Bloodstock South Africa’s rising star Auctioneer Fisokuhle ‘Fiso’ Hadebe, who only made his professional debut seven months ago at the Mistico Cape Yearling Sale, has been crowned KZN and East Cape Champion in the Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer Competition.
Fiso Hadebe is over the moon
A proud Fiso, who celebrated his 21st birthday at the August National 2yo Sale, won the People’s Choice Award and also achieved a national runner-up position.
The competition is held to promote the livestock auctioneering profession, one of the pillars of the South African livestock industry. Participants are judged in categories according to rostrum performance, livestock knowledge and industry knowledge.
An elated Fiso told the Sporting Post that the accolades and acknowledgement meant the world to him as an aspiring industry professional, with ‘plenty to learn’.
He thanked the BSA team and his veteran mentor Graeme Hawkins for all the encouragement and guidance.
“I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity by a long established industry leader in Bloodstock South Africa, who operate in a dynamic and competitive environment. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional outfit and it’s very special to be a part of this terrific team.”
Please watch the announcerment here:
Fiso told the Sporting Post that his hot and sweaty debut at the Mistico Sale in the Cape summer heat of February, felt like a lifetime away, and that he was relishing the opportunity to develop himself at the auctions.
“I enjoyed the August 2yo Sale and next on the agenda is the November 2yo Sale. I have already been allocated my lots and have been reading up and studying the catalogue pages. I am being guided by one of the world’s best in Mr Graeme Hawkins.”
Asked whether he was sitting up all night before the auction as he had done on the eve of the Mistico sale, he laughed and said he had things ‘a little more under control’.
“I watch plenty of racing and now do the ‘dry run’ in the shower,” he laughs as he recalls the hours of nervous tension and practice before he broke the ice.
The young man, who doesn’t gamble, drink or smoke, hails from Estcourt and has moved to Durban to be closer to BSA’s Head Office, although he still goes home regularly to visit the family.
Michael Holmes – ‘we are very proud of Fiso’ (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
BSA CEO Michael Holmes congratulated Fiso on his fantastic achievement and said that they would be doing everything to assist him in developing his skills further.
“It’s a great honour to have a team member acknowledged in this manner and we wish Fiso every success as he grows in what is a very skilled and demanding profession.”
Fiso will be on the podium at the BSA November 2yo Sale on 20 November at the TBA Sales Complex in Johannesburg.
The catalogue is online – please click here
