It is with great sadness that we learned of the senseless murder of former multiple South African national rally champion Jan Hettema.
The motorsport veteran, winner of no fewer than five SA National Rally titles, was killed in a robbery on his small holding in Cullinan just outside of Pretoria yesterday. He was 83 years old.
After several years of rallying, he was known as “Mr Economy Run”, having successfully competed in several Total Economy Run events. Hettema earned a lifetime achievement award from Motorsport SA in 2003.
Before excelling on four wheels, Hettema represented South Africa in competitive cycling, having contested three events in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne in Australia. He earned his national colours in cycling and motor racing.
Words from another rallying great Sarel van der Merwe posted on social media: He will be remembered as the King of rallying, a tough rival and a role model for sportsmen. R.I.P my old enemy, mentor and friend.
Jan is survived by his wife Elsa and children.
