Tributes are pouring for Irma van Zyl, a beloved farmer’s wife, following her untimely passing. Irma made a major contribution to the family’s well-known Kroon Vee Brahman cattle stud in Vryburg and Olifantshoek for the past 46 years.
Kroon Vee counts among its buyers at its two annual auctions some of the leading black cattle farmers, not only in South Africa but also especially Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Irma passed away on Tuesday morning in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a freak accident. Irma was married to the well-known and colourful Brahman breeder Jan van Zyl, founder of the well-known stud.
The accident reportedly happened in or near Cape Town on Monday, January 27. Irma had attempted to open the door of the couple’s camper van in which the couple had been enjoying a holiday, when a strong wind violently yanked it open, hurling her out. She suffered severe head injuries and was admitted to hospital, where she passed on Tuesday morning, surrounded by her husband, children, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law.
Kleinjan Gasekoma, a former winner of the Cattle Farmer of the Year award, and also Van Zyl’s neighbour and mentee, expressed his shock and sadness at the passing of Irma. “In my opinion, the Van Zyls rank among the best farmers on the continent. Through their mentorship and advice, I’ve gotten to where I am,” Gasekoma stated.
He mentioned how the Van Zyls always supported his farmers’ days on his farm. “I won the South African Cattle Farmer of the Year award in 2015, a year after Jan did in 2014. That shows I learned from the best,” Gasekoma noted.
“Irma will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Gasekoma family, and many others who had the privilege of knowing Irma and the Van Zyls, our hearts are heavy with sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
Dr. Sello Maboe, a Brahman farmer and veterinarian who previously worked with Onderstepoort Biological Products and is now with CEVA, received the shocking news while on a work trip in Zimbabwe. Maboe expressed his sadness upon hearing the news, stating that he has had an extraordinary relationship with the van Zyl family for over four years.
“I’ve been buying bulls and semen from Kroon Vee Brahmans for more than four years now, and Oom Jan has always been amazing to me,” said Maboe.
He recalled the first time he purchased a bull from Oom Jan: “He loaded and delivered a R75 000 bull to my farm in Rustenburg, which is over 400 km away, for free, even before I had paid a cent. At that time, I didn’t have the money; I only planned to take a few heifers to auction to raise the funds. When I explained my situation to him, he reassured me that he had confidence in me. My sincerest condolences to Oom Jan and the rest of the family,” Maboe concluded.
Van Zyl sent out the following message shortly after his wife’s death: “Dear family and friends. The Lord lent me an incredible life partner for 46 years and gave us a mother and grandmother.
“I am thankful that my children and I were able to say goodbye in such a touching way this morning. Thank you for all your prayers, tears, and support. We have made peace with His inexplicable decision. We know that His will has been done.
“Thank you for the support. Please give us some time today to process this.
“She is dancing in the Lord’s flower-filled garden, and He has gained a wonderful angel!
“Regards, Jan, Elmi, Shaun, Gideon, Rodien, Roné, Wian, Jan, and Marnel, and our thirteen incredible grandchildren. Amen.”
Recently retired
Jan and Irma retired about a year ago, fully handing over the farming business to their sons, Gideon and Jan Jnr.
Kroon Vee is well-known throughout Southern Africa and annually supplies valuable breeding material to the stud and commercial cattle industries. Buyers have been attending the Van Zyls’ production auctions for decades, and farmers from as far as Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have bought some of the family’s Brahmans.
Since retiring, the Van Zyl couple has used their camper van to travel extensively in South Africa and Namibia to visit friends, family, and old clients, and to attend caravanning gatherings. At one point, Jan told African Farming how much he and Irma enjoyed this peaceful time.
Freak accident
In a voice message earlier this week, Jan explained what happened while the couple was reportedly holidaying in the Western Cape: “Her breathing is 10%, and the doctors cannot declare her brain dead. The children are all on their way; it is a very difficult day.
“It was a freak accident when she opened the camper van’s door, and the wind yanked her out. She suffered very serious head injuries. There is talk of organ donations. Only one thing can pull her through, and that is prayers. I ask you to pray that God can accomplish the impossible. The time for miracles is not yet over.”
He said in a later cellphone message that he praises the Lord that she is still breathing.
“Thank you for your prayers. As the doctors say, it’s the only possibility because medically speaking, it is inconceivable [that she is still breathing].
“Now Irma is gone and her place on the farm is empty; where over the course of a lifetime she contributed to the farming operations by handling the administration and especially recording the births of calves.
“She was always ready to hospitably receive friends, family, and clients, and to offer the most delicious meals.”
African Farming extends its condolences to Jan and his family during this difficult time and for the challenging period ahead for everyone.
