19 Sep 2024

One of the pioneering businessmen in Hukuntsi District, Mr William Keith Viljoen (73) who died last week in South Africa after a long illness, has been remembered as a larger than life figure who transcended the business sphere in the district. 

His life was celebrated in a four-hour memorial service that featured six eulogies, describing him as a caring individual whose humanity transcended different barriers, allowing him to connect with people in a way that touched their hearts. 

Mr Viljoen’s businesses journey is said to have begun in the early 1980s when he was invited from his native country, South Africa, by his friend Mr Mein Strumpher, and later meeting Mr Tos Prince who owned Hukuntsi Trading Store.

He would later come into a purchase agreement of Hukuntsi, Tshane and Lokgwabe Trading Stores. Due to his passion and business acumen, he was able to gain trust of the community, leading to growth in his businesses, which expanded to the opening of an abattoir and a butchery. 

Though he was an outsider, Mr Viljoen was able to gain the community trust and the friendship blossomed due to the assistance that he offered to the community, which included assistance through provision of free water for the community and also bowsing for cattle. 

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Talita Monnakgotla, described Mr Viljoen as a man of principle with good integrity in the society, as he brought joy, love and hope for the community. 

“He showed all these by investing in our community when it was not fashionable to do so,” she noted. 

Ms Monnakgotla remarked  as she was born and bred in Hukuntsi, during her childhood days, and growing up in the district around the 70s and 80s, the area was underdeveloped and as such the community struggled to access resources. 

“Mr Viljoen was much more than just an entrepreneur. He was an exceptional visionary who could see the potential of the district for a consumer market much before most others and also a uniquely creative individual who conceptualised many formidable retail concepts, which have successfully stood the test of time and geography,” she said. 

Ms Monnakgotla commended Mr Viljoen for his zeal and dedication in coming to set up businesses, which created employment for the community. 

“His businesses created employment for our people, especially our parents. Even today the family left behind a refurbished infrastructure, which provides employment for many of our community members. We thank the Viljoen family for your good deeds,” she said. 

She requested the community to accord the family the warmth and support during these difficult times, as they have been with them all these years. 

“We are also aware of all the charitable works that he and the family did for our community and we recognise his immense contribution, which led to the development of the village,” she said. 

Speaking on behalf of the family, his son, Joseph Viljoen, described his father as a great parent, who was very humble and related well with many people. “You were our pillar, your bark was always bigger than your bite, you inspired us in every way possible,” he said. 

The young Viljoen thanked the community of Hukuntsi and the surrounding settlements for the support and kindness they have rendered to their parents while they were doing business for the last 41 years.

 The late  William Viljoen  leaves behind enduring friendships, partnerships, and bonds with the new owners who just recently acquired the business and currently trading as Agro-Products. 

In his remarks, the new owner of Agro-Products, Mr Thatayaone Keitumetse said he remains committed to carrying forward the late Viljoen’s spirit and ensuring the continuing success of his ambitions and dreams. 

Mr Viljoen is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Ends