DAVID JOHN RANKIN
Question: What is your occupation?
Answer: I am an entrepreneur/lecturer and currently doing my MBA.
Q: Community/charity work?
A: I am a member of the East London Caledonian Society (ELCS) and ELCS Pipe Band (playing bagpipes at events).
I’m in the M.O.T.H. organisation and a convenor for the Eastern Cape Highland Gathering.
Each of the organisations participate in charitable acts during the course of the year.
The McClelland Adult Centre is a favourite; there are some special people there.
Q: What motivates you to achieve more in life?
A: When I’m feeling down, I remember the cemetery is full of people who would gladly swap places. While I’m alive, I must make the most of it.
Q: What keeps you grounded?
A: I haven’t always succeeded first time around, so I try to stay humble because arrogance breeds failure.
Q: Who is your role model?
So many candidates, living and dead! The first person outside of my family who had a profound influence on me was Mr HB Wegner, then headmaster at Southernwood Primary School. If I had to be anybody except me, I would have chosen Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Q: What is your motto?
A: You only fail when you stop trying.
Q: What do you value most?
A: The love and support of my wife Maureen.
Q: What book are you currently reading?
A:The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
Q: What would you like to see change in our country?
A: The return of personal responsibility. This country has so much potential and too many whiners.
Q: What is your favourite East London family spot?
Nahoon beach, first thing in the morning, when all the dogs and owners meet.
Q: Where is your favourite place to eat in East London?
Lavender Blue.