Frik Oosthuizen becomes chief executive of Safika Oosthuizens Transport

Safika Oosthuizens Transport (Pty) Ltd. has announced the appointment of Frik Oosthuizen as its new chief executive.

The appointment follows the sudden death of Jan Oosthuizen Frik’s older brother and the former chief executive in late September.

From its foundation as a family business in 1948, Safika Oosthuizens has grown into a major trucking company based in Mpumulanga specialising in moving coal from the mines to various major customers, including coal exporters and Eskom. It has a large truck fleet working in contract mining and transport and employs some 1600 people.

Frik Oosthuizen said: “Jan ‘shoes are big ones to fill. He had a vision for the company and a strong sense of responsibility to our staff and to the people of Mpumulanga. Under Jan’s watch the company grew and our customers were satisfied. My goal is to keep the company on the path that Jan set.”

Koos Oosthuizen, Frik and Jan’s brother who is also active in the company said that keeping the ethos of a family business was important to everyone at Safika Oosthuizens. “We are a big trucking company now, with outside investors but our philosophy remains the same. Our family all know every aspect of the industry. Frik will lead us, just as Jan did.”

Danie Baard, a director of the company and its chief financial officer said: “Jan’s passing will affect us all deeply but in Frik we have a capable person to continue to lead Safika Oosthuizen’s well. Frik has been with the company for more than 15 years and was chief operating officer before assuming the chief executive’s role. The important thing is that because of Frik’s depth of knowledge and broad experience the transition period will be smooth and business will continue as usual.”

Moss Ngoasheng, chairperson of the Safika Oosthuizen board paid tribute to Jan saying that his leadership had propelled the company to being the leader in its industry. “We will all miss Jan who was as solid as a rock and extremely clever and insightful. Fortunately Frik has the same qualities and the board has every confidence in him going forward.”