As we prepare to say goodbye to 2023, we’ll be bidding another farewell – a rather emotional one, at that. Jakkie Olivier, who has been at the helm of RMI for 10 of the 30 years he spent with the organisation, is leaving us as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
Jakkie has made an incredible impact on RMI and leaves our organisation all the stronger for the dedication, resilience, and courage he has shown throughout his term as CEO.
Jakkie, every one of us at MIWA would like to express our deepest appreciation for all you have done.
Here are what some of your closest colleagues had to say about your departure:
Dewald Ranft:
I would personally like to extend my warmest thanks to you for all the support and guidance you have given MIWA over the years. You have been a good friend to MIWA, even more so a personal friend to me. Thank you for always being there whether it was MIWA or personal issues. I will cherish our friendship for always, not because you’re from Bloemfontein but for the good-hearted person you are. It has been a pleasure working so closely with you and I thank you sincerely for the strong foundation you have built. It is finally time to start an exciting new chapter and this is definitely not Goodbye at all. I wish you safe travels and quality time with your precious family.
Thank you again for your support and the years of dedication you have given the RMI.
Deon Goch:
I would like to wish you all the very best for the future. While we’re saddened to see you go, the wonderful moments and memories of working together will always stay with us. You must enjoy every moment and plan lots of adventures for this new stage in your life.
Thank you for all the hard work and dedication that you gave the RMI team.
We sincerely wish you all the best.
Happy retirement!
“There’s a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it ‘retirement’. I call it bliss.” – Betty Sullivan
Pieter Niemand:
What an amazing journey, on and off the field. It is a privilege to have had Jakkie as part of my life for the past 43 years, 13 of which were spent in a professional relationship where he acted as a beacon of integrity and ethics, leading by example, and demonstrating that success can be achieved with honesty, transparency, and a strong commitment to corporate governance responsibility.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jakkie is a true role model for work-life balance, and he values the meaning of true friendship with no compromise. His ability to juggle the demands of leadership while maintaining a fulfilling personal life has been an example for me many times.
Jakkie is not just an exceptional CEO; he is a true visionary, a compassionate leader, and an inspiration to us all, and showed what is possible when passion, vision, and integrity are combined in the pursuit of excellence.
Jakkie, as you prepare for your retirement, please know that your legacy will continue to thrive at the RMI and MIWA. Your contributions will be celebrated and remembered for years to come. Your guidance has helped shape the future of our association, and your influence will be felt long after you’ve stepped down from your role.
Your wisdom and experience will always be valued, and I look forward to any opportunities to connect in the future. Enjoy this well-deserved time to relax, explore new horizons, and indulge yourself in magic moments.
Wilma Oosthuizen:
Jakkie, to a boss who has made a strong and lasting impact, you gave us direction and inspiration. Enjoy your retirement and all of the exciting adventures ahead of you.
Greg Brink:
I first met Jakkie when I started attending meetings at the Pretoria office in the early 90’s, when we were both young and beautiful.
Thirty-odd years later, I still count him a friend — and that says a lot.
We endured our first baptism of fire together at national wage negotiations. I participated in the negotiations for a number of years after and I can attest to the contribution he made to the labour dispensation that we currently enjoy — we have a lot to thank him for.
Jakkie was instrumental in the formation of the RMI as a single entity, as he formed part of the task team that drew up the plans and constitution.
So from the word go, he has been the steady set of hands playing an important part in the growth and changes that have brought us to where we are today as an industry.
His institutional knowledge is unrivalled, and he will be missed both as a leader and a friend.
Jakkie, thank you for the long hours and days away from home and family. Thank you especially for always doing what you do so well with your own brand of humour.
Enjoy your well-deserved retirement and don’t be a stranger.
All the best my friend.
Marcia Modiba:
Jakkie, I wish to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to RMI. Under your leadership, RMI achieved remarkable milestones and faced challenges with resilience. You created a culture of collaboration. Your impact on the organisation has been nothing short of transformative. Cheers to a well-earned retirement and the beginning of a wonderful journey ahead! With heartfelt appreciation.
Brione Schoeman:
Dear Jakkie,
Thank you for all the years of great memories and lessons.
I have grown up at the RMI and birthed and raised my kids all while employed at the RMI, so retirement is growing ever-nearer for me, too.
I pray that the RMI will continue on the positive trajectory it has enjoyed since you took over the reins, and that you will continue to enjoy success in your life after your retirement.
Although it is truly saddening to see you go, I wish you a wonderful retirement and joyful days ahead.
Thank you and farewell!
Raymond George:
Whenever I’ve seen Jakkie in Automobil magazine, he had a big smile. I always thought, “This must be a happy professional”.
After I joined the RMI, met Jakkie in person, and worked with him, I was struck by what an amazing human being and awesome leader he is — always friendly and encouraging, always giving me a sense of belonging.
Thank you Jakkie, and enjoy the next chapter of your life, my good sir.
Reemo Swartz:
Dear Jakkie,
I consider it an honour to have worked with you. The company and staff are successful today because of the immeasurable sacrifices you have made over the past decades 😊Happy retirement and may you leave proud of the work you have done and the difference you have made in our lives, not only on a work basis but on a personal level, too.
Enjoy the peaceful camping trips.
Peter van Mosseveld:
Hi Jakkie,
Thank you for the great work that you have done, not only for the RMI staff and our members but also for the motor industry as a whole. You are a true legend, a great leader and a great person. Wishing you all the best for your future and enjoy the well-deserved camping trips.
Morne De Jager:
Happy Retirement Jakkie! Hope you enjoy it to the fullest. Thank you.
