GRAPEVINE | DECEMBER 2022 / JANUARY 2023 by Val de Vie Estate

The festive season is a time to come together, reflect on the year just past, and look forward to the future. In our modern world, our lives can often feel busy and sometimes even overwhelming, so taking time to stop and take a breath is vital. Spending quality time together as a family or with close friends can also help to contribute to a happy and fulfilling life. Much is to be gained from the special moments we share with our loved ones. Time together allows us to strengthen our relationships and bonds with others, and it doesn’t have

Light up your Life

to be overcomplicated or elaborate – if we don’t want it to be. Life on Val de Vie Estate provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Enjoy a walk to a nearby play park or lake, pick up a cup of coffee and a freshly baked croissant from the delis, head to the biodiversity corridor or nature reserve for wildlife spotting and to enjoy the fynbos, or step from your front door into nature, and meander along the many trails or pathways on foot or by bike, with a picnic. Time spent outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air will not only leave you feeling

refreshed and energised, but it is also the perfect way to reduce stress and help improve your mental health and well-being. Lastly, it is essential to keep in mind that spending quality time with others creates lifelong memories. Some years from now, these joyful moments will remain. Enjoying dinner as a family, laughing, talking, reading bedtime stories or just spending time together will conjure up the happiest of memories and bring light and life to your day. We wish our residents a light-filled festive season and a bright new year.

a publication for December 2022/January 2023

VAL DE VIE ESTATE RESIDENTS

Happy Holidays

FROM EUGENE BOTHA, COO OF VAL DE VIE ESTATE

We have much to be grateful for as we look back and reflect on the year that was. Val de Vie Estate offers us the best possible lifestyle, peace of mind and a carefree sense of community. With the summer holiday season upon us, I wish all residents and your loved ones my warmest regards and a season of peace, health, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year. May your holiday celebrations sparkle with precious moments of laughter, joy, and goodwill.

2022 was an interesting year as the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we returned to a “new” normal. It was a challenging chapter for all of us, one for which there was no playbook. It was a season that taught us to act and to cease, to wait and to rest, and then to begin acting again, but in a different way. If you travel, please travel safely. If you choose to stay at home, please enjoy the world-class facilities the Estate has to offer and all the splendour of the Cape Winelands. Happy holidays to you and your family.

Season’s Greetings.

All the Very Best for the Future

A NEW ROLE FOR DAMIAN WRIGLEY

When Damian Wrigley joined Pearl Valley as Director of Golf and Club Operations in January 2017, he quickly captured the hearts of staff, members and visitors alike with his warm and welcoming personality. It was evident from the beginning that he had the potential, skill set and attitude to achieve great things within the golf industry. As a result, he was appointed to the Pearl Valley General Manager role within two years. During this time, Damian has always risen

to the occasion, seeing the opportunity in every challenge. Through this optimistic attitude, he empowered and motivated staff members to give their best. These attributes were undoubted of huge importance to his new home club, Mount Osmond, located in Adelaide, Australia, where he is now the new General Manager of their prestigious establishment. We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new and exciting adventure.

We are aware of the most recent crime statistics, and increasingly, people decide to relocate to secure lifestyle estates, such as Val de Vie Estate, where they can enjoy peace of mind in a secure environment where they can live a comfortable life and spend their time on the things that matter. Protecting our residents, colleagues, and assets is at the forefront of the Security Team’s focus. They continuously monitor the security situation and adapt to meet the evolving needs and risks. A total of 285 internal cameras were installed by the end of November 2022. 105 cameras were installed in Val de Vie I, 120 in Val de Vie II, 22 at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse and 38 were installed for the Pearl Valley HOA. The cameras were installed with the objective of deterring social delinquency by residents, trespassing on other residents’ property or committing acts of vandalism.

The Security Team will, on merit and within the ambit of Constitutional Rights, the POPIA Act, and other legal requirements, consider making footage available to SAPS if residents wish to pursue the matter via the criminal justice system. All internal cameras are privacy masked to prevent any invasion of privacy. Residents are welcome to make an appointment to view the camera they are concerned about. Contact Louis de Jager at louis.dejager@valdevie.co.za

We thank all residents who, by their conscious decisions, help maintain the security standards and adhere to the Estate Rules for contributing to protecting the Estate.

