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  • Our story

A Family. A Craft. A Legacy That Started in 1968.

Ours is a story of passion passed down through three generations. People who believe that quality leather starts with knowing every step of the process, by hand and by heart.
  • Where it all began

From Family Roots to Oasis Tanning

It started in 1968, when Chris van der Merwe and his wife Francis built a small tannery in Marandellas, Zimbabwe, called Rhodesian Tanning. On 2 November 1998, Chris’s son-in-law Grant and his son Andre purchased Kwandebele Tanning and renamed it Oasis Tanning Company.

In 2002, the company moved to Randfontein. More than 25 years later, Oasis stands as the largest exotic tannery in Southern Africa, with Raymond Hoffman set to carry the family legacy into its next generation.

1968
1968
Chris van der Merwe founds Rhodesian Tanning in Marandellas, Zimbabwe, with his wife Francis.
1977
Builds the largest tannery in Rhodesia at Eagle Estates, securing the largest culling contract in Africa.
1983
The family moves to South Africa. Chris founds Kwiktan. Grant and Andre join the factory.
1998
Grant and Andre establish Oasis Tanning Company on 2 November 1998. Debbie and Sandy join the factory floor.
2002
Oasis moves to Randfontein and becomes the family business it is today.
Today
Southern Africa's largest exotic tannery. Raymond Hoffman steps up to carry the legacy forward.
Man holding a dark brown buffalo hide leather togbag made by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa
  • What sets us apart

We Don't Just Process Skins. We Honour Them.

At Oasis, we understand that every skin has a story, from the game farm or the hunt to the finished leather product it becomes. That is why we hold ourselves to the highest standards at every stage: sourcing, tanning, finishing, and supply.

We believe in responsible sourcing. Our bovine hides come from developmental farming regions. Our game skins are procured from game farms where development and control protect the fauna and flora of Southern Africa. This is leather with integrity.

  • Meet the family

The People Behind Every Skin

Woman at a cafe table with a cognac tan leather crossbody handbag handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Director

Grant Hoffman

Hunter carrying a dark brown leather scoped rifle gun bag at sunset on the African bushveld made by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Director

Debbie Hoffman

Luxury safari style living room featuring a mixed game skin patchwork carpet handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa with game skin cushions on a leather sofa

Director

Raymond Hoffman

Man wearing a black plain leather belt with silver buckle handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Factory manager

Gareth Hoffman

Man wearing a black plain leather belt with silver buckle handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Financial manager

Hans van Staden

  • Meet the Staff

The People Behind Every Skin

Woman at a cafe table with a cognac tan leather crossbody handbag handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Director

Ruby

Hunter carrying a dark brown leather scoped rifle gun bag at sunset on the African bushveld made by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Director

Clem

Luxury safari style living room featuring a mixed game skin patchwork carpet handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa with game skin cushions on a leather sofa

Director

Sandra

Man wearing a black plain leather belt with silver buckle handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Factory manager

Nomsa

Man wearing a black plain leather belt with silver buckle handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Finance manager

David

Man wearing a black plain leather belt with silver buckle handcrafted by Oasis Tanning Company South Africa

Finance manager

Ntombi

  • Come and see for yourself

We'd Love to
Hear From You

We are based at Plot 9, Dancornia AH, Randfontein. Whether you’re a hunter, a game farmer, or a leather trader, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch
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