Mpumalanga Branch

Martin is the third generation descendant of the State-President whose name he bears. He commenced his business life in the computer field, rising to sales manager in the main branch of a national company. Seeking wider horizons, he joined an auctioneering company to learn the intricacies of this diverse yet highly specialised industry.

Three years later, Martin launched his own company with a partner, which rapidly gained a name for the efficiency and dynamism of its operations. He was head-hunted by Mr Phil van der Merwe, founder of Van's Auctioneers, as partner in his well-established firm. The resultant blend of talents, 16 years of experience and energy paid immediate dividends, and lifted the firm from strength to strength. Martin is now the CEO of the firm.

Johan van Eyk matriculated at Brandwag High School in Uitenhage and obtained a B.Com and an LL.B degree from the University of Port Elizabeth. He subsequently completed his Articles of Clerkship at Tim du Toit & Co in Pretoria and was admitted as Attorney.

Johan commenced his employment at Boland Bank, where he worked as Credit Controller and Legal Advisor and received training and gained exposure as Commercial Banker. After that he worked as Portfolio Manager at Citadel Investment Services (which became part of the listed Peregrine Group) for a period of 8 years. In 2005 he joined ABSA Private Bank (later ABSA Wealth) and worked as Private Banker, and also obtained the CFP™ qualification and became a member of the FPI (Financial Planning Institute.) Johan met Martin Pretorius during this time, and they immediately shared a common value system and way of thinking.

Johan joined Van’s Auctioneers as partner with Martin, Gerard Harding and Moses Moche. His role is that of Business Manager, and they are collectively involved in the management of the business and positioning thereof to ensure that Van’s Auctioneers remain a dynamic and effective force within the industry

Anton spent two years in the UK, working as an Operator manager after he matriculated. Returning to South Africa Anton enrolled at Damelin College finishing a two year Golf Directorship and Club Management Diploma.

In 2008 Anton joined the leading team of Van’s Auctioneers under the strong creative directorship of Martin Pretorius and Gerard Harding.

Anton has since become a Junior Director at Van’s Auctioneers in 2011.

Kogie has over twenty years’ experience in the higher education sector where she played an important role in facilitating the sector interest at all levels. She engaged with senior management of universities and allied key public stakeholders in promoting the sectorial interests of higher education both locally and internationally. Kogie served on several professional and educational bodies, to name a few: the Council for Higher Education (CHE), the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), the National Skills Authority (NSA) International Scholarships Committees and various Academic Committees.

In the more recent years, Kogie’s involvement as a Business Development Consultant for private enterprises has led her to become involved as the Managing Officer of Vans Auctioneers. With her experience in higher education and her continued passion for learning and development, Kogie will continue to focus on engaging with all the key stakeholders and will help steer the company through the period of transformation.

Kogie has a Masters qualification in Public Management from the University of Pretoria, a National Higher Diploma in Post-School Education and attended several Professional Training courses.