In Memory of JD Kotze – A Champion, a Colleague and most of all a Friend
We are heartbroken to announce the sad death of our valued and loved colleague Johannes Dirk (JD) Kotze, who passed away from heart failure at his home in South Africa on Sunday 15 September 2024.
JD started working with us in 2016 when we teamed up to help tackle blast fishing in Tanzania. From then on, JD and Per Erik become an unshakable partnership, providing training, mentoring and support to fisheries officers around Africa. Initially working to support the FishFORCE Academy, FISH-i Africa and the Ports Task Force, but in more recent years, you would find JD working on all the NFDS project that involved training of fisheries officers, intelligence and operational work or monitoring of fishing vessels. Through his practical work, JD also made important contributions to our research and published work as well as being a pioneer in the introduction of the body worn camera for fisheries work.
JD’s long and interesting career, provided him with ample stories that he would willingly share with us over dinner and a beer. He also used these tales to liven up his training and through these he made strong connection to those working on the frontline, becoming a valued mentor and friend to many fisheries officers across Africa. He was always available to provide support when needed, guiding and sharing his skills and knowledge.
JD has left a lasting legacy in the world of fighting illegal fishing, especially for us at NFDS, Stop Illegal Fishing and those involved in the fisheries MCS Centres in Southern and Western Africa. He will forever be treasured for his friendship, energy and professional commitment, and he will be sorely missed.
JD was a God-fearing man that loved his family above all: he leaves his wife Erika, his two sons and their partners, two daughters and a granddaughter. May he rest in peace.
We are heartbroken to announce the sad death of our valued and loved colleague Johannes Dirk (JD) Kotze, who passed away from heart failure at his home in South Africa on Sunday 15 September 2024.
JD started working with us in 2016 when we teamed up to help tackle blast fishing in Tanzania. From then on, JD and Per Erik become an unshakable partnership, providing training, mentoring and support to fisheries officers around Africa. Initially working to support the FishFORCE Academy, FISH-i Africa and the Ports Task Force, but in more recent years, you would find JD working on all the NFDS project that involved training of fisheries officers, intelligence and operational work or monitoring of fishing vessels. Through his practical work, JD also made important contributions to our research and published work as well as being a pioneer in the introduction of the body worn camera for fisheries work.
JD’s long and interesting career, provided him with ample stories that he would willingly share with us over dinner and a beer. He also used these tales to liven up his training and through these he made strong connection to those working on the frontline, becoming a valued mentor and friend to many fisheries officers across Africa. He was always available to provide support when needed, guiding and sharing his skills and knowledge.
JD has left a lasting legacy in the world of fighting illegal fishing, especially for us at NFDS, Stop Illegal Fishing and those involved in the fisheries MCS Centres in Southern and Western Africa. He will forever be treasured for his friendship, energy and professional commitment, and he will be sorely missed.
JD was a God-fearing man that loved his family above all: he leaves his wife Erika, his two sons and their partners, two daughters and a granddaughter. May he rest in peace.
