“I hope my wife and children know I’m always there for them, that I love them unconditionally, and want nothing more than for them to become the best versions of themselves.”
For many in the City of Roses, and across South Africa’s agriculture and finance sectors, the name Brendan Jacobs is a familiar one. As the Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking SA, Brendan holds a pivotal national role. Yet, for all his professional accomplishments, he remains first and foremost a devoted husband, father, and family man.
His journey began in Kimberley, Northern Cape, where he attended Newton Primary and Kimberley Boys’ High. “I had excellent teachers, coaches, and mentors,” he recalls. “Many of the lessons I learned on the sports field, especially from the losses, have stayed with me. They shaped how I approach both life and business now.”
He credits his parents with instilling timeless values of honesty, integrity, and the importance of hard work. “I had a happy childhood. My parents gave my sister and I unconditional love, support, and a strong moral compass.”
It was during his studies at Kovsies that the world of finance, as he puts it, “chose him”. Initially exploring entrepreneurial ventures, Brendan was handpicked for Standard Bank’s graduate programme. Though he joined with curiosity, he stayed out of passion. “I quickly realised that banking is about much more than tellers and ATMs, it’s about building relationships, solving real-world problems, and being part of something bigger.”
Today, in his national role, he thrives on daily interactions with clients, colleagues, and industry stakeholders. “Agribusiness is a vibrant and essential part of our economy. We get to support food security and help grow local communities.”
But despite the high demands of corporate life and frequent travel, Brendan’s anchor remains his family.
“The reality of my job is that I’m often away. That only works because we’re a team, my wife and kids support me, and we support each other. Everyone’s role in our family is equally important.”
For over a decade, the Jacobs family lived in Johannesburg, where their two children were born. They’ve since returned to Bloemfontein, which Brendan describes as a truly special place. “Besides the great schools and lack of traffic, it’s the people that make Bloem what it is. There’s a deep sense of community here.”
Time off is sacred and often spent on running, playing padel or golf with friends and family and when possible getaways to the coast or the river. “Those moments recharge me and ground me.”
Brendan also strives to lead by example, especially for his children. “I want them to know that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s built over time, through hard work, being their authentic selves, and kindness. That’s a value we hold dear as a family: Kindness doesn’t cost anything.”
To those aspiring to build careers in business, Brendan offers this advice: “You can only be yourself. Be the best version of that. You’re the captain of your own career. Build your knowledge base, learn relentlessly, and the opportunities will come.”
And the best advice he’s ever received? A motto from his school days that still resonates deeply: “Per Labores Ad Honores” which means through hard work comes honors.
As Brendan Jacobs continues to navigate the world of high finance and agriculture, his guiding star remains constant: the love and strength of his family. And that, perhaps, is his greatest success of all.
Text: SAZLY MOSES Photographs: CLEMENT MATROOS
