Greener pastures for versatile André
Well-known Zululander decides to emigrate to New Zealand to be with his daughter and grandchildren in Waiuku.
GOLFING ace André Rautenbach arrived on Zululand’s doorstep in 1980 and has been a prominent member of the Zululand golf fraternity for the past 34 years.
But has now decided to emigrate to New Zealand to link up with his daughter and grandchildren in Waiuku on the North Island.
In terms of business, André operated a garden service for 16 years before buying Empangeni Tattersalls in 1994, which he sold in 2004.
He then bought the Pro Shop at the Empangeni Country Club which he managed from 2004 to 2014.
He did club repairs, organising and running golf days, selling golf equipment and writing weekly golf articles for the Zululand Observer.
He got the tender for green-keeping and ground maintenance at the club.
Rautenbach was a avid sportsmen who played cricket, rugby, golf, tennis and bowls.
He played rugby for the Empangeni Rugby Football Club, as well as Zululand for 12 years as a utility back.
He coached the second team (1992-1994) and first team (1995-1996) at the rugby club.
He played cricket for the Empangeni Cricket Club and for Zululand (1980-1992), where he opened the batting and occasionally applied off-spin with the nut.
Once he retired from rugby, he got into golf, where he boasts a four handicap.
He won the Zululand Closed Championships in 2008 and 2010, was Empangeni Club Champion in 2010, Empangeni Club Matchplay Champion three times and represented Zululand from 2009 to 2014.
To top all these achievements, he is also the Empangeni Bowling Club’s singles champion, who is currently defending his title.
‘My daughter and I discussed the idea of me moving to her, and it happended so quickly. I am going to spread my wings when I get there and see what I can do, maybe be the next All Black scrumhalf,’ quipped Rautenbach.
He jets off in September and says he will miss life in Zululand and all his friends, but will return for annual visits.
Good luck Walkies – great to be with family
Andre you made the right decision This is a beautiful country to be in. although crime exists here too but generally its save. People are friendly and helpful. You will be missing some of the sunshine. I know as I lived in Zululand for 22 years of which I was 11 years in Empangeni.
Imvubu