NEWS 9
In remembrance of an industry
stalwart – Natie van der Westhuizen
By
Rory Macnamara
The tragic passing of Natie van der Westhuizen in a motor vehicle accident on 5 July 2021 came as a shock to all who knew him . The industry ’ s thoughts and prayers are with his family as they come to terms with a life taken so quickly and in such a manner .
We asked a few of those who knew and worked with Natie over a few decades to add their thoughts in memory of a man who left an indelible mark in industry and on those who knew him .
A . S . ‘ Tubby ’ Boynton-Lee , Past Managing Director of Cobra Watertech I first met Natie van der Westhuizen in September 1986 when I was appointed Managing Director of Cobra Watertech . At the time , both Natie and Frank van Solleveld were process engineers , Natie in Krugersdorp , where taps and mixers ( faucets ) were designed and manufactured , Frank in Springs , where gate and float valves , compression fittings and rough body taps were produced . Both reported to the doyen of sanitaryware brass manufacturing , Manfred Heimann . Manfred was an extremely competent mentor / leader and both young technicians learnt a great deal about manufacturing brassware products from him .
When Manfred took early retirement in about 1990 , Natie and Frank were promoted to works managers of CB1 – Krugersdorp , and CB2 – Springs , respectively . Natie had exceptional faucet product knowledge , becoming the Technical Manager of the group . Under his direction , the process engineering departments on both factory sites developed very competent CAD Design competencies , all the process and product development engineers receiving significant training in computer aided design and machining centre tool making .
As part of Natie ’ s production management development , he was for a period , made responsible for both product and process planning under the leadership of Heinz Mederer , and Stuart Leigh , both of whom were appointed as successive Manufacturing Managers of the group , which now consisted of 7 manufacturing sites , CB1 Krugersdorp , CB2 Springs , CB3 Springs , CB4 Capricorn Engineering in Babelegi , CB5 Castle Brass , CB 6 Securex Fittings in Pine Town KZN , later consolidated into CB3 , and CB7 Copcal Engineering in Atlantis , subsequently moved to Springs CB3 and later CB5 .
Following divestment by Friederich Grohe and McKechnie in Cobra in about 1992 , Tomkins Plc and Delta remained shareholders until , in about 2000 , Tomkins elected to disinvest and focus on their international core businesses , unbundling non-core assets . A private equity group , ETHOS , bought out Tomkins ’ s share , partnering with
CDAA
Delta . Ethos / Delta subsequently sold to Dawn , in November 2004 . I left Cobra in 2004 , as a non-executive director of Dawn , until my retirement in September 2005 .
Natie van der Westhuizen
“ In memory of a man who left an indelible mark in industry and on those who knew him .”
Gordon Grant , owner , Adili Metal Trading I got to know Natie well over the years , initially on a supplier to customer basis . As time went on , a solid friendship was formed , with Natie showing no favours in business dealings based on friendship . Business was always business , friendship aside , and for this I will always respect the man .
Aside from his vast knowledge in his industry , he was a pragmatic person , and it was a pleasure to serve with him on the board of the CDAA . The business dealings ended a few years ago , but I will miss the conversations that we still enjoyed from time to time . You will be missed my friend , and your contribution to the industry over many years was immense .
September 2021 Volume 27 I Number 7 www . plumbingafrica . co . za