We celebrate the life of (Oom) Simon Streicher, born on 25 July 1951 — the same year South Africa’s meat trade came under the newly established Meat Control Board.
On 1 June 1969 — 54 days before his 18th birthday, and 49 days before the Apollo 11 Moon landing — Oom Simon began his career at the Department of Commerce. It was the start of a working life spanning nearly six decades, all of it given in consistent dedicated service to South African agriculture.
He moved to the Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing in 1973, while completing his Bachelor of Commerce through UNISA in 1978. He then joined the Oil Seeds Control Board, helping guide the industry through its transition from state-controlled marketing to a deregulated, market-driven system. From there, his path led him through seventeen years on the SAPPO Board and a decade on the SAMIC Board of Directors from 2016, where meat classification grew into a broader system of quality assurance and inspection. In every role, Simon Streicher was known as a steady hand and a constant supporter of transformation — a man whose integrity, judgement and generosity earned him the deep respect of everyone who worked alongside him.
Oom Simon passed away on 5 August 2026, at the age of 75, having given his life to his family and the industry he loved. He leaves behind his wife, Bets, and children, Dorette and Simon. The entire SAMIC family will remember him with deep gratitude and affection — a devoted husband, father and true stalwart of the South African red meat industry.
“Vlieg hoog saam met die engele, Oom Simon.”