Inspired to change community and mindsets

COMMUNITY developer and social innovator in Port Elizabeth's northern areas, Neil Campher, shared a meal with La Femme at Bluewaters Café, with its wonderful view of the ocean and Shark Rock Pier.

Campher, who lives in Seaview, is the former executive director of Ukuvula Investment Holdings and is now co-owner of CS Innovation, a social innovation management consulting company he recently started with Henry Sebata.

As co-founder of the Northern Areas People Development Initiative (Napdi) and consultant to various development projects such as the Safety and Peace through Urban Upgrading (SPUU) programme in Helenvale, Campher not only believes in making a difference in the community, but changing mindsets while he is at it.

"Once we get people to start owning their communities and the change they want to see, positive change is inevitable," he said, while enjoying a meal of lamb shank with spinach and pumpkin.

I picked Bluewaters Café because they serve good food and the view is great.

I'll know I've made it when ... my son, Lindsay, tells me I'm the best dad and takes pride in telling others at school what I do, and when my daughter waves her "magic wand" and turns me from a "fwoog ["frog"] to a dad."

I love development work because ...  Quoting Ghandi, "We must become the change we seek in the world." It's a universal call for us all to become involved in the service of others in order to make a difference through applying all our talents and abilities.

The people who taught me the most are ... my late father Harold Campher and my mother Carol. My dad's life was a testament to the above and I learnt a lot from seeing him live those values. My mom because of her bravery, humour and inner strength in the face of so many challenges life has visited upon her.

I have a soft spot for ... youth and skills development and young children's development, in particular.

I should have studied ...  sociology or psychology or been a social worker, but I am glad my life brought me full-circle to this point where all my experiences matter in the work I do and so does what I do matter in my life.

I'd love to party with ... Earth Wind and Fire – the greatest musical group ever! And Michael Jackson of course.

I'm listening to ...  Michael Jackson's Love Never Felt So Good, Cassper Nyovest's Doc Shebeleza and anything by Zonke!

When I was 16, I wish I knew ...  how NOT to breakdance. The '80s spoilt me and now whenever I hear a cool hip-hop beat, I believe I can still do a "wurmpie" or "scissors" and generally getting down. However, it's the getting up that's the problem and the morning after effects that are regrettable.

Nothing makes me happier than ...  seeing my children Lindsay-O'Neill and Angelique grow, and to be part of their routine – all the fights, taunts, daily wisecrack comments, laughter and funny quips, as well as the "sowee dad" and "I love you dad" when they are in trouble.

My favourite item of clothing is ... right now, my pajamas.

I absolutely hate ...  noise.

I am saving to buy ...  Euro Disney round trip for my family!

I share my life with ... . my wife Prilene, the strongest most caring woman I know.

I can't go a day without ...  Facebook.

My favourite places in the metro are ... our home balcony watching seagulls dive into the water and seeing whales and dolphins swim past; News Café at the Boardwalk, where I sit and read the paper, and the Donkin Reserve for a great view.