The powerhouse behind De Wet Vrugte en Vervoer, Patrick de Wet started building his business at 16, with only an old rickety bakkie and no driver’s licence. Today he owns his own farms, a transport company and packing shed and cold storage complex.

Patrick and his wife, Maud, of almost 50 years, grew up in Pniel. Maud was an educator and during school holidays would pack peaches, oranges and pigs until her hands were bruised. Some evenings, she drove up and down to the market to three times a night with a truck full of fruit. Later, she left teaching to help the company full-time.

The De Wets grew up with plots of land with fruit trees, trying to make something of it. It is these pieces of land that encouraged them to buy farms. De Wet bought five farms in and around Ceres, of which he later sold four. He also bought two farms in Pniel. Two years ago, he bought Stukkie Wit, a farm near Ceres. He is currently busy planting fruit and paving roads through the farm.

With all their success, they don’t let it go to their heads, opening their hearts and pockets to the community. From kindergartens to rugby clubs, they regularly make donations to their community.

De Wet supplies markets in Pretoria, Springs, Johannesburg, Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg with all kinds of fruit, as well as directly to customers in Umtata, Queenstown, King William’s town and East London. All without any government aid or subsidies.

Even with all his success, De Wet still stands in the packing shed sorting apples, helping his people every day. He also still makes time to visit markets regularly to ensure on the quality of his fruit.