Our Story - Oasis Tanning Co

Insights from people who actually know

We’ve been in this industry for over 55 years. There’s a lot we’ve learned, and we’re sharing it here. Practical knowledge from the factory floor.

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 January 1999, Grant’s nephew Gareth Hoffman began his apprenticeship at Oasis under Andre’s mentorship, and after time spent growing his knowledge elsewhere in the industry, he returned in 2007.

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

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. Chris rejoins the company he helped build.

1999

Gareth Hoffman, begins a three-year apprenticeship at Oasis under Andre's mentorship.

2002

Oasis moves to Randfontein. Debbie and Sandy join the factory floor, and Oasis becomes the family business it is today.

2007

Gareth returns to Oasis, bringing years of broader industry experience home.

Today

Southern Africa's largest exotic tannery. Raymond Hoffman steps up to carry the legacy forward.

We Don't Just Process Skins. We Respect 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.