BIDAir’s Francois Wolmarans dies

Farewell to another of the prominent personalities in the SA freight industry, with the death last week of 43-year-old Francois Wolmarans, group MD of BIDAir Group. Francois was born on June 7, 1966, and began his career as a recruitment consultant, while also gaining a diploma in industrial relations and finalising his degree in Bachelor of Commerce through part-time study. He was appointed as MD of Express Air Services (EAS) at the youthful age of 32, and in this position was recognised with BIDVest chairman’s award for exceptional performance in 2006. Francois held this position for 10 years. His career highlight was being part of turning lossmaking entities into profit generators and securing and growing jobs. Francois embraced challenges facing our country – feeling that balancing the needs and aspirations of the poor against sound economic policy allowing for job creation and the increase in the average wealth of all South Africans was critical to our future. He believed in adding value to society – while subscribing to the adage: “The key to a successful life is to manage your life in such a way that you can die without regrets”. Francois is survived by his mother, brother, sister and daughter.