• ESTATE • page 3

Internal Camera Project

Spend your best years living in SA’s safest retirement village

This home provides an idyllic retirement lifestyle in the Cape Winelands for the over 65s. Two spacious bedrooms are well-equipped with built-in cupboards, while the master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom. An open-plan living and dining area flows out to an undercover patio, ideal for entertaining loved ones while enjoying the spectacular views. A dedicated study or hobby room is the perfect space to pursue your favourite pastime. In addition, this property has double-glazed windows, an automated double garage, air conditioning, high-speed fibre internet and landscaped irrigated gardens. STARTING FROM R4 400 000

Meet the Team

Adri van Wyk is a natural people person who prides herself on building long-lasting relationships with her clients to ensure their happiness and satisfaction throughout the purchase process and after that. She was introduced to the real estate industry in 2007 and built her career on four key pillars: product knowledge, respect, effective communication and problem-solving. Being a resident of Val de Vie Evergreen herself, Adri is an expert in pairing potential purchasers with their forever home and the promise of growing old together. She feels blessed to be a part of the Val de Vie Properties and the wider Val de Vie Estate team. Should you wish to retire in the Valley of Life, please get in touch with Adri by emailing adri.vanwyk@valdevie.co.za

WELCOME TO DAYS DESIGNED AROUND YOUR DREAM LIFE

Enjoy tranquillity and peace of mind at Val de Vie Evergreen Luxury Suites. This apartment offers a bedroom with built-in cupboards, a stylish bathroom and an open-plan living and dining area. The kitchen features an island, ample storage space, and an electric oven/hob. Enjoy warm summer days spent outside on the covered patio or balcony. Alternatively, make the most of your newfound freedom by enjoying the world-class amenities and lifestyle offerings of the broader Val de Vie Estate. Luxurious fixtures and fittings include Daikin air-conditioning, double-glazed windows, electric oven and ceramic hob with extractor, LED lights, high-speed fibre internet, engineered stone counter tops, Hans Grohe taps and Geberit sanitaryware. PRICE: R1 845 000

• PROPERTY • page 4

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION 2 2 2 151m2 358m2 FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA

kitchen architecture | johannesburg | cape town | blu-line.co.za

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2023

Join us for Pink Polo presented by Chatz Connect, a beautifully simplified occasion, where you can enjoy the sport of kings, delicious food and live entertainment. Relaxed and refined, a perfect summer’s day in the Valley of Life awaits. A limited number of tickets are available, exclusively for Val de Vie Estate residents and their guests. Keep an eye on the weekly newsletter and our social media platforms for more details on ticket offerings. The event will be hosted in support of CANSA Paarl.

Action-Packed Polo

The polo season on Val de Vie Estate is now in full swing, with matches typically held every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at either the Pavilion Polo Field or the Champion’s Polo Field. Highlights of the season so far include the Wagyu Experience Shamwari Cup, in which LoCal Polo scooped the first prize, cheered on by enthusiastic residents and their guests. In addition, Max Morgan was named Most Valuable Player and Nhlavina was named Best Playing Pony.

The Enpower Trading Tournament took place throughout a sunny weekend in November, with Ugly Ducklings ranked first. Nkosiyabo Mnkwabe was named Most Valuable Player, and Party Girl was crowned Best Playing Pony.

Polo matches on Val de Vie Estate are open to everyone, and there’s no need to pre-book or pay. Just turn up and enjoy the speed and thrill of the ‘sport of kings. The dates, times and locations of each game are included in the weekly newsletters and displayed on the gate screens and the blackboard at the Polo Pavilion entrance.

Pack a picnic, grab your camping chairs and walk or drive onto the grassy areas surrounding each of the polo fields and tailgate, or for the best seats in the house, make a restaurant reservation at the Polo Pavilion by Back’s. The polo players would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the matches so far, and they look forward to seeing you for more chukkas in 2023.

