In a heartfelt farewell, Flip Windvogel, a dedicated Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) Operator, officially bid adieu to Kouga Local Municipality, marking the end of nearly four decades of service.
Jeffreys Bay - In a heartfelt farewell, Flip Windvogel, a dedicated Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) Operator, officially bid adieu to Kouga Local Municipality, marking the end of nearly four decades of service.
Windvogel, a native of Humansdorp, took on his role in February 1988 and decided to retire early, just shy of completing 37 years of devoted work.
Reflecting on his career journey, Windvogel recounted his early days. "I was 19 when I made Jeffreys Bay my home," he said. "I started working at the municipality as a TLB Operator and retired in the same position. In February, I would have had 37 years of service."
The 56-year-old expressed his reasons for stepping down from his long-held position. "I enjoyed working for the municipality, but decided to retire early because I am getting older. Working as a TLB Operator at my age is taxing on the body," Windvogel explained. "This job requires that you work early mornings and late nights. I decided to spend more time with my family."
Windvogel fondly recalled the camaraderie he shared with his colleagues. "I miss the jokes and being busy," he admitted. "It is an adjustment not getting up to go to work. But my daughter gave me a job to take my grandchild to school. Furthermore, I get to pay attention to the maintenance tasks I couldn't get to at home. Fishing is my hobby, so that is what I look forward to doing more often."
Having made Jeffreys Bay his permanent home since 1987, Windvogel shared his personal story. "I met my late wife here. She died in the early 2000s. Some 16 years ago, I remarried. We have three daughters, two sons, and eight grandchildren."
As a seasoned TLB Operator, Windvogel offered words of wisdom for his former colleagues. "You can be a machine handler, but it takes years of experience to get to know the equipment. If you remain focused and sober in the way you operate the machine, you will become one with it and you will do a great job."
He concluded with a heartfelt message to the team at Water Services. "Thank you for allowing me to be part of you and to give you guidance in certain matters.”
