Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham Lincoln
“Change is the only constant in nature,” declares CEO Dispute Resolution Official, Marteleen Lindemann. “The environment is in a constant state of flux, and yet, the plants, the animals and the microorganisms have these built-in mechanisms to help them plan for the worst.”
Marteleen describes some of the lessons she’s learnt from being in her favourite place on earth – the Kruger National Park. “Our family enjoys the outdoors, the bushveld stole my heart years ago. There is nothing better than a campfire in the reserve – listening to incredible nightlife.” Marteleen says that nature has taught her that everything worth doing is worth doing well and planning properly. She says her parents also showed her what hard work looks like and that one can accomplish one’s dreams and visions through hard work and determination – no matter the situation. “There is always a silver lining.”
Marteleen was born in Nylstroom but grew up in Potchefstroom, where she matriculated from Potchefstroom Gymnasium. “The highlight of my high school career was being able to compete in athletics at the South African championships. It took many hours, hard training, aching muscles, and sacrifice, but it was definitely worth it.”
She completed her LLB degree at the Northwest University in Potchefstroom. She describes her first year at university as “more about socialising and less about studying!” But she soon realised the gravity of the commitment she needed to make to her work. “Studying with a student loan, which I had to repay myself, soon made me realise it can’t be just fun and games.”
Of her work at CEO, Marteleen says she likes the fact that there is always someone to give an opinion about a matter and ready to assist a fellow colleague. “CEO works together as a well-trained team. We assist members in every situation, and each case is not just another case, but thorough preparation is done.” Her colleagues describe her as a determined, soft-hearted person who always stands her ground.
The determined CEO ‘seeker of justice’ will always be an outdoors person at heart. “I love spending time with my family and friends in nature. Time is so precious, so you need to make the most of every moment – and lean into everything you do! That’s what the wild has taught me. There are no half measures.”