The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has announced the passing of its chairman Michael Laubscher, following injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago.
Laubscher, who was also chief executive of table grape exporter Exsa and grew the fruit in South Africa’s Hex River Valley, had been in a critical condition at a hospital in Paarl since the accident. He was 40 years old.
In a statement, SATI offered its condolences to Laubscher’s family and all who knew him. “We wish them, their extended family, as well as his colleagues and friends, all the best during this trying time. We ask that you join us in praying for and supporting the family.”
Willem Bestbier, SATI’s chief executive, said the industry was sad to lose such a young and gifted leader. “He will be remembered as an industry leader, producer and colleague who always placed the interest and needs of the industry and his fellow citizens before his own.”
The news has stunned the community in the Hex River Valley and the table grape industry at large. “He excelled as a leader at school, on the sports field, in business and in the community,” Bestbier added, observing that Laubscher had been head student at Paarl Gymnasium, one of the country’s best-known schools, where he also captained the senior rugby team.
At Stellenbosch, apart from excelling academically, he similarly led the University rugby team and helped them win national competitions.
Returning to the Hex River Valley to join the family’s table grape business, he later became chairman of the Hex River Table Grape Growers Association.
“When he became chairman of SATI in 2014, he impressed us all with his selfless service to the industry, his ability to grasp and understand complex issues and come up with solutions and take decisions,” Bestbier continued. “Not only did he lead us in crucial decisions but also insisted that we implement [them].”
He noted that Laubscher always took an interest in everyone around him and showed an uncommon degree of humanity. “On the industry level he really united all five the table grape regions and reminded us at all times that we are there to deliver service to table grape growers.”
Exsa director Leon Viljoen described it as “an incredible loss” for the industry, the company and the Hex River Valley community.
“He was such a respected person. It is not surprising that all of us, but in particular the younger grower community of which he has been such a central part, are all devastated. As business man and leader of Exsa he is well known and respected all over the world. He really took Exsa to a new level.”
Laubscher is survived by his wife Jana and four children.
SATI said details regarding a memorial and funeral have not yet been announced.
