Buildings, machinery, and products may tell part of a company’s story, but it’s the people who truly hold it together. For VETSAK — and later Agrinet — those people became the glue that kept the business strong through decades of change.

A Legacy in Service
Many employees spent their entire working lives with VETSAK/Agrinet. Stiennie van Niekerk, who retired after 42 years, described her colleagues as “the glue that kept us together.” Others, like Nelie Peason, still gather with former colleagues for regular get-togethers to reminisce about “the old days.”

Nicknames and Legends
With long service comes colourful characters. Annemie Erasmus recalled legendary colleagues with nicknames like Stokkies, Piet Wielletjies, Suiderpot, Hoetterbek, K9, and Joey Bates. These names became part of the company culture — known instantly by those who worked there.

Sports Days and Christmas Parties
Willie Horne fondly remembered the inter-cooperative sports days, while others spoke of year-end functions that were as glamorous as they were memorable. Organised by the Personnel Recreation Club (POK), events ranged from elegant evening gatherings to Christmas gift days for staff children.

A Language of Their Own
Over time, VETSAK even developed its own “language” — words and abbreviations that only insiders understood. BNK, NLK, MGK were everyday terms, and “pollevink” could be used in countless contexts.

A Lasting Bond
As Conrad van Eeden put it, “We are a family, and with family you don’t mess around. We stand together through thick and thin.” Even those who have moved on keep in touch, especially for birthdays, proving that the relationships built here run deeper than business.