Loftus' Saartjie Olivier passes away
NEWS: Legendary Bulls colleague ‘Tannie Saartjie Olivier”, as she was known, passed away after an illness earlier this week.
Olivier was a loved and respected administrator at the Bulls for 50 years and was described as the heart and soul of administration at Loftus.
“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,” Edgar Rathbone, Chief Executive Officer of the BBCo said.
“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 began working with the franchise back in 1972 where she served alongside the then union administrator.
During her time in Pretoria, the Windhoek native saw 20 Currie Cup trophies, three Super Rugby crowns, and more than 90 Springboks come out of the Tshwane-based franchise.
Former CEO of the BBCo, Barend van Graan said: “Saartjie Olivier will always be a part of the history of the Bulls family, not only for being involved as an employee at Loftus Versfeld for five decades, but because she was part of developing the DNA of the Bulls brand before and post the democratisation of South Africa (1994) and the professionalisation of rugby (1995).
“Rugby is more than a sport in Pretoria, amongst our employees, officials, and supporters in South Africa. It is a proud South African tradition and a part of our culture. Saartjie served the Bulls with passion, loyalty, and commitment. Rugby was her way of life.”
Olivier’s life was personified by the game, marrying her sweetheart and late husband, a provincial rugby player and coach with whom she shares Springbok and Northern Transvaal legend Jacques Olivier.
Her second son is a renowned club player amongst the Carlton Cup ranks and her grandson is following in those footsteps too.
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.”
