Born:  5 April 1925

Passed away:  19 April 2018

93 Years

Manie Maritz was a true Legend. He was an undeniable pioneer in the history of Brahman breeding in S.A.  His passion for Brahman cattle, the complete breed was renowned.

His wrestling accomplishments already started at school and in 1946 he became the Amateur Heavyweight Champion for Western Province. In 1947 he became a professional wrestler and left for England, where he participated in 61 tournaments of which he won 51 and tied 10.  In 1953 he won the Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship.

After his return to SA in 1948 he bought his first Brahmans from At Marais. He was sharing and living his dream to become a leading Brahman Breeder. It was pure will power and perseverance that led to his resounding success.  He held the first and very successful Brahman sale in S.A.

Manie Maritz had a very special relationship with their Brahmans. Manie once even spent a whole night in a sealed container with 21 Brahmans that he imported from the USA in 1964, to calm them down.

Manie also got into showing and won many championships. He realised the value of showing.

The Society realised oom Manie’s contribution to the Brahman breed and he was elected to the Brahman Council and was appointed Honorary Council Member in 2002.

He sold his cattle – very reluctantly – when he became older and to use Manie’s own words: “Our cattle and show trophies will forever be our most precious memories.”   He admitted that is was a mistake on his part to decide to terminate his Brahman farming enterprise. “I am sorry that I did that because what I did not realise at the time was that Brahmans were my everything. They were my whole life. “

The Brahman Society had the privilege in April 2014, with our 17^th World Brahman Congress, to honor Manie with a very special award – the HALL OF FAME.

Farewell to a great legend and a friend in the Brahman Breed. You will be remembered by all of us who share your passion for the complete breed.

Source: Cattle Breeding Society

*Roudiens vir Manie Maritz was Dinsdag, 24 April om 10:00 in die AP Kerk, Britz.