2023 SEASON FIXTURES

12, 14, 15 January

Audi Centre Century City Winelands Cup

22 January

Stella Artois Val de Vie Polo Club League

2, 4, 5 February

Audi Centre Century City Founder’s Cup

19 February

Stella Artois Val de Vie Polo Club League 9, 11, 12 March

Audi Centre Century City Chairman’s Cup

25 March

Stella Artois Val de Vie Polo Club League

15 April

Stella Artois Val de Vie Polo Club League

20, 22, 23 April

Stella Artois Val de Vie Club Champs presented by Safari Outdoor

• EQUESTRIAN • page 6

Keep a look out on social media platforms for ticket sales and the latest updates

Nocturnal birds and animals are often caught in the beams of oncoming vehicles and won't move out of the way. This is because they are ‘captured’ in the illuminated area, and as they cannot see what could be waiting for them in the dark, they don't move out of the way.

Out Like a Light

When we hear the word pollution, we typically think of air, water and environmental contamination. However, a lesser-known and more insidious but increasing pollutant is light.

As humans, we are diurnal (day-dwelling); as such, our eyes are adjusted to high levels of light, without which we have difficulty functioning effectively. In addition, technology has enabled us to increase our daily activity at the flick of a switch. But excessive exposure to light has also been found to impact humans and other creatures living within our environment.

Many people question how light is classified as a pollutant, but because light is a form of energy, excessive or unwanted amounts disrupt the environment. Therefore, it is considered a legitimate pollutant. The most noticeable effect within the human environment is that our nights are no longer as dark as they used to be. The collective glow of distant lights makes the night sky harder to see. Likewise, even at ground level, the glare from bright lights can impact our sight.

On a more localised scale, it has been found that a human being's natural circadian rhythm and sleep cycles can be negatively affected by light. The glare from a neighbour's lights, background illumination, and passing vehicles compound the problem. On Val de Vie Estate, our architectural guidelines impose downlighting external lighting around our homes.

In the natural world, many birds and insects use the light of the moon and stars to navigate through the darkness, and bright artificial lights hamper this instinct. A perfect example is the fact that many insects seem attracted to light. They would naturally fly by, keeping the moon's light at a consistent angle to their flight; however, as artificial light is more robust and closer, the insects spiral towards the light. As you'll know, if you've ever tried to enjoy a nightcap or braai on a balmy summer's evening, this can be highly frustrating. However, dimming ambient light and using yellow glow can mitigate the problem.

Migrating birds can also be led astray by artificial lights and can end up colliding with buildings - with lethal results. Nocturnal birds and animals are often caught in the beams of oncoming vehicles and won't move out of the way. This is because they are caught in a lit area, and as they cannot see what could be waiting for them in the dark, they don't move out of the way. If the vehicle driver slowed down and switched off their headlights for a few seconds, the bird or animal could see into the dark and pick an escape route.

Just as light in the modern home appears by the simple flicking of a switch, so can it disappear too. Not using light unless needed, switching off lights when leaving a room, not having exterior lights burning all night and ensuring that low-energy bulbs are used can help reduce your environmental footprint. You can save money on your electricity bills too.

• SUSTAINABILITY • page 8

The Vodacom Shop Celebrity Golf Day returned this year, with leading sportsmen and women, celebrities and golfing enthusiasts all taking part in aid of the Val de Vie Foundation at the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

After a fantastic day of golf, an auction dinner in the evening raised much needed funds that will enable the Val de Vie Foundation to support Hope Through Action’s Mbekweni campus. The campus consists of a sports and community centre, the Nompumelelo Educare Centre and the Good Hope Day Care Centre, which is the only school for disabled children Mbekweni. This school was built using funds raised at the 2019 Vodacom Shop Celebrity Golf Day, however, vandalism and theft continues to impact on the team’s ability to provide much needed support in helping to transform the lives of the underprivileged youngsters in their care. The money raised will be used to install security measures to secure the premises of the entire Mbekweni campus.

