On Friday 29th January 2021 Talent Talks learnt of the sudden passing away of the formidable Dr Marius Meyer, chairman of the SABPP. We like others in the HR fraternity have been rocked to the core with this heartbreaking news of his passing.
Marius will leave his mark on all of us in the HR/ Talent fraternity because his legacy will continue to grow through his work, and certainly through each and every one of us. Marius made a significant impact on the HR profession in South Africa. Through his passion and dedication he successfully put HR on the map for South Africa’s ‘people’ professionals.
He professionalised the Human Resource profession in so many phenomenal ways, adding pure credibility and substance to this occupation. Marius was instrumental in creating a lot of firsts for South Africa in the HR domain. He proudly contributed the following under his leadership:
- First HR standards in the world.
- First HR audit in the world.
- HR professionals became commissioners of oath.
- Alliances signed with several other countries.
- Ethics and governance became central to the HR profession.
Marius was also instrumental in the setting up of Talent Talks. In the early days many a meeting with advisory steering committee members took place in the SABPP Parktown offices. In fact the launch of Talents Talks took place at the SABPP offices. We can confidently say that under Marius’s leadership and impact, Talent Talks would not be where it is today.
Marius will be sorely missed in every way. From his visionary actionable desire to improve the HR profession, to his contagious incredible laugh. His warmth and gentleman nature will also not be forgotten. Our hearts break for his wife Hanlie, daughter Nadia and the rest of his family and friends.
Fly high with the angels dear Marius, be well assured of your legacy and the many generations to come that will benefit from your work. If there is one thing we can all take away from your life, is that we should all live our passion and live our dreams with heart , impact and everything we are made of.