Well-known Louis Trichardt residents Gwen Loots and her sister, Margaret van Zyl, bade farewell to the Soutpansberg this week.
Gwen, born in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1954, is embarking on a new chapter in her life, leaving the South African bushveld for the sun-kissed shores of Brisbane, Australia. She met and married her husband, Pieter, in Harare, and their shared journey took them to Gwelo (now Gweru) in 1976 because of Pieter’s air force career.
In 1982, the couple made the life-changing decision to immigrate to South Africa, where Pieter took up a role at Atlas Aircraft Corporation. Eight years later, the Loots family settled in Louis Trichardt when Pieter joined the South African Air Force.
Gwen’s passion for her community led her to the Realty 1 Property Group in 2000. Multitasking as receptionist, bookkeeper, and rental agent, her dedication and skills quickly saw her rise to the position of principal within a year. During her tenure, she not only garnered numerous awards but also spearheaded Realty 1’s fundraising initiatives, making significant contributions to local charities. Later, Gwen became a part-owner of Realty 1 Louis Trichardt, solidifying her commitment to the company and the community it served.
Beyond her professional achievements, Gwen is known for her compassionate nature. She expresses her love through cooking and baking, always ready to provide a meal or a kind gesture to those in need. A devout Christian and an active member of the Emmanuel Christian Church, she is affectionately known as the “Prayer lady,” firmly believing in the power of prayer. Her faith was deeply evident when her and Margaret’s beloved dog, Jack, ran away from his new owners just before their departure. Through prayers and unwavering belief, Jack was found and returned home the very next day.
Margaret, born in Primrose, Germiston, Gauteng, in 1946, is leaving the Soutpansberg for the sandy beaches of Durban. At the age of two, her family relocated to Harare, Zimbabwe. It was in Harare that she met her future husband, Willie van Zyl, embarking on a whirlwind romance that led to their engagement just a week after their first date. Their shared passion for classic motor racing saw them compete during the 1980s, with Willie’s iconic blue Lotus Super 7 becoming a cherished memory.
In 2011, Margaret and Willie chose Louis Trichardt as their retirement destination, where Margaret continued to work at Realty 1 with her sister, managing the cash book. Tragically, Willie passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Margaret has now decided to embrace a new adventure, moving to Durban to live with a lifelong friend and to enjoy retirement and the joys of being a grandmother. Like Gwen, she is a dedicated member of the Emmanuel Christian Church, finding solace and strength in her faith.
Both Gwen and Margaret’s stories are testaments to lives filled with love, adventure, and community involvement. Their shared faith, resilience, and unwavering spirit have left an enduring mark on Louis Trichardt, and their journeys continue to inspire. They bid a fond farewell to all those they were unable to say goodbye to in person.
