18 Sep A tribute to Willem “Jake” Oosthuizen

Jake Oosthuizen passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. “Jake Oosthuizen is a legend, and his passing will leave a huge gap,” says Safire CEO Pierre Bekker. “He was a larger-than-life character, known and respected by many people, especially those in the forestry industry.”

The story of how he came to be called Jake is one worth sharing. His son Willem, explains: “My son is the fifth consecutive generation to bear the name Willem Jacobus Oosthuizen. It’s a family tradition that stretches far back. Interestingly, before my great grandfather’s time, it was only every second generation that carried the name. No one really knows why it changed to every generation. After my cousin’s christening, Dad arrived at a party where his brother-in-law jokingly introduced him as Jake the Racing Snake. The name stuck, and from then on, everyone called him Jake.”

Jake was a man who lived a life filled with passion, courage, and adventure. He always made his mark as a respected leader in every community he became part of.

His career began in the Natal Sharks Board in 1978, where he held the position of Senior Field Officer. Known for his love of powerful machines, Jake commanded not only the biggest boat in the fleet but also the respect of those who worked with him. His leadership was marked by an infectious enthusiasm for life, a dedication to perfection, and an unwavering commitment to his team.

Jake always led by example. His work ethic was legendary, and though he was someone who enjoyed life’s lighter moments, he always worked harder to meet the high standards he set for himself and his team. His attention to detail, particularly when it came to maintaining his equipment, was meticulous. Whether it was as a leader or when sharing a laugh during moments of play, Jake brought energy, humour, and dedication to every part of his life.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jake was a man of many talents. His love for aviation was well-known, and his adventurous spirit took him and his wife, Carol, to various places around South Africa. Jake’s daring nature was exemplified in stories of his flights over the plains, sometimes surprising friends by flying low over their homes, showcasing his fearless and playful side. His time spent crop-spraying in the United States further broadened his experiences, and he left a lasting impression on those he met overseas. He made friends easily and left a mark on everyone he encountered.

Bravery was a cornerstone of Jake’s character. His courage was officially recognised in 1976, when, as a young man in his early twenties, he was awarded a commendation by the South African Life-Saving Association for his heroic attempt to rescue a pilot whose aircraft crashed into the sea 500m from shore near Virginia airport, despite not being a strong swimmer. The commendation was awarded for courage and his unselfish act of venturing to the aid of others in distress in the surf. This act of selfless bravery defined the kind of man Jake was – someone who would always put others first, even in the face of danger.

After 16 years of aerial spraying and aerial fire-fighting, Jake formed Zululand Fire Protection Services (ZFPS) in 1994 to provide a service to the Zululand timber industry. Initially, the operation took over the control centre of the Zululand Fire Protection Association (ZFPA), which coordinated all fire fighting operations in the Zululand Coastal Area (approximately 80 000 hectares of timber).

In 1994, ZFPS became involved in digital fire detection and Jake was instrumental in the formation of a company called Alasia Marketing, which worked on the development of the FireHawk system that is today used in South Africa, Chile, Brazil, Malawi and Ghana. FireHawk was the first computerised fire detection system in the world and has been operating commercially for the past 26 years. The first system was installed in Richmond in 1994 and is still operational today.

In his final years, Jake’s love for life and his connections with those around him never wavered. He was a true family man, a man of loyalty, friendship, and courage, qualities that will be remembered by all who knew him. Though his life was filled with adventure, it was his humility and genuine spirit that made him truly unforgettable.

Jake Oosthuizen will be remembered as a man of great character – someone who lived life to its fullest, embraced every challenge with bravery, and left a lasting legacy of leadership, kindness, and strength.