Hester Bekker was a central figure in South Africa’s return to international bowls success in 1994, following the country’s re‑admission to major events. Hester picked up the mantle of her predecessors and quickly re-established South Africa as a major force in women’s international bowls. Her combination in teams with fellow Hall of Famer Lorna Trigwell (now Smith) secured multiple successes. 

A top performer with a reputation for accurate draw shots and calm finishing, Bekker helped South Africa secure Commonwealth and world medals in the 1990s.  

At the 1994 Commonwealth Games, Hester played three for the gold medal winning four skipped by Colleen Grondein, with Anne Pretorius at lead and Lorna Trigwell at second. In the gold medal match, they beat the surprise packets of the event, Papua New Guinea’s Cunera Monalua, Elizabeth Bure, Linda Ahmat, and Wina Piande 24-17. 

South Africa finished second on the overall men’s and women’s medal table – they were back in force. 

At the 1996 World Bowls Outdoor Championships at Royal Leamington Spa, England, Hester was skip of the triple with Jannie de Beer at lead with Barbara Redshaw at second. Drawn in the toughest section against the likes of England and Scotland, the South African triple emerged strongly as section winners with Bekker playing the crucial bowls. They carried that form into the final where they beat Australia’s Daphne Shaw, Margaret Sumner and Gordana Baric.  

Australia exacted revenge in the fours final where Marilyn Peddell joined Shaw, Sumner, and Baric, and they prevailed 18-15 over Bekker, Trigwell, Redshaw and Marge Ellis the team manager. Ellis had to replace Jannie de Beer who broke her arm during the championships otherwise it might have been two golds. 

But there was consolation as South Africa lifted the Taylor Trophy narrowly heading off England and Scotland. South Africa had won the trophy at the inaugural World Women’s Outdoor Championships in 1969 in Australia. 

The fours domination continued at the 1998 Commonwealth Games where Hester again struck gold, again combining with number three Lorna Trigwell, with Lorraine Victor, and Trish Steyn at second and lead. They narrowly beat old rivals Australia 18-17 in the gold medal match, this time represented by Lee Polleti, Karen Murphy, Margaret Sumner and Marilyn Peddell. South Africa also topped the medal table. 

Hester’s performances inspired a generation of South African women bowlers and helped re‑establish the nation as a force in international women’s bowls. 

Commonwealth Games 

1994 (Fours Gold), 1998 (Fours Gold) 

World Bowls 

1996 (Triples Gold), 1996 (Fours Silver) 

Atlantic 

1995 (Triples Gold), 1997 (Fours Gold), 1999 (Fours Gold)