Willie Pietersen: SA Hairdressing Industry Memorialises Well-Loved Icon

We at Hairnews are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Willie Pietersen, a revered figure in South Africa's hairdressing and beauty industry.

Willie's leadership extended beyond his own establishment, Hair Xotica in Pretoria, which itself has stood as a gold standard for best practices, professional growth and ethics. His extensive tenure and past presidency at the EOHCB, along with his active participation in the National Bargaining Council, highlight his pivotal role in establishing and improving industry standards and advocating for the advancement and wellbeing of employers, employees, and professionals alike. He has been a visionary leader and mentor for South Africa's personal care industry.

Willie was committed to fostering talent and advancing skills throughout his life. With his dedicated guidance and involvement in training, mentorship initiatives, and both local and international competitions, he profoundly impacted countless hairdressers. His legacy is one of unflagging support for the hairdressing community, giving inspiration to a generation of professionals to pursue excellence with passion and integrity.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. May his memory continue to inspire and guide the industry he so dearly loved.

Hairnews Team – Brad, Belinda & Beth

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It’s impossible to imagine the South African hairdressing industry without Willie Pietersen’s presence. Willie was passionate about uplifting the industry, whether it was improving the prospects of the humblest of street hairdressers, or working tirelessly to ensure the success of a major industry competition. He walked his talk, getting involved in industry organisations and training initiatives to bring about change and improvement, while also running his own successful salon. He had time for everyone, and was always fair minded, enthusiastic, compassionate, and with a mischievous sense of humour, too. Willie suffered immense loss and tragedy in his own life, and the courage and resilience with which he faced it was an example to us all. Willie was an icon, and he will be sorely missed. Sending deepest sympathy to all those who were close to him.

 Jassy Mackenzie, Former editor of SA Hairdressers Journal and former owner of Hairnews

Photos above courtesy Wanda Booysen (Daughter)

My journey in the hairdressing industry began as a young apprentice, working alongside a salon manager in what could be described as a toxic environment. It was just the two of us, as the owners were focused on their other business. When I addressed my concerns to the owners, the manager retaliated in a startlingly swift and public manner, firing me on the spot. It was very frightening.

My mom went to the hair dressing union and then phoned me and gave me directions. A disciplinary hearing date was set.

I was a 19 year old apprentice petrified, new in the industry. Willie was chairing the hearing.

During the hearing, the salon owner admitted the situation was problematic, but as I was an appy, he regrettably had to support his manager in the decision-making process.

After the hearing, unbeknownst to myself, Willie approached my ex-boss and asked if he could offer me a job. He said he could, so then Willie phoned my mom and asked her permission as well. And lastly, he asked me.

Through his amazing intervention, I was able to complete my apprenticeship with Willie and Marja and it was the best! I remember the day Willie came running into the salon, beaming with pride, to tell us I had the highest marks on the trade test exam (he got to the see the marks) - we had cake that day in the salon!

I owe so much of the stylist I am today to the firm foundation of my apprenticeship with Willie. In my darkest time, he offered me help and a hand and I will forever be grateful.

When I decided to open up on my own, he advised me and helped me fulfil my dream. 

Respect to Willie. Rest in Peace to an amazing mentor. Your legacy will live on. I was blessed to have been trained by one of the best. Thank you.

Leanne Cursons

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I will fondly remember you, dear Willie,  for being one of a kind, the one and only, and for the joy you brought into the lives of Quintin, Felix and myself. I will always remember your support when I started my journey with Fudge ... Fudgebunny and the Hair Industry. Being married to a brilliant hairdresser made it so much easier. You were there for me and I was there for you! Willie, you focused on being kind, generous and positive. You had a talent like no other and brought excitement, laughter, funny stories and a good naughtiness into our life's, you were so proud of EVERYTHING we did and achieved. WE created memories and moments that expanded over more than 40 years. I am so very grateful and blessed that we had such a wonderful bond, I will cherish and respect it forever and ever. May all those who were inspired by everything you did and gave continue your LEGACY.

 I salute you, may you rest gently, my gentle giant. I love you till eternity. 

Karen Pietersen

This is such terrible news. Willie was a friend, colleague and mentor to myself and many others. What a sad day.

I hope his family finds strength in the tributes from around world.

Rest easy my bud!

Paul Fox

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A giant has fallen. I will forever cherish the days spent together serving and promoting Skills Development in the entire country. You forever spoke about your family, looking forward to spending your holidays, your birthday in December. You were a loving dad, grandfather and amazingly said you still cared for your ex-wife’s well-being. 

We will forever miss that infectious smile you owned. Finding your memories pictures was so simple because you were always ready for a pose. Rest easy Mr. Pietersen.

Audrey Thwala

The Employers' Organisation for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, and Beauty (EOHCB) regrets to announce the passing of an esteemed member of our industry, Willie Pietersen. His passing represents a significant loss to the hairdressing, cosmetology, and beauty industry.

Willie was a longstanding member of the EOHCB, where he demonstrated exemplary service and commitment to the organisation's mandate. His participation in the governance structures of the EOHCB reflected his dedication to the professionalisation and sustainable development of our industry. He was a committed contributor to the National Bargaining Council for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry, where he championed the interests of employers whilst advocating for improved industry standards and working conditions.

As a successful salon owner and employer within the industry, Willie possessed an intimate understanding of the operational challenges and commercial opportunities inherent in our industry. His business leadership exemplified best practices, fostering environments conducive to both creative excellence and professional development. His establishment served as an exemplar of industry standards and contributed to elevating the profile of the hairdressing profession.

Willie's contributions transcended his individual business interests. He served as an influential advocate for industry development, consistently working to enhance professional standards and promote the collective interests of employers and employees alike. His participation in industry forums and representative bodies demonstrated his commitment to collaborative leadership and sustainable industry growth. His legacy endures through the institutional frameworks he helped strengthen, the professionals they mentored, and the standards of excellence he championed throughout his career.

The EOHCB, together with the broader industry community, extends sincere condolences to the family, colleagues, and clients of Willie. His professional legacy and commitment to industry advancement will continue to serve as an inspiration for current and future hairdressers and his contributions to the industry will be remembered with deep appreciation and respect.

EOHCB

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