Condolences pour in for well-known businessman

CONDOLENCE messages continue to pour in following the death of prominent local businessman, Werner Hauptfleisch, who was found dead at his home in Royldene earlier this week in what is believed to have been a suicide.

The 46-year-old father of two, was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Kimberley, a former president of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) and a past representative of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) for the central region.

“It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of the immediate past president of the Central Region, and ex-SAICA board member,” said SAICA spokesperson, Kulani Chaukwe, yesterday afternoon.

“His record of service on SAICA structures, on a voluntary basis, included being council member of the Northern Cape Council, president of the Northern Cape Council and chairman of the Central Region Council. He also served on the Board of SAICA from June 2014 to December 2016.”

Chaukwe said that in addition to the leadership roles that Hauptfleisch fulfilled, he also played a significant role in the future strategic direction of the profession, including the growth and transformation of the profession by driving processes to provide broader access to pupils.

“Werner was approachable and welcoming by nature and always motivated input, innovation and contribution from others within the structures that he served.

“He will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives he touched and in particular the SAICA departments he interacted with. His loss is heartfelt by the SAICA board, the Central Region, The Hope Factory, as well as the Transformation and Growth, Member Engagement and the Legal and Ethical Divisions of SAICA, especially by the people whose working lives he touched through his generosity of spirit.”

The CEO of Nocci, Sharon Steyn, yesterday issued a statement expressing local business’ condolences to Hauptfleisch’s family.

“Werner was a person who always gave 100 percent in everything he did,” Steyn recalled. “He had a passion for business and helping the community.

“Werner will be truly missed by all and will leave a legacy in the business world as well as his personal life.

“Nocci would like to send their condolences to Soekie and their two children, Willem and Shirley, his parents and Anton and his wife.”

His funeral service will take place at the Vooruitsig Church, Kimberley, on Saturday at 11.30am.