RIP Herman Pretorius
Herman Pretorius was a music ambassador, the mastermind and power behind the local music scene, helping create the music channel MK as well as being a TV presenter on Go and for programs like Jip, AMP and Studio1.
He was “definitely one of the most fun-luving “lus vid die lewe” manne wat ek nog ooit ontmoet het. A never say never kind of guy that inspired people wherever he went. I raise my glass to him and his remarkable life. Vrede my bra!”- Pierre Greeff.
After a battle with cancer that lasted over a year, Herman passed away on August the 20th, at age of 29, in the ICU ward in Tygerberg Hospital – apparently due to a lung infection, rather than cancer being the direct cause.
After learning he had cancer in October 2008 Herman started The Vrede Foundation with the primary focuses of generating awareness amongst the younger generation regarding cancer as well as providing financial aid to young people and their families struggling while undergoing expensive chemo therapy treatments. The Vrede Foundation held an annual Vrede Fest the last two years with some of the biggest and best bands all contributing with their talent and time to help raise funds for the Foundation.
He was an MC at almost every big festival in the country. “Becoming a mythological legend, always carrying with him his unmatched friendliness and ideals of peace and love…”
He life will always be remembered and the loss of his life will have a profound impact on the music scene in South Africa for he helped create it.
“We have lost a great mind and a great personality. Someone who was never afraid to give. Never too busy to stop and sign your T-Shirt. Never too busy to change your life or inspire you with his kind, honest and very loving huge heart. Never too busy to stop and shout “Vrede!”- Gideon Breytenbach
“I’ve been struggling to find words for this whole situation, but: “No one has done more for bands in our country. I also doubt anyone will ever be able to single handedly do more”-Rudi Cronje.
Simply put, Herman was a legend and legends live forever.