• VAL DE VIE FOUNDATION • page 10

Celebs Play the Pearl Founded in 2015, the Val de Vie Foundation is passionate about investing for sustainable impact by supporting numerous viable community projects. A faith-based initiative, its aim is to provide a better life to everyone in this beautiful Valley we call home. 1% DEVELOPER SALES ESTATE EVENTS VAL DE VIE OPTIONAL 5% HOA LEVIES VAL DE VIE II CONTRACTED R33 MILLION INVESTED OVER 7 YEARS Supporting community projects RESIDENTS’ HEARTS The estate recognised a widespread desire from residents to get involved in the neighbouring communities VALCARE | IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER Valcare funds local organisations that make an impact in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley through In addition to Valcare’s critical work: • Give directly to neighbouring communities • Support projects residents are passionate about • Enable residents to participate personally • Channel residents’ goal of making a direct social impact • Safe spaces • Educational support • Food and nutrition • Healthcare • Social services • Skills development • Sports/recreation EDUCATION: WCED DEDAT DCAS Nurturing conditions for the formative years COMMUNITY NEEDS: - Blanket Drive - Mandela Day: Hope Through Action - Christmas Boxes - Ad Hoc Fundraising Currently spearheaded by volunteer Lorraine Hadﬁeld Foundation advisor and Val de Vie Estate homeowner OVER 40 NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS have been directly funded by Valcare Click here for a list of the various NPO’s SOCIAL INVESTMENT MANAGERS DIRECT VAL DE VIE FOUNDATION INVESTMENT GET INVOLVED If you would like to make a donation, host an event or donate your time experience or o er mentorship please contact: foundation@valdevie.co.za CREATING ENTREPRENEURS: - Franschhoek Hospitality Academy: Entrepreneurship Academy - Vision Box

Sponsors on the day included Vodacom Shop Tygervalley Group, Brenthurst, AON, Cape Winelands Properties, Universal Kitchens & Granite, MyRide, Sipsmith, Coca-Cola, Bril, The Wagyu Experience, Stella Artois, Smart Spaces and Haute Cabrière.

Love Local, Love Pencil & Oak

Pencil & Oak specialises in hand-manufactured, custom-made furniture that is beautiful, timeless and in complete harmony with the Winelands landscape and lifestyle. In addition, it offers products that pay homage to quality materials. The result is a fresh and relaxed take on home décor that invites a deep sense of tranquillity and calmness.

Commenting, Pencil & Oak Partners Stephan Smith and Corne Pretorius said: “Established in 2021, we are a local, owner-managed business, with our factory in Brackenfell and showroom located at the Drakenstein Centre. We do not mass produce or import furniture. Our offering is proudly South African, designed and crafted locally by our dedicated team of skilled designers, carpenters and seamstresses. As a result, we can guarantee reliable customer service and supply”.

Pencil & Oak offers a comprehensive in-house interior design service. Interior Architect Elri Smith continued: “We can help you to create your tailor-made, dream living space. Whether it’s a single-room solution or a large-scale development, every project is approached from a fresh perspective and with your budget in mind”.

Brand

Suzette van der Merwe added: “We are customer-centred and want our Val de Vie Estate clients to have a truly exceptional experience from start to finish when they engage with the Pencil & Oak brand”.

For a complete shopping experience, visit the Pencil & Oak stores at the Drakenstein Centre and Tygervalley Shopping Centre. In addition, Pencil & Oak’s online store lets customers browse and explore its furniture and interior offerings in detail.

• ESTATE • page 12

Manager @pencilandoak Pencil & Oak Left: The team at Pencil & Oak, from left to right: Stephan Smith, Marli van Niekerk, Suzette van der Merwe, Chante Jooste, Elri Smith and Corne Pretorius. SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Life is Beautiful

New Development Just Launched

FROM R6 999 000

• 3-4 Bedroom villas set at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains in the Idyllic Paarl-Franschhoek Valley

• Villas include SMEG appliances / Stephen Pikus chandeliers, woodburning fireplaces, Oggie hardwood flooring and gas stoves

• Lifestyle facilities include: Running Track, Dog Park, Training Science Techno Gym with a yoga & pilates studio, Padel Court, Play Park and a 25m Heated Pool

• Drakenzicht homes will have an Edge Advanced rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa that includes reduced energy, water consumption and embodied materials by a minimum of 40%

• Estate has solar power and car-charging systems

• Drakenzicht is protected by a state-of-the-art security system, which includes facial recognition, CCTV, motion detectors, electrical fencing and armed and perimeter drone response.

Engage with Renée Lister-James now, and find your forever home at Drakenzicht Lifestyle Estate.

