4 September 1947 – 21 September 2026
It is with deep sadness that I share with you the passing of Habe Roode on the 21st of September 2026. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Anne, and their daughters, Irene and Anca. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Habe’s family and close friends during this period of mourning, while at the same time we celebrate the life Habe lived and the legacy he left behind.
I had the privilege of working with Habe for 33 years and can bear witness to the role he played in growing Hygrotech from a small, local, family-owned seed company into a company recognised on the global stage. The Hygrotech family has lost its founder and the driving force behind the company’s incredible growth, not only in vegetable seeds, but also in the development of complementary product ranges in support of its hybrid seed range.
Early years
Habe showed a natural gift for leadership from a very young age. He matriculated from Voortrekkerhoogte High School in 1964, having served as Head Boy for three years! Leadership was something he was comfortable with and thrived in, as he would later demonstrate at the helm of the Hygrotech ship.
It was fitting that Habe joined the navy in 1965, before going on to complete a four-year university degree. In a defining moment, Habe then left South Africa for the USA, and from the experiences he gained there, the man Habe would one day become was born.
Hybrid Growing Technologies
Hygrotech was established on the 1st of February 1984 with the support of two investors, Bertie van Zyl and W.L. Ochse & Co., operating from premises in Silverton. In the early nineties, share options were made available to employees to buy out the shares of Bertie van Zyl and W.L. Ochse & Co.
The company name, “Hygrotech”, was derived from the words “Hybrid Growing Technologies”, a fact of which Habe was immensely proud! He instilled this philosophy in every new appointee, emphasising that Hygrotech was at the forefront of introducing hybrid vegetable varieties to the South African market. His passion for bringing new hybrids to South African growers never waned until his retirement in 2021.
A vision for Southern Africa
Habe had a vision for Southern Africa, which he made tangible in the nineties with the establishment of subsidiaries in Namibia (1992), Zimbabwe (1996), Zambia (1998), East Africa (1998) and Mozambique (2000). Today, Hygrotech Zambia remains part of the group, while the other subsidiaries have grown into successful stand-alone companies.
Beyond the seed
Habe had the foresight to understand that farming with a hybrid variety alone cannot guarantee success for the grower, and that complementary inputs were needed. For this reason, he developed easy-to-use foliar feeds suited to vegetable crops, at a time when this concept was foreign to most growers.
He also understood that hybrids required better seedling growing methods, and introduced polystyrene seedling trays to the South African market, together with a growing mix suited for use in the trays.
A leader who led by example
Habe’s pride in the Hygrotech brand was infectious, and his unwavering optimism in the face of adversity was a lifeline to those around him. He was always thinking, innovating and planning new ventures!
His negotiating skills on the international stage were legendary. His preparation before meetings was accurate and meticulous, leaving those on the other side of the table in awe and agreeable to his suggestions.
On a personal level, Habe was extremely disciplined, paid close attention to detail, and expected the same commitment from his team, especially those in senior roles. He was punctual to the extreme, never late for a meeting and usually over-prepared.
Once the work was done, though, Habe could step away from it, and in a relaxed mood his humorous side came to the fore. An excellent orator, he was also a gifted and captivating storyteller.
The click of the briefcase
Habe believed in attending meetings armed with his trademark “hard copies”, with no laptop or iPad in sight! The click of his briefcase opening, followed by the sound of rustling papers, was an intimidating sound to anyone who arrived at a meeting with Habe unprepared.
These meetings were not limited to his office or the boardroom; they took place whenever Habe deemed it necessary. Many a time, on a long trip with Habe in the passenger seat, the double click of the briefcase could be heard, signalling the end of small talk and pleasantries. Overtaking a slow truck on the highway while justifying the sale of a product at a lower-than-normal margin was a uniquely Habe experience and, after a while, a completely normal one!
Good news pleased Habe immensely. After a laugh and a smile to his audience, his first comment would be:
“Tonight we can all have an extra whisky!”
Bad news upset Habe, especially if it was avoidable. His immediate reaction was quick and to the point, followed by a calm analysis of the situation and a proposed strategy to put it right. Habe had the ability to give those around him confidence and restore their sense of positivity.
A lasting legacy
Even though Habe’s footsteps are no longer heard in the passages, and his voice no longer leads our discussions, his presence is still felt by those who worked alongside him and who now carry the baton he passed on through his mentorship, example and leadership.
Our memories of Habe are crisp and clear. Often, when a particular situation arises, we remember exactly how Habe would have responded. We share a memory and a smile, and in most cases, we handle the situation as he would have.
Habe left more than a company. He left a legacy, a recipe for shaping future business, and people forever touched by his presence.
Farewell, my friend, until we meet again!
Henry van der Voort, CEO of Hygrotech
