Memorial Knife – Pieter Potgieter

Pieter JJS Potgieter was born on 1 December 1941 in the Gobabis district of Namibia. He spent his childhood in various places in Namibia where his father worked for the railways. In 1959, he graduated from Otjiwarongo High School and continued his studies at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, where he obtained his B.A., M.A., and D.Phil. degrees. He briefly worked at the former Department of Information but later returned to Potchefstroom University to pursue an  academic career until his retirement.

Pottie was introduced to hunting as a child—initially to put food on the table—but his love for hunting grew and developed into a passion for the outdoors. On 1 September 2001, Pottie joined SA Hunters as chairman of the shooting club in Potchefstroom, which later became the Hartbees Branch. He became involved in SA Hunters’ management and served as president from 2007 to 2010. During his term, significant changes occurred in the SAHGCA, as the growing membership required new structures and processes. Pottie played a significant role in developing a new constitution to expand participation and representation by members and branches. He also made a significant contribution in establishing a tradition in SA Hunters with the Congress opening ceremony, the singing of the Hunters’ Song, and the display of branch emblems.

Pottie’s preferred hunting destination remains the bushveld of Namibia, with the challenge still being a large blue eland bull.

Prof. Pottie provided and approved the design for this knife of his choice.