+27 82 570 5542 I renee@everitt.co.za I www.luxurywinelandsestates.co.za

page 14 w w w h e u n e s a r c h t e c t s c o m S h e e y H e u n e s - B r o u n s ( + 2 7 ) 7 8 2 8 7 4 1 8 0 s h e l l e y @ h e u n e s a r c h i t e c t s c o m Y o u r l o c a l A r c h i t e c t 3 0 4 A s p e n G l e n W a y P e a r l V a l e y Successful projects are achieved through understand ng their purpose paying attent on to spatial awareness, respecting their surroundings, their future mpact and cl ent requirements At Heunes Arch tects we strive to del ver arch tectura and des gn services o our c ients that go the extra m e and our des gns are bo h beaut ful and practical w th he advan age o f a w a y s b e n g h i g h l y c o s t - e f f e c t v e A s experts n arch tecture and des gn we a ways consider future developments in order o ensure a sound investment for our cl ents We we come pro ects of a l s zes, new bu ds, renovat ons or addi ions Va De Vie Estate Pear Val ey @ Va De V e Estate +27 21 012 5544 SHOWROOM: 16 STASIE STREET, PAARL INFO@AVPRO.CO.ZA AVPRO.CO.ZA control4.co.za THE POWER TO MOVE YOU Experience immersive sound and the magic of a smart home for yourself! Contact your local audio visual and home automation expert AVPro to make an appointment to visit their exclusive showroom. Create an immersive listening experience with Control4 and the Bowers & Wilkins Formation range. Bowers & Wilkins is one of the world’s most recognisable speaker brand, achieving high performance audiophile sound quality with looks to match. The Formation range is Bowers & Wilkins wireless multi-room and multi-channel surround sound offering. This means that home owners can take advantage of the Bowers & Wilkins legendary sound and aesthetic even if their homes are already built. Level up with Control4 – tired of having multiple apps for all of the technology in your home? Control4 can simplify how you use your home technology by incorporating all of your products into one device making the home easy for all family members to control. COMPLETE CONTROL Command all things at home, whether you’re there or away: lighting, security, music, TV and so much more. Control4. C CMY K Grapevine AVPro Magazine Ad-19 Oct.pdf 1 2022/10/19 11:46

Organic Food Garden Gives New Hope to Tuberculosis Patients

A resounding 'yes' was the answer from Wellington School of Skills' (WSOS) principal Graeme Cupido when asked to give a hand up to the over 80 drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) patients in our beautiful Drakenstein Valley.

DRTB is more challenging to treat than ordinary Tuberculosis (TB) because the strains resist the drugs used to treat regular TB. 'Second line' TB drugs are used, which have many more severe side effects. Treatment duration is much longer, from 9 months to 2 years, and the pill burden can equate to 30 tablets per day which often also leads to poor treatment outcomes. In addition, malnutrition is linked to many patients defaulting on their treatment for various reasons. In this Val de Vie Foundation-led initiative, the Western Cape Department of Health, NorSA Community Care, WSOS and Seed2Harvest joined hands to install a 330m2 organic food garden which will yield 180kg of nutritious vegetables per month. The vegetables will be cooked by the NorSA New Rest soup kitchen and delivered to critical areas, including the Brickfields community.

On 26 October, the newly planted organic food garden was commemorated at an event organised by the Wellington School of Skills Programme Committee. Special guests included Drakenstein Mayoral Committee members and Department of Health representatives. Guests were spoiled with delicious home baked treats by the WSOS chef's school and entertained by the incredible voices of learners Amecia Williamson, Logan Phetine and teacher Mrs Ruby Josephs. Then it was on to the ribbon cutting by Dr Guin Lourens, Nursing Manager of Val de Vie Evergreen and tree planting by Dr Rushaan Gaffoor from the Western Cape Department of Health.

Val de Vie Foundation Marquee Programme Voted Finalist in CPSI

The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) has shortlisted the WCED @Home Learning Programme as a finalist in the 2022 Public Sector Innovation Awards Programme. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in Gauteng on 25 November. The website (wcedhomelearn.co.za) was developed by the Val de Vie Foundation as a window into the derivation and details of this innovative programme. The Western Cape Education Department, Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport aim to bring this programme to vulnerable learners and unemployed youth.

Hope Through Action leads the programme and coordinates implementing partners in 25 local communities and 52 schools. The programme is active in the Cape Winelands, West Coast, Eden and Central Karoo districts. In 2022, over 300 youths will be employed, and it is anticipated that this number will grow vastly in 2023.

