It is with great sadness that the Vodacom Bulls family has heard of the passing of legendary friend and colleague Saartjie Olivier.
“It is difficult to put words together that eloquently encapsulate how Saartjie was an influential figure in our day-to-day operations and what she meant to everyone involved at the franchise,” comments Edgar Rathbone, Chief Executive Officer of the BBCo.
“It is infrequent that an organisation comes across a person of Saartjie’s calibre and gets to keep them around for as long as she served our club. Her service was felt by many who visited the stadium from all over the world. Many know the history of this great venue and the stories behind the rich history of the club because she dedicated much of her later years to educating visitors to the Loftus treasures,”
“Our home will never be the same without her loyal support, commitment and the in-depth institutional knowledge she had. She had a massive impact on our Bulls Family for over 50 years and will always be remembered for her consistent energy, smile and loving heart.”
Tannie Saartjie as she is affectionately known amongst the Loftus faithful, began working with the franchise back in 1972 where she served alongside the then union administrator. During her time in the capital, the Windhoek native has seen 20 Currie Cup trophies, 3 Super Rugby crowns and more than 90 Springboks come out of the Tshwane-based franchise.
Saartjie’s life has been personified by the game, marrying her sweetheart and late husband who was a provincial rugby player and coach with whom she shares Springbok and Northern Transvaal legend Jacques Olivier with. Her second son is a renowned club player amongst the Carlton Cup ranks and her grandson is following in those footsteps too.
Vodacom Bulls sports psychologist, Dr. Henning Gericke said: “We are so sad but we have so many great memories of her. She was always keen to have a chat and her great passion for the Bulls brand was out of this world.”
“Thank you for the special memories Saartjie, you will be dearly missed.”
“If ever there was anyone who walked through the gates of Loftus Versfeld who could claim treatment as blue-blood rugby royalty, it’s her,” remarks Koos Venter (sports journalist) about the working life of our beloved Tannie.
Everyone’s thoughts and prayers at the Vodacom Bulls, the BBRU and the BBCo are with her family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
