1. 1
Mrs G van der Westhuizen
989 Haarhoff-East
Villieria
0186
18 October 2015
To Whom it May Concern
REFERENCE FOR: LOUIS LOUW: ID 660813 5006 082
I, Gillian van der Westhuizen, know Mr Louw since 1996 when we worked together in the South
African Police Service. Mr Louw took up a position at a company called Desto (Pty) Ltd and I
have joined him at Desto in August 2005, where we worked together until I left late 2009.
Mr Louw was one of the Senior Managers whom recruited me as a Senior Programme Manager
to enhance the organization’s human capital. Mr Louw was responsible for a variety of
functions at Desto and his position required the ability to liaise between different departments,
clients and colleagues. Part of his success at Desto was due to his strong communication and
interpersonal skills.
Mr Louw was my Manager and Mentor at Desto as he supported all people management
functions that underpin the business culture at Desto. He was a true leader whom directed the
human capital to deliver a comprehensive service to the business and its clients. I commend
him for adding value as a leader and active team member at Desto.
As Chief Operating Officer of the company Mr Louw was also responsible for Human Resources
Management. The way he established processes through policies and procedures as the
company grew in to a large corporate entity allowed for a Human Resources component who
always knew what was expected from them, within the guidelines set to achieve maximum
success and effectiveness by all personnel members.
Although senior to the rest of us, Mr Louw always treated everybody with respect and dignity,
which lead to a situation where people wanted to always do their work with diligence and to
the satisfaction of company management, but also the client. The example Mr Louw set
through his own daily conduct inspired everybody to also work at the high standards he set for
himself and all the personnel.

2. 2
Since I left Desto, until today, we still have a good business relationship through the different
companies we are involved with, and he still conducts himself in the same manner I got to
know him. Mr Louw is definitely an asset to any company or client he becomes involved with.
I am happy to act as a reference for Mr Louw and can speak to his various skills, work ethics and
professionalism. Please feel free to contact me on +27 71 678 4067 should you require further
information.
Sincerely
Gillian van der Westhuizen