End of an era: Oom Pottie says goodbye to Sasol Bendor
After 23 years of service Johan Potgieter and his team bid farewell to Sasol Bendor in Polokwane as they prepare for a new chapter in the fuel industry.
POLOKWANE – For the past 23 years, motorists in Polokwane have come to know Sasol Bendor as a place of fast, friendly service – all thanks to Johan Potgieter and his team.
Affectionately known as ‘Oom Pottie’, Johan and his wife Melinda took the leap years ago and bought the franchise.
“You can’t always predict your future, but you can plan for it. When we started this Sasol journey, we knew that every beginning eventually leads to an end and every end opens the door to a new beginning,” Johan tells Polokwane Observer.
With their contract with Sasol Oil now complete, Johan says the time felt right to step into a new season. But they’re not going far.
“We’re staying in Polokwane. You go to the coast for holidays, not to live there,” he laughs.
“The fuel industry is in our DNA now. And we’ve always planned to make a success of it.”
Johan says one of the biggest challenges over the years was managing and motivating a team of 43 people.
“No workplace is challenge-free, but I tried to inspire with purpose and positivity. We’re deeply thankful to the community and our staff, they stood by us through every high and low. It’s goodbye for now, but not farewell. We’re still around, and we’ll see you on the streets. Remember: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. It’s not how you start, but how you finish that defines you. And now, we’re getting ready for our next chapter.”
