Five finalists competed at Nampo Cape this year to be crowned the best young auctioneer in the country. Fiso Hadebe (24) from KwaZulu-Natal walked away with the honours.
The rivalry was fierce at this year’s Plaas Media Toyota Young Auctioneer competition, with five finalists battling it out for first place on the rostrum at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp, Western Cape. In the final round, the top five had to auction two sheep. The judges were the esteemed auctioneers Carl Malherbe and Allen Sinclair.
“All five of these auctioneers were excellent and could make a career in the industry,” Carl said after the competition. The judges particularly looked at the auctioneers’ presence on the rostrum, whether they stood still or moved a lot, and the intonation of their chants.
Allan said it was enjoyable to listen to the young men. His advice to them was always to take the rostrum seriously but also to enjoy it. “Don’t play games on the rostrum. Always remember you’re working for the farmer, for his income, and you must take it seriously,” he told them. “Take control of the auction, maintain a presence, but remember to enjoy it.”
In 2022 and 2023, this year’s winner, Fiso Hadebe, had to be content with second place in the competition. However, this made him determined to do even better and not give up. African Farming’s sister title, Landbouweekblad, spoke to him about his path to first place.
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in the auctioneering industry?
I grew up in the small town of Estcourt in the Tugela district of KwaZulu-Natal. For my high school career I went to another small town. I attended Weston Agricultural College in Mooi River. I think that’s where my career actually began. I met Angus Williamson, a farmer and auctioneer, and thanks to him I was introduced to the auctioneering industry. I’ve always loved animals. That’s my background.
My parents, Thami and Philisiwe, are crop farmers, but they also farm on a small scale with livestock, and that has always been my great love. But if I must be honest, I didn’t have much knowledge about auctioneers or auctions. It’s not something I had considered, but when I was exposed to it I could immediately identify with it.
I was never the one in class who would stand up and make speeches; I’m a bit more reserved. Angus always told me I had it in me to be a good auctioneer one day. When I was in grade 10, I entered the junior-junior division of the competition. I came second, but what really motivated me was the prize money of R500. I thought: wow, tuck shop money!
In 2017, I participated at the junior level nationally and came second again. This time I won R1 000, and I smiled very broadly. Angus then explained to me nicely how commission and all those things work. I just fell in love with auctions.
Did you know this is what you wanted to do after school?
I realised this is what I love, and I would have to make it work. Right after school, I started working as a bid spotter for Bloodstock South Africa. However, there aren’t auctions every day, so I also completed a diploma course in human resources.
Who are your mentors and what have they taught you?
There are a few auctioneers I look up to – especially the auctioneers I work with now, like Steve Davis, the Australasian representative at Bloodstock, and people like Andrew Miller and Brendon Leer. They gave me good advice, like staying calm on the rostrum and taking control no matter how stressful it is.
What auctions have you done?
I’ve done a few livestock auctions where I sold the smaller lots, like sheep and goats. I want to gain as much experience as possible and become known in the industry.
What path did you take in the Young Auctioneer competition?
Achieving second place gave me room to work on myself. It wasn’t a case of feeling bad if I came second or third. It motivated me to work harder. I knew I would achieve first place one day. That was always my approach.
I get wonderful support from the people around me. It wasn’t always easy, but I enjoyed the journey. I couldn’t believe it when I won this year; it’s actually still surreal.
What is your advice to other young auctioneers?
Never stop knocking on the door; someone will eventually open. You must commit yourself to the profession. Always be honest, with yourself and the person standing in front of you.
