GOLD MEDAL
Paul Vonk
His repertoire in SANA and the green industry is definitely more Major than Minor and he certainly does not need a conductor as he always has his own baton at the ready!For almost his entire career in the green industry he has been involved with SANA.
As past Vice President and mentor he is a role model for giving back to the industry.He was instrumental in developing the concept of the SANA sponsorship programme. Under his leadership the current GCA competition also was developed and for many years he was the organizer as part of his SANA commitments. The conventions and gala dinners under his watch, first for SANA then for SAGIC, created a template still used today.
After his SANA career he moved into SAGIC where he became Chairman and grew the umbrella body for the entire green industry. He was instrumental in bringing IGCA back to SA in 2007 and led the committee in raising a substantial surplus which became the foundation funding for LIAG.
He continues to be an active Member and has served the past four EXCO’s as the SANA representative in SAGIC.
Although his career is by no means over this gold medal recognizes a passionate Member of SANA who‘s contribution to the industry over many years serves as a foundation to the SANA we all know today.
SERVICE AWARD
Dawn Collard
As loyal supporter of SANA for many years her face is always seen at functions and other SANA activities. Owning an award winning garden centre and leading by example is second nature to someone who has the green industry in her blood.
Starting out as a rep in the green industry she moved onto retail and as her experience grew she became more and more involved in the structures of SANA. Serving as GCA chairperson, Elected Member on the EXCO, Vice President and finally the first woman President she continues to inspire woman in our association.
This service award acknowledges her ongoing enthusiasm for SANA and promotion the Association.
Charles Oosthuizen
Going the extra mile for SANA is second nature to him. An active member of the Growers Association and having served on at least three EXCO’s during his career is just part of his story.
A man who is always available to help the office team and on hand to sort out anything on the SANA property at the drop of a hat makes him invaluable to the team. From convention committee member to the golf days which he put back on the SANA calendar his enthusiasm for the industry is legendary.
He has been part of the organizing team around the Trade Days for many years and his passion for the industry here has had the most impact often going beyond the call of duty.
This service award recognizes his unique and continued contribution to SANA.
MERIT AWARD
Heyns Botha
A quiet individual who likes to stay behind the scenes in the Association but has been a strong supporter for many years of SANA and our projects.
He has been part of the GCA competition committee, LIAG committee and is an active Member and supporter of the Gauteng GCA.
His positive association with SANA has also facilitated the Home Store Membership of SANA which contributes hugely to the success of the GCA competition.
DM Hoffman
An award winning garden centre raising the standard of retail garden centres is only one facet of one of our strongest supporters.
Supporting the GCA competition and his store being a showcase to international visitors has been part of his SANA makeup for many years. A passionate Member of the competition committee he continues to help make this one of the most important projects within SANA.
He has lead the Gauteng GCA committee as well as the Tshwane GCA for more terms than any other Member over the years and served as National GCA Chair in the 2013/14 EXCO.