THE MPO MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY OF BERTUS DE JONGH

5 May 1949–15 April 2020

Yesterday morning, the 15th of April, while each of us was busy with our daily activities amidst the difficult circumstances of COVID-19, we received the very sad news that Bertus de Jongh passed away.

Bertus was born in Malmesbury 70 years ago. He matriculated at the Swartland High School and graduated in economics at Stellenbosch University three years later. Bertus joined the former Dairy Board as assistant manager responsible for marketing in 1991.

In June 1992, he was tasked with the deregulation of the former Dairy Board and in 1993, he was appointed manager of the deregulated Milk Board, which was subsequently named the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO). Bertus established the MPO with passion and enthusiasm to become one of the leading producer organisations in South Africa.

After more than 25 years in the dairy industry, Bertus retired as executive head of the MPO in April 2015. In his years of dedication to the MPO, he made a significant difference in the dairy industry. Bertus was a true champion of our farmers and created a platform on which my team and I could propagate and build on his vision for the industry. He was dynamic, principled, and had the ability to obtain active involvement from each member of a team.

I am sure that everyone who has had the privilege to work with Bertus will agree that he enriched their lives in some way and that he left a large footprint.

To Lida and her children our sincere condolences during this difficult time.

Bertus, the dairy industry will miss you!

Dr Chris van Dijk

Chief executive