Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) staff in Stellenbosch have been saddened by the news that former CSIR coastal engineer Piet Huizinga passed away on 10 June 2023. Known to many as ‘the father of coastal numerical modelling in the CSIR’, he introduced this emerging innovation in the early 1990s when most at the time still viewed the technique of tackling complex geological problems with scepticism. Huizinga also played a leading role in establishing a national voice for estuarine researchers in South Africa through the Consortium for Estuarine Research and Management.

Having joined the CSIR in 1974, he was part of the group of Dutch engineers who came over when South Africa was building and expanding its port infrastructure. His first job was in Richards Bay when coastal engineers split the uMhlatuze Estuary into two sections. Estuaries became Huizinga’s passion, after he realised that they were understudied and undervalued in South Africa. One of his first studies was on the freshwater requirements of the Groot Brak Estuary, following the building of the Wolwedans Dam – which he turned into a lifelong personal monitoring project to refine his prediction skills.

Following this, he led many strategic environmental flow studies for the Olifants, Groot Berg, and Palmiet Rivers that influenced the management of estuarine resources in the country.

Huizinga is remembered for being a true legend, not only as an acknowledged coastal and estuarine engineer, but also for having been an outstanding mentor to many young scientists. His contributions and presence were highly appreciated professionally and socially. Huizinga often organised and participated in epic hiking trips for CSIR friends, some of which were from the Orange Kloof to the Otter hiking trail!

Although he ‘retired’ over 20 years ago, Huizinga still visited the CSIR regularly for Judy Robain’s delicious lunches and a game or two of bridge in the tearoom at the CSIR in Stellenbosch. “His bridge talents were amazing and many of us learned our card game skills from him! Sadly, the isolation arising from Covid-19 brought an abrupt end to these lunchtime gatherings,” says Susan Taljaard, reminiscing about Huizinga.  

The CSIR extends its heartfelt sympathy and support to Huizinga’s family and friends.