It is nigh impossible not to spot Alan Mounter coming around a corner in his SRA bakkie at least once, when you visit Richmond Hill.
Always armed with a kind word, a story to tell and a dose of good humour, Alan is a familiar and comforting presence in the streets of this historic suburb and has been a resident of Richmond Hill since 2006.
These days, Alan is appointed as an environmental and client liaison officer – an impressive-sounding title for a job we should all really aspire towards in our daily lives: looking after our community and establishing strong, positive relationships with others.
In 2016, Richmond Hill became a special rates area and to this day the SRA still works towards keeping the area a clean and safe place. But even long before the SRA came into being, Alan had already been part and parcel of Richmond Hill, always working towards his main interest and aim: to take an active part in bettering his community.
“I see life as a continuous series of adventurous challenges,” Alan mentions.
Having combined his military and martial arts skills over the years with his counselling and communication capabilities, Alan has countless stories to tell of how he and a team of determined individuals managed to keep Richmond Hill a safe place for its residents.
Alan’s priorities have always been trying his best to come to a mutual, peaceful agreement with the people he dealt with, and keeping his wits about him when having to make quick decisions.
“In every situation that’s presented itself, I’ve always asked myself: what am I coming up against and how am I going to deal with this person or scenario?”
As most roads we travel on during our lives, Alan’s personal life hadn’t been without a few proverbial potholes either. In his own life, Alan had to overcome some personal obstacles which led him to explore various spiritual pathways.
Those avenues led him on a road of humility and a deep understanding of the importance of working towards inclusion.
Long before he started traversing the streets of Richmond Hill, Alan started on a spiritual search and a journey of healing and self-discovery. He underwent training in holistic healing and therapy and taught others self-mastering courses to better themselves.
“Even though I had given up my practice to focus on Richmond Hill, this kind of training never ends. It’s a lifelong endeavour and commitment. Life is never only a smooth ride.”
It is along the long, open road on his motorbike that Alan goes to think. There, where silence permeates and Alan feels connected to a higher source, he finds his equilibrium.
“When I am on my motorbike it’s like I am in a Space Odyssey movie, where the earth explodes and out of all this smoke comes this little rocket. That’s me going to the Karoo on my motorbike! I’ve got time to think –. just me all on my own.”
As Alan rides out towards Cookhouse, he unburdens himself of the city and its suburban escapades.
When he switches off his bike, the dead silence brings balance and clarity.
“After a ride like that, I enter my city and neighbourhood with renewed calm and sharp focus.”
Having equipped himself with a variety of skills, he had been able to deal effectively with so many incidents that have presented themselves at the crossroads of life. He has delved deep over the years, but still Alan’s passion for learning will never cease.
And his studies always lead towards the heart of all things human.
The love and respect that Alan has for his community and its residents are evident in everything that he says and has achieved over the years.
As he leaves Stanley Street and turns towards Campbell Street, a man on the pavement catches sight of Alan. He straightens himself and, with a big smile, salutes him.
Alan greets him in return. There is respect there; connection and mutual understanding.
