From humble beginnings to international projects and cutting-edge design. TMI Irrigation is proudly celebrating 25 years of water-wise solutions, groundbreaking installations, and deep-rooted partnerships.
As we reflect on this milestone, we’re not just looking back, we’re celebrating the people, projects, and progress that shaped who we are today.
Let’s walk through the journey.
2000s: Laying the Foundation
2000 & 2002 – Brand Evolution Begins
We started the decade by sharpening our visual identity, with two logo redesigns in the early 2000s that marked our first steps toward becoming a recognisable national brand.
- 2001: Turfmanzi Irrigation was officially registered with CIPC in April 2001.
2003 – Oubaai Golf Estate
One of our earliest landmark projects.
2004 – Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate
Copperleaf set the tone for future golf course partnerships and showcased our high-performance design and installation capacity.
2005 to 2007 – Expanding Our Footprint
- 2005: Croydon Vineyard Estate project launch
- 2006: Polo fields at Val de Vie, one of SA’s most prestigious estates
- 2007: The Highland Gate Golf Estate (Ernie Els Golf Estate), a dream project combining luxury and functionality
We were quickly becoming the go-to team for estates and sports turf projects.
2008–2010: Building Momentum
2008 – Double Impact
- National Gold at Bellville Cricket Club
- La Clemence Retirement Village project.
Two vastly different projects that highlight our range.
2009 – Breaking New Ground in Education
The very first Curro Schools irrigation systems were designed and installed, a relationship that would grow into a long-term national collaboration.
2010 – Taking On Estates & Hospitals
Major multi-sector projects including:
- Avalon Estate in Durbanville
- Buhrein Estate
- Mitchells Plain Hospital
Our capacity to handle both residential luxury and high-pressure public infrastructure came into full view.
2011–2015: Shaping Landmarks
2011 – From Racetracks to Retail
- Bayside Shopping Centre
- Our first racetrack installation at Kenillworth Race Track
- First work in Polokwane (Pietersburg) at Mall of the North
- Parow Golf Club
- The first Reddam School project, which expanded across the country
2012 – Partnering with Education Giants
- Tygervalley Shopping Centre
- University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University projects begin
2013 – Sports Fields and also a Year of Renewal
- Sports Fields at Kenridge Laerskool
- The new TMI logo
Putting the next generation of athletes on greener, more sustainable grounds.
2014 & 2015 – Premium Golf Estates
- De Zalze Golf Estate (2014)
- Steenberg Golf Estate (2015)
Where world-class landscaping meets world-class irrigation.
2016–2020: Tech, Astro & International Growth
2016 – Smart Systems & First Astro
- First AstroTurf system for WPCC
- V&A Waterfront
- West Coast Mall
We started blending traditional irrigation with smart systems, astro, and commercial innovation.
2017 – Wine & Education
- La Roche Estate
- Bishops School
2018 – Our First International Project
We expanded beyond SA borders with Aberdare Golf Estate in Kenya.
2019 – Swaziland (Eswatini)
Design and implementation at Inkonyeni, further cementing our cross-border capacity.
2020 – Mauritius
A full golf course system at Azuri, Mauritius. A huge leap forward.
2021–2023: Innovation, Solar & Sustainability
2021 – Tech Takes Centre Stage
Collaboration with Amazon Film Studio. Sustainability and precision reached new levels.
2022 – First Solar-Powered Pump Station
- Worldsview Farm – Solar System
- Lusaka Golf Club in Zambia
Proving we don’t just follow innovation, we lead it.
2023 – Excellence at Home
- Design begins at Stellenbosch Golf Club
- Mzuri Shopping Centre (Somerset)
- Conradie Park, Epping
TMI continued shaping some of SA’s busiest and most iconic environments.
2024–2025: Reflecting and Reaching Higher
2024 – A Year of Renewal
- Major projects:
- Wild Coast Sun Golf Course
- Riverquarter Commercial Hub
With a bold vision, this year was about growth with intent.
2025 – The Legacy Expands
Our latest milestone: the Pretoria Country Club project is underway, and it’s set to be a defining one.
In the Press: Recognition Across the Industry
Media Mentions & Industry Buzz
- 2021: TMI’s founder Jacobus Freysen was featured in AgrifoodSA, sharing insights on how switching to low-pressure sprinklers can cut farmers’ energy use by ~50%.
- 2024: Agri-publication ProAgri spotlighted our 25th anniversary and collaboration with data-tech partner Augos, highlighting our forward-thinking use of smart monitoring for irrigation, electricity, and water.
Industry Status
TMI is a proud member of the South African Irrigation Institute and has earned multiple LIASA (Landscape Irrigation Association of SA) awards through the years.
Partnerships
- Showcased at NAMPO Cape 2024
- Smart water tracking and meter integration via our partnership with Augos
More Than a Milestone
TMI is more than a service provider, we’re collaborators, pioneers, and people who care deeply about the land we work on. From 1999 to now, we’ve:
- Served clients across Africa
- Installed thousands of kilometres of pipe
- Saved millions of litres of water
- Partnered with over 100 schools, estates, and commercial brands
- Built a team of experts, problem solvers, and water nerds
Got a story, memory, or moment to share from the last 25 years with TMI?
We’d love to hear from you!
