DKC closes business after 14 years

They are taking the step following Ben's recent heart surgery. “I am in much better health now and have been given a new lease on life. I don't want to squander it but instead, enjoy quality time with family and friends,” he said.

“When we established DKC in 2002, I was adamant we would be in operation for no more than five years. The plan was to work hard and prepare for a future that included more family, friends and travel. However, times flies when you love what you are doing. We have been running the office for almost three times as long as we first envisaged.

“Of course it's hard to stop doing what brings you excitement, fulfilment and stimulation, but my recent health setback, luckily very well taken care of, reminded us of that original plan.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have worked with outstanding clients, members of the media and colleagues in related communication fields. It has been the most superb experience and we are very grateful for the opportunities that have been extended to us.”

The agency's current major clients are the Distell Group, the Shoprite Group, Nederburg, Durbanville Hills, Wines of South Africa (WOSA), Tradehold, MAS plc, University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), Zonnebloem, Two Oceans Wines, Drostdy Hof, Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader, Black Bottle, Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky, Three Ships and Sedgwick Old Brown.

He said the senior members of the DKC team would be continuing to work as communications consultants in their independent capacities. “Linda Christensen and Marlise Potgieter have established themselves as top-level practitioners and enjoy excellent client and media relationships in their own right.”

Both De Kocks were previously part of De Kock & Kerkhoff Communications, which they founded in 1982, after leaving TWS Public Relations, where Ben was MD of the Cape Town office.