Farewell to Joe Oosthuizen

It is with great regret that we have learnt of the death of Joe Oosthuizen, a leading member of the St Francis Bay community. Joe passed away at the UCT Hospital in Cape Town, following a heart attack, on Thursday, 23rd June. He had been suffering from a rare heart complaint and a form of cancer for a number of months, and was in Cape Town for specialized treatment.

Joe and his wife Paddy became synonymous with St Francis Bay during his Chairmanship of the Residents’ Association. Between them they raised the profile of the Association to an altogether higher level. Residents are indebted to them both for the stand against the property valuation process and for assistance to home-owners whose properties were clearly over-valued. Amongst other campaigns, Joe was untiring in his investigations into possible corrupt practices and maladministration in the Kouga Municipality. Only those close to him will know how much time and energy Joe put in to his campaigns for good governance and just administration. Thank you, Joe.

Joe was also the current Chairman of the Federation of Kouga Ratepayers’ & Residents’ Association (FEKKRA), and as such was an active commentator in the local press.

Joe & Paddy successfully ran the nation-wide franchise of Chemdry from St Francis Bay. He had previously been involved at senior management level with the Coca-Cola Group in South Africa and the Middle East.

Joe was the main spokesman in opposition to the proposed off-shore reef solution to the beach erosion problem at St Francis Bay. His opposition was based on cost considerations, on-going sand-pumping requirements and suspected conflict of interest. He was closely involved with the PEM scheme now in place, which cost a fraction of the reef scheme; and fought tirelessly to ensure that the Kouga Municipality fulfilled its financial obligation to the contractor.

He was uncompromising in his demand for good governance by the Kouga Municipality. He constantly and fearlessly challenged the administration on issues identified by the Auditor-General in his reports, which were simply being ignored. His pet hate was corruption. It is ironic that, at the time of Joe’s death, the new Executive Mayor has announced a new open-door policy, with its assurances of transparency and openness. Joe’ efforts were shown to be bearing fruit.

Joe was a modern-type leader, being involved in all the action. He was an active sportsman, totally honest and fair in all his dealings. He always gave of his best and expected everyone to behave in the same manner.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Paddy and her children, James-Dean, resident in Australia, and Nina.

The Residents’ Association expresses its condolences to Paddy, the Oosthuizen family, and its sincere thanks to Joe and her for everything they have done for the St Francis Bay community. Joe will be greatly missed, but very warmly remembered.

- Information supplied by Hilton Thorpe and Chris Barratt of the St Francis Bay Residents’ Association.