One thing is almost certain – 2020/21 won’t be the globe’s last annus horribilis. So, the challenge for leaders is to step up now to be better prepared for the next one – all while keeping an eye on their vision for growth and success. Fortunately, Pretoria’s Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool has a knack for producing excellent leaders, with Barnard Inc’s Commercial Law Director, Koos Benadie as a shining example of the school’s assembly line of talent. “I try not to hold Koos’ Affies origins against him,” laughs MD Douw Breed. “But he really complements and boosts our management team’s efforts to rapidly expand the Barnard brand. And when the pace of change is this fast, we need managers who know how to make sure that people update their understanding of shifts in technology, markets, and client needs. Affies or not, I couldn’t imagine our team without him!”
Koos is an experienced corporate and commercial law practitioner. He specialises in company law, business rescue, restructure and other corporate legal matters – from inception to conclusion – including any litigation. He has acted for an impressive range of corporate clients and has also provided legal services to financial institutions and large retail operations. “I was intrigued by the dynamics and the positive vibe of the firm,” he says when asked about joining Barnard Inc. “I decided to take up the challenge in 2020 and the rest is history. I see Barnard Inc as a law firm that will compete in the arena of the ‘Big 5’ Law firms in South Africa!”
Koos grew up in Pretoria. He attended Queenswood Primary School and Affies before studying at the University of Pretoria. “I had a happy family life growing up as a child in my family of four. I have an older sister and my mom and dad were both teachers,” says Koos. “My parents were very dedicated and supportive, and they were always around to support, encourage and offer advice.” Koos’ parents played a very prominent role in his life, and he credits them for his drive to succeed. “They were always there to provide input, and they were my biggest supporters in whatever I undertook.” Sadly, Koos’ father passed away in February 2020 after suffering a short but serious bout of cancer. “My Dad was a fighter until the end, and he had a never-say-die attitude. He lived a very balanced life and made sure that he had time for his work, family, and other passions (family holidays, rugby, and braais).”
Koos’ friends describe him as a fun and loving family man – with an element of seriousness. “We have been through tough times of late, but my wonderful wife has been such a rock in my life. I deeply value her support, love and encouragement that has always been present since the day we met.” Our Affies family man enjoys buying tech gadgets, playing golf, hunting, holidays, and dinner dates with his wife. “We enjoy the whole experience of food and wine pairing and my current favourite is Fermier in The Willows, Pretoria. I must say that Waterkloof Winery in Somerset West was the best culinary experience that I ever had.”
Like it or not, Affies has produced another fine leader and visionary! But as every Affies son will tell you, “In ons skool gee ons die ereplek aan God en is dankbaar vir die talente wat ons van Hom ontvang het.” Seems the Barnard team and Koos’ friends and family have a lot to be thankful for!
