Dr Chris Jordaan (left), manager of the private property rights portfolio for the Transvaal Agricultural Union (TAU SA) recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Dries Joubert, chairperson of SA (North), said Dr Jordaan managed his portfolio with much insight and wisdom and always displayed extraordinary discernment when dealing with difficult situations. Chris van Zyl, manager of safety and security at TAU SA, said that although Jordaan struggled with cancer for a long time, he remained positive and optimistic. “He was an easy-going man, yet resolute. Right to the end he contributed to the cause at hand,” Van Zyl said. He added that Dr Jordaan had made major contributions to the agricultural sector, saying he was a fighter for issues affecting the farming community. He played a major role in discussions with government on the expropriation bill and was also involved in preliminary discussions about AgriBEE.
“He did this without creating conflict. He was a well-read person, which contributed to his success,” said Van Zyl. Before entering the agricultural sector Jordaan was a chaplain in the Defence Force, and was also a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church in Potchefstroom. After leaving the Force he obtained his Doctorate in politics, during which time he developed an interest in land ownership issues. “He was the right man for the right position at the right time,” Zyl said. He is survived by his wife Ria, two sons and a daughter. – Wilma den Hartigh
