Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) mourns the passing of Ossie Carstens, director and former CEO. We share the following obituary in his honour, and as inspiration to those who carry on the work of building our society and economy.

Ossie Carstens, notable businessman, engineer and entrepreneur, sadly lost his life to COVID19 complications on 26 June 2021 at the age of 55. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Charmaine, and two sons, Marvin and Ian.

Ossie was a child of O’kiep, a small mining town located in the heart of Namaqualand, Northern Cape. He was one of 6 children born to Rachel and Richard ‘Solly’ Carstens. It is in this beautiful landscape where Ossie completed his primary schooling at St. Augustine’s Primary School, later finishing his secondary education at S.A. Van Wyk Secondary in Bergsig, where he served as Head Boy.

Renowned for his powerful mindset, hard work and tenacity, Ossie completed his N6 Qualification as a mechanical fitter in 1988, receiving the award for best student. This propelled him to successfully obtain his Government Certificate of Competency (Mining Ticket) in 1991, a further testament to his hard work and dedication. Ossie thrived as an engineer at Goldfields and Impala Platinum where he enjoyed many years as a Section Engineer. In 2003, he moved to Sandvik, fulfilling the role of General Manager. Ossie’s continuous yearning for learning and development saw him complete his MBA studies at North-West University in 2004. In 2008, He joined the Hudaco Group where he honourably served as the Managing Director of Deutz Diesel Power and later as Divisional CEO overseeing several Hudaco companies. In 2016, Ossie embarked upon an entrepreneurial journey, which saw him open several companies in the mining, engineering and energy sector.

Based on his experience and passion for building the South African mining supply chain, Ossie was appointed as CEO of MEMSA and served in this position for two years; he continued providing leadership as board member until his untimely passing. He further represented MEMSA and added value on the SAMERDI Steering Committee, based at the Mandela Mining Precinct. Ossie built positive relationships with colleagues, co-workers, and partner organisations in government and business alike, and infused his interactions with positive energy and enthusiasm - as well as level-headed practicality. He was a gracious and insightful leader, actively contributing to the building of MEMSA as an effective and sustainable organisation, to the mining supply chain, and to South Africa's economy and society more broadly.

On a personal note, Ossie will be remembered as the Gentle Giant. His presence was always felt in the room, his opinion always respected, and wisdom appreciated. He had an incredible ability to connect with people on a deeper level, always ensuring that he left others with more than what they had before their interaction with him. Ossie contributed to his community through his church, where he served in many roles over the years. His passion for the environment and education saw him serve on the WESSA board, ultimately becoming chairman of the board.

As passionate as Ossie was about his work, he was even more passionate about his family. In addition to love, support and care, he ensured that he transferred his knowledge, wisdom and skills over to his wife and two sons.

Ossie was a role model, a patient mentor and a humble teacher by nature. He lived his life under a simple motto, and that was to do the best that he can, every single day. 

Ossie Carstens is already greatly missed in the many contexts to which he contributed, and it remains for those who knew, lived or worked with him to keep his legacy alive.