• VAL DE VIE FOUNDATION • page 15

VAL DE VIE I OPTIONAL VAL DE VIE II CONTRACTED

to get

In addition to

critical work: • Safe spaces

TO WATCH THE

Founded in 2015, the Val de Vie Foundation is passionate about investing for sustainable impact by supporting numerous viable community projects. A faith-based initiative, its aim is to provide a better life to everyone in

RESIDENTS’ HEARTS The estate recognised a widespread desire from residents

involved in the neighbouring communities VALCARE | IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER Valcare funds local organisations that make an impact in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley through

Valcare’s

SCAN

VIDEO

Brenthurst Ranks Amongst the Big Names

Award-winning independent wealth management company Brenthurst Wealth has ranked in the top ten amongst some of the largest brands in financial services in South Africa in a survey by news website Daily Investor.

Daily Investor researched the most recognised brands in financial services and ranked awareness of the Brenthurst Wealth brand in sixth place, alongside the much larger Momentum and Stanlib. According to the report large asset managers – who spend far more on marketing – enjoyed significantly better brand awareness than smaller boutique firms like 36One and Counterpoint.

“However, there was one exception –Brenthurst. Its higher-than-expected brand awareness resulted from the strong media presence of director Magnus Heystek. Brenthurst also has a good online marketing strategy, including webinars and newsletters, bolstering awareness around the company.”

Brian Butchart, Brenthurst Wealth Managing Director, says it is encouraging that the company’s strategy of a strong focus on client communication, is supported by other marketing initiatives across different channels. “We have always communicated regularly with clients, but this year’s market turmoil did even more as markets declined across the board and in all territories, creating uncertainty. We have received great feedback around this from clients and also supported the communication with online events and insights by our team of advisors,” Butchart says.

Sue Heystek, Marketing Director, notes that the Brenthurst integrated marketing strategy – which includes direct communication with clients, online

events, strong social media presence, sponsorships, editorials in leading media and radio interviews.

Brenthurst Wealth was founded by Magnus Heystek, Brian Butchart and Sue Heystek in 2004 and from a small team of four and one office has now grown to 60 people, eight offices in South Africa and one international office in Mauritius. The company manages R17 billion on behalf of its clients and has focused strongly on investing offshore – for a long time against the trend promoted by other wealth and asset managers – with significant success. It now offers a comprehensive range of wealth management services – investing, tax and estate planning, risk management as well as property investment and relocation services to Mauritius.

Brenthurst was awarded the title Top Boutique Wealth Manager in South Africa in the highly regarded

Intellidex annual survey of Private Banks and Wealth Managers in 2017 and 2020 and has ranked amongst the top five boutique wealth managers in South Africa for seven consecutive years. The top three individual wealth managers awarded in the Intellidex annual survey in 2022 were all Brenthurst advisors.

Sonia du Plessis previously won the inaugural Top relationship manager award in 2019, André Basson was the runner up in 2020 and Brian Butchart was in the Top three consecutively in 2020, 2021 and the winner in 2022.

Butchart notes that the company has an excellent team of highly qualified financial advisors, attorneys, fiduciary experts, marketing executives and administrative support teams. “Many of our employees are continuing with studies to add to their already wide range of financial and wealth management qualifications.”

Contact Brenthurst Wealth via email invest@brenthurstwealth.co.za, or visit our Brenthurst office at Val de Vie Polo Village Offices A309. Tel: 021 100 3901 I www.bwm.co.za

Niche Insurance Advisory Business opens on Val de Vie Estate

Dire Wolf is an innovative insurance advisory business led by a team of industry experts who recently opened an office at C4, Polo Village Offices.

The dynamic team offers in-depth strategic financial advice to ensure risk mitigation for their clients, to partner for the long term and unlock additional value for successful individuals, professionals and corporates.

Dire Wolf’s multi-faceted team facilitates deep, tailored thinking with clients, culminating in

the best solutions across various industries. A few of their areas of expertise include cell captive, self-insurance, medical malpractice, cyber security, professional indemnity, equine, commercial, life and personal insurance.

“We are passionate about protecting our clients and always aim to go the extra mile to provide exceptional service and advice,” says Arlene Mulder, Founder and Managing Director of Dire Wolf, who comes from an investment banking and tech background.

