Father and son to auction off goods of Kempton Park mayor
The two will be heading the sale of former mayor of Ekurhuleni's household goods on March 4.
Father and son auctioneering duo, Hedly and Glen Harris, shared exclusive details of their next auction taking place on March 4.
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The well-known team will host the auction of former Kempton Park mayor Tjokkie Stegmann’s household goods.
When they met with the Express last week, they shared a bit of their life story as well as their love for auctioneering.
Hedly started auctioneering in 1985 after attending a two-week auctioneering course in Mason City, Iowa, in America in 1984.
His son Glen was only 15 when the auctioneering bug bit.
“Back in 1984, South Africa was faced with petrol sanctions and because I just did not want any economical stresses I decided to go to America and study auctioneering for a bit.
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“I came back after completing the course and while working as an auctioneer I had many people come up to me to ask me to teach them how to chant.
“A year later in 1985, I started the South African College of Auctioneering,” said Hedly.
“I came from a farming background and my dad used to go to auctions a lot. He was also into the car game,” he added.
Hedly had his son Glen attend the South African College of Auctioneering when he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps to the podium.
“There’s really great excitement to being at an auction. You never know how things turn out but I really like the general vibe,” said Glen.
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The two faced difficulty coming from the Covid lockdown and tried to diversify to stay afloat.
“Covid affected us because all of our auctions are live auctions.
“That means we need to have people around and during Covid restrictions, it was a bit tough because we had never done things like online auctions. We were restricted from having people in enclosed areas,” said Glen.
With just over 20 years of experience behind Glen and 38 years of experience behind Hedly, the two have sold amazing items ranging from property, automobiles, a Gulfstream aeroplane and even a unique cycad plant that went for over R100 000.
“It’s always nerve-wracking going to auction because anything could happen. I believe it’s the confidence we portray that makes us good at what we do. This is what we even teach at the college.
“Most students begin as introverts and end up being confident people on stage. This career just needs someone who can engage with people most of the time,” added Glen.
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The auction will take place at Stegmann’s home in Terenure.
“Most of the items that will be up for sale are rare antiques. Some are over 100 years old.”
Some of the items they look forward to auctioning off include an extendable dining room table, Birch Bentwood chairs and a carved dresser.
“The community is welcome to join us if they are interested in any antiques,” said Glen.
For more information, contact Glen on glen@auctioncollege.co.za or call 074 447 5750.
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