About Werner Coetzee - (Everything South African)
Where do I begin?
I was born in South Africa in what I would like to describe as “Oscar Country” (Benoni, for those who do not know our famous Charlize Theron) and basically grew up in the Northern parts of our beloved country.
It is here that I developed my love for rugby, beer, the fairer sex and song…!
I matriculated in Parel Vallei High School in Somerset West in 1989 and did my compulsory military service in Kimberly and Luhatla. I soon realized the importance of rank in the military and upon completion of a officers course, became a lieutenant. Good move! From there on, the road to bliss was paved. (in the military anyway)
During this period I decided to study law, but after a very short period at Stellenbosch University, I decided that Law wasn’t for me and started, which seems to be a general theme in SA, to work in a couple of pubs and restaurants.
The next year I applied to enroll in Hotel School at the Cape Technikon and was accepted. I completed the three year course (at times by the skin of my teeth) and went ahead to manage the Blue Peter Hotel in Blouberg.
It soon became apparent that this was not going to be my career for long and after only three months in my ‘new’ profession, I decided to accept an offer from a software company called Electronic Costs Systems to act as an export manager for their construction software package.
I consoled myself that the three (expensive) years at Hotel School would be documented as ‘finishing school’ expenses. Besides learning to appreciate good food and good wine, I also realized the value of the word ’service’. Good service. Until today this is one of my many mottos.
With Electronic Cost Systems I relocated to the UK, Namibia and finally Zimbabwe respectively. It is in Zimbabwe that I met my better half, Michelle, and what I consider to be the second part of my life started.
We moved to SA to get married and currently also proudly boast with two children.
Upon coming back to SA, I discovered the wonderful world of cyberspace! I purchased my first modem in 1997 and can proudly say that I have not been far from a connection for longer than two weeks since then!
I stayed with Electronic Costs Systems for quite a number of years in a number of different positions, until finally in 1999 I decided to further myself and started a ’share trading course’ and worked with a Stock broker for a couple of months. I attended night classes and within a year qualified as a trader and Financial advisor.
It is shortly after this that Jonathan Miller approached me and we started a company that handled Mergers and Acquisitions for a number of larger companies.
I was poached by the Owners of Electronic Costs Systems again (now a company called Beget Holdings) and was appointed as Marketing and Franchising manager.
To get even, Jonathan stole me back again in 2003 and I have been with the company (now Forge) ever since August 2003!
As mentioned earlier my passion for sport (and related) knows no bounds and I have been known to sell my sole for tickets to big sporting events.
I am also a dedicated Christian (very active in children's ministry) and this, together with my family, form an integral part of who I am and how I live my life.
My passion for the internet and technology in general knows no bounds and I truly look forward to growing old with a notebook (or whatever it is at that stage) on my lap!
December 18th, 2006 at 7:18 am
Please would you run one of my companies!
June 21st, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Very sic cuz
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Vaar wel Werner - You were remarkable.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Dear Werner
I was educated at Somerset West in the 1950s - the school was not too far from Somerset West station I recall anbd would like very much to try and find images of the two dutch gabled buildings that made up the school in my day. I noticed that both had disappeared by the 1990s when I last visited. Have you any ideas please? Who can I contact
Keith Wilson
November 21st, 2008 at 10:16 am
we mis you very much my dear cousin. Wish you were here!!!!