Having spent over three decades with the people of Nkomazi at the helm of one of the country’s biggest sugar producers, RCL Foods, Derek van Niekerk will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of every local.
Van Niekerk, who officially announced recently that he would be retire in December, has made a name for himself and won the hearts of community members following his unwavering support of the Selati Cup, an amateur soccer tournament that has become one of Mpumalanga’s signature sporting events.
Speaking during the occasion, the Nkomazi Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Phindile Magagula, wished Van Niekerk well in this new chapter of his life.
“This is the time to relax and take it easy. Enjoy spending time with your family as much as you can. You have been working hard ever since I have first known you back in the day when I was an MMC in the municipality. It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey in the development of football in Nkomazi. This is not goodbye; we will surely touch base with you in the future for guidance. You have built a legacy in Nkomazi and we are grateful; your contribution will truly continue to inspire us,” she said.
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RCL Foods’ sugar managing director, Michela Cutts, also wished Van Niekerk well in his retirement. “We are here to sprinkle some joy and celebrate Derek for his contribution to the Selati Cup tournament. The one thing that excites Derek and gives him purpose is ensuring that we have a strong, successful community. While he may be retiring, he will still be in touch, sharing his wisdom with us and making sure we do things the way they should be done,” she said.
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In a belated celebration of Van Niekerk’s birthday, the guests enjoyed some cupcakes while singing a birthday song for him and wishing him well. Van Niekerk said the ending of the Selati Cup this year was quite unfortunate, but assured the guests he would always be there to support them where possible.
“I have seen the tournament and the impact it has in the community. A number of people are unemployed and this is a platform for them to get involved and do something. The development is also evident in the players who have come out of this tournament and made it to bigger leagues. This is surely not the end, but the beginning of a new era and hopefully it will be bigger and better. I am part of this community and will still be involved from the side, and in some cases a little bit more,” he said.
