Casidra Bids Farewell to One of Its Stalwarts, Chief Financial Officer Freek van Zyl

The biggest highlight of this week was Casidra’s celebration of the retirement of one of its stalwarts, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Freek van Zyl, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning more than three decades of service.

Mr. van Zyl’s journey with the organisation began in 1994, just after Casidra was established in 1993 under its former name, Lanok. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Casidra’s financial governance framework and ensuring the organisation’s reputation for accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline.

Over the course of his tenure, Mr. van Zyl served under eight Chief Executive Officers and, on several occasions, stepped in as Acting CEO, providing stability and leadership during times of organisational transition. His deep institutional knowledge and commitment to good governance have made him a cornerstone of Casidra’s management team.

A highlight of Mr. van Zyl’s career has been his instrumental contribution to Casidra’s 36 consecutive unqualified financial audits, a record that stands as a testament to the organisation’s sound financial management and governance standards. This achievement reflects Casidra’s ongoing value proposition as a trusted implementing business enterprise of the Western Cape Government, responsible for delivering agricultural and rural development projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“Mr. van Zyl’s contribution to Casidra has been truly exceptional,” said Dr. Keith du Plessis, Chief Executive Officer of Casidra. “He has been part of this organisation from its inception and has guided it with unwavering integrity and professionalism. His leadership and financial stewardship have set a benchmark for excellence that will continue to shape Casidra’s future,” Du Plessis concluded.

Throughout his career, Mr. van Zyl has been recognised not only for his financial expertise but also for his principled approach to leadership. His belief that sounds financial governance is central to effective service delivery has underpinned Casidra’s mission and success for more than three decades.

As he enters retirement, Mr. van Zyl looks forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing personal interests, including rugby, fishing, family camping and braai, cooking and baking, community church service, and travelling. His calm presence, institutional wisdom, and quiet humour will be deeply missed by colleagues and partners alike. During the retirement celebration, many of them shared experiences, lessons, and memories that will be cherished forever

In his own words of appreciation, Freek thanked Casidra for everything they had done to make his retirement day so special. “I wish we could have counted all the people who literally had food put on their tables because of our involvement,” he said. “Success is also when you have empowered someone to take on a better job. We’ve invested in our own personnel, throughout all levels, from farmworkers to managers, and when someone offers them a better opportunity, we are truly grateful. I wish this organisation the best growth, to continue changing the lives of the people.”

Casidra extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Freek van Zyl for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication over the past 31 years. His legacy of integrity, professionalism, and excellence will remain an enduring part of Casidra’s identity.

About Casidra SOC Ltd

Casidra SOC Ltd (Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas) is the official implementing agency of the Western Cape Government, responsible for executing projects that promote agricultural growth, rural development, and social upliftment. Casidra provides project management and implementation services to ensure effective, transparent, and sustainable delivery on behalf of government departments and public entities. Through its commitment to good governance, accountability, and community impact, Casidra plays a vital role in enabling inclusive economic development across the Western Cape.