Owner and ceo of the Leriba Hotel and Spa Group in Centurion, Tshwane, Peet du Preez (69), was known for his warm hospitality, ready smile and his jokes.
He was also, by all accounts, a generous man who often hosted charity and industry association events at the hotel. He died late afternoon last Thursday (July 8).
Skål International Pretoria issued this statement: “It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we say goodbye to a dear friend and mentor for many of us in the industry, Peet du Preez. May God grant his children peace and comfort in this difficult time! Till we meet again, Peet.
“Oom Peet was the welcoming and friendly host and owner at Leriba Lodge. Always a wine in hand and beckoning you to join with a story or two to share. He could endear royalty, celebrities and staff without a change in his personality. What you saw is what you got. Unfortunately, COVID took Leriba and its staff before it took Oom Peet, but if ever there was a guy that lived a life and had done it and could talk with authority on any subject, this was the man,” said international human rights activist, Darren Bergman.
In August last year, the 70-room hotel and conference centre – operating on the banks of the Hennops River for 25 years – became another COVID-19 statistic, temporarily closing its doors.
In November last year, Peet, a chef and an ex-employee were injured during a home invasion after six assailants gained entry into Peet’s home in Clubview. He had to be rushed to hospital after the attack.
