heard

Andries has stamped his mark on the entertainment world as a former Sir Africa and Sir South Africa 2013/2014.
Now he is taking strides within CANSA and his voice is the one you hear on the Tekkie Tax advert.

Lady Luck played her hand and made sure Andries was caught up in a conversation with the National Project Organiser for Tekkie Tax, Annelise de Jager, and that is how he landed this project.
“This is actually a funny story. During a short break Annelise came to me and asked if I would mind if she sat next to me while we were having sweet treats during a Tekkie Tax Road Show and training session in Middelburg. After having a 25 minute conversation, Annelise complimented me on my humbleness and for showing compassion. She said: ‘You have got heart and soul, your communication skills are so warm, heart full and welcoming, I just had to come and chat with you’. Those words will forever be engraved in my heart,” Andries said.
During that conversation the part was set and Annalise asked Andries if he would be interested in doing the Voice Over for the national Tekkie Tax Campaign.

On Tuesday, April 7 Andries did the Voice Over. The national campaign will be aired on SABC, ETV and DSTV and on radio stations nationally from May 1 building up to the actual Tekkie Tax Day on May 29 when the public can wear an original Tekkie Tax Sticker and dazzle up a pair of tekkies with funky Tekkie Tax shoelaces to show their support for a charity close to their heart. CANSA is very excited that they are one of the beneficiaries for this year’s Tekkie Tax.

To lace up the shoelaces more Ster Kinekor agreed to play the TV advert in the movies. Famous actors and performers the likes of Sorina Erasmus (aka die Witbank Flooze), Jack Parow and a few other celebrities form part of the advertising campaign.
Andries’s vivacity and drive has always been apparent, winning him accolades from childhood through to adulthood. His future as entertainer was guaranteed when he won several Eisteddfods and numerous art festivals and pageants.

Pressing the fast rewind button to the past two years, and it becomes clear that Andries has been extremely busy.
After 18 years of entertainment and modelling he decided to divide his attention and focus more on the corporate side of life and has taken up a new venture. He is now a full time employer of one of South Africa’s most trusted NPO’s (Non Profitable Organizations), CANSA (the Cancer Association of South Africa).
Andries is the Community Mobiliser for CANSA Highveld Care Centre where project development and fundraising is part of his responsibilities. He is no stranger when it comes to charity involvement and enjoys it to the limits.
When asked about his age, he did not hesitate and asked, “How old do I look?”

He recently turned 34 years old.
“I must admit some mornings I feel 68 because of my busy schedule and life. There is never a dull moment in my life. If I am not working from 8:00 to 17:00, I am busy with projects, fundraisers, events or personal appearances thus my day starts at 06:00 and ends at 01:00,” he said.
Taking a moment and looking at Andries on a more personal level, a person would not believe that he is actually more of an introvert than an extrovert.
“I guess performing, interacting with people and my work environment has basically forced me to have two personalities, which is a good thing to as I am more of a introvert. I am very dedicated and driven to give only my best, but when I am at home or with friends and family I can be just my shy old self,” he painted a different picture of himself.

One thing that everyone will agree on is that Andries is passionate about life.
“I guess being a positive person myself and surrounding myself with inspirational people makes me being motivated and showing compassion for life and people. I must admit I enjoy people from all walks of life and I honestly believe that everyone has a story to tell, we must just make time and see life’s blessings around us. We need to focus on those small things in life; it’s those little things making an impact and a difference. How often do you hear people saying ‘If I could only get a second chance, or in my next life…’ Life offers us a second chance every day we open our eyes. I see a new day as a total new beginning, a new beginning to start all over again,” the voice of Tekkie Tax said.
And when it comes to negativity you will hear Andries say loud and clear, “Not my monkeys, not my circus…”

CANSA for Andries means research, education and support. “There are many organisations offering patient support and or education but CANSA is the only organisation doing research on living a healthy live, making those smart choices and hopefully one day have a cancer free world.”

Mahatma Gandhi once said ‘In a gentle way, you can shake the world.’
Andries has taken the world and is shaking it with zeal, love and commitment. You can also shake the world and make a difference by supporting Tekkie Tax on May 29.

There are five different stickers available, ‘I love animals’, ‘I love basic family care’, ‘I love children’, ‘I love education’ and ‘I love disability’.
Choose one according to where your heart lies, or get one of each at R10 each and shoelaces at R30 per pair.
Stickers and shoelaces are available from CANSA Highveld Care Centre 19A Northey Street. You can also phone Andries: 072 248 9424 or Daphne Botha 082 643 9596