It is with deep sadness that we wish to advise of the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Arrie van Niekerk. Arrie died last Sunday, after a short illness, surrounded by his family in Pretoria, South Africa.
Arrie’s involvement with Whittle Consulting was a seamless transition of likeminded professionals, joining as a Partner in 2019. Arrie was a specialist facilitator of Theory of Constraints (TOC). Arrie’s unique and lasting professional contribution will be his development of a specialist derivative of TOC for the mining industry, which he and Whittle Consulting named Tactical Theory of Constraints or (TTOC).
Over the past 20 years, through his involvement with Whittle Consulting and in his private consulting practice, Arrie implemented TTOC in more than 90 mines and 15 manufacturing companies around the world. Arrie’s Tactical Theory of Constraints approach produced remarkable process and operational improvements, driving significant production and NPV increases for many mining companies around the world.
A born teacher, with a calm and encouraging manner, Arrie loved sharing his knowledge with others. Over the past 3 years, Arrie ran over 30 Tactical Theory of Constraints Masterclasses for Whittle Consulting clients. Time and again, Arrie showed his skill for breaking down complex concepts into building blocks of knowledge, creating a framework of comprehension for his students. Arrie gained great professional satisfaction from seeing individuals and organisations understand, learn, adopt and gain advantage from his TTOC methodology.
Arrie held a Bachelor of Engineering Hons (Metal) from the University of Pretoria and completed MDP at the University of Pretoria. He trained as a Jonah (TOC Implementation Specialist), and later upgraded as a Jonah-Jonah. Arrie was certified in the full range of TOC-based technologies.
A committed family man, Arrie is survived by his wife, Esna and his adult children, Arrie Jnr, Lindie and Hennie and their partners. Arrie was also a proud and loving grandfather to his 5 young grandchildren with whom he loved to spend time. We extend our deepest condolences to Esna, Arrie Jnr, Lindie and Hennie and the wider van Niekerk family at this incredibly sad time.
We will remember Arrie as a talented and passionate educator, a deeply knowledgeable and experienced mining professional, a thoughtful, kind and inspiring colleague and a wonderful friend. A true gentleman, Arrie’s erudition, his love of nature and the stories of his enjoyment as a trained field guide in his beloved South Africa will continue to inspire us all. Arrie will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues at Whittle Consulting and throughout the international mining community.
Due to the sudden loss, the online Tactical Theory of Constraints Masterclass series scheduled for November-December 2022, has been cancelled. Further information on our plans for the continuation of the TTOC series will be communicated at an appropriate time in the future.
We are collating tribute and condolence messages for Arrie’s family and invite you to leave your messages of condolence or personal reflections via email to tributesarrievanniekerk@whittleconsulting.com.au
Whittle Consulting
Suite 7, 609 Canterbury Road
Surrey Hills. VIC. 3127. AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 3 9898 1755
Email: info@whittleconsulting.com.au