Arlene Mulder | arlene@direwolf.co.za or Dirk le Roux | dirk@direwolf.co.za

• ESTATE • page 16

To find out more, please

contact

Sue Heystek (right), Brenthurst Marketing Director and Brian Butchart (far right), Brenthurst Wealth Managing Director

C 3 ( B ) P O L O O F F I C E S V A L D E V I E E S T A T E T h e c o n f i d e n c e b o o s t e r y o u d i d n ' t k n o w y o u n e e d e d . P R O F E S S I O N A L T E E T H W H I T E N I N G 0 7 1 5 9 5 7 8 5 2 0 2 1 1 8 0 4 1 0 4 D E N T A L H A U S V A L D E V I E @ G M A I L C O M

Making a Splash

On a sunny Sunday morning in October, over 150 athletes took part in the Torpedo SwimRun on Val de Vie Estate. Competitors had the option of participating in either a 5km or 11km race, which saw them run along trails and pathways and swim across the lakes on the Estate. There was also a special race for kids, which included laps of the running track at The Yard and lengths in the 50m pool. Supporters were able to browse stands selling everything from sunscreen to training gear, while sipping coffee brewed by Bootlegger Coffee, or there was the option to follow the race on Vado e-bikes, provided by SPECIALIZED Paarl.

Taking a Sneak Peak

In anticipation of the opening of the new Sela Vie restaurant at The Yard, a sneak preview of what’s to come in the form of delectable takeaways will be available at The Hatch Café, including smoothies, homemade pastries, cakes, freshly baked bread, sandwiches, salads, wraps and bowls. Upon opening, Sela Vie will be transformed into an inviting, comforting and serene space with a refined level of simplicity. The team is excited to breathe new life into the space, and is very much looking forward to welcoming everyone soon.

• WELLNESS • page 19

Every year at the Homeowners Associations Annual General Meetings (AGMs), new homeownerelected trustees are elected to help manage the Estate and provide input and guidance to the HOA Management Team. These trustees serve without compensation, bringing many years of outstanding business experience and passion for making the Estate better for all residents. Jan Botha and Chris Vorster were elected homeowner trustees for the Val de Vie I HOA. Jonathan Bloom and Stephen Whitehead were both reelected for the Val de Vie II HOA, and Rudi Eggers joined them to complete the team of three.

Jan is the co-owner and Business Development Director of Online Intelligence, an international company he established and expanded over the past 20 years to have a client base in 39 countries worldwide. He served on the Board of Silver Lakes Golf Estate for five years, responsible for security. Under his leadership, Silver Lakes Golf Estate was voted “Safest Estate in South Africa” for three consecutive years.

Jan wholeheartedly supports the Super Estate vision and believes that best-in-class security is the only standard to protect all residents and the Estate’s property and investment values. He served on the Security sub-committee for the past two years and was recently appointed chairperson.

Jan was born and educated in Pretoria, obtaining a BA Honours degree in Social Science from the University of Pretoria in 1990, specialising in Criminology. He obtained further qualifications in Security Management, Intelligence and Analysis. He worked within the National Intelligence Service, the Secret Service and the Scorpions, where he headed various departments and travelled overseas extensively.

Jan has been married for twenty years and has lived on the Estate since 2016, with his wife and two children, a daughter aged 17 and a son aged 15. He is a Val de Vie Polo Club member and an avid equestrian enthusiast.

Chris is a highly experienced businessman with a Master’s degree in Management and Development (cum laude), over 20 years of experience in the higher education sector, and managing a vast property portfolio. He is the CEO of STADIO Holdings, an entity listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. He has a solid understanding and appreciation for sound corporate governance and the importance that good corporate governance plays in creating the foundation of a successful business.

Chris holds several degrees, including a BA in Social Science, BA Honours in Human Resource Development as well as Master’s degrees in Management and Development.

Chris is committed to Val de Vie Estate and serves as a trustee to ensure it remains the number one estate in South Africa. He serves as the Chairperson of the Governance, Risk & Legal sub-committee and is also a member of the Super Estate sub-committee.

Chris lives at Val de Vie Estate with his wife, Bredine, and son, Tian, who is in his final year at Paarl Boys High. The Vorster family moved to Val de Vie Estate in 2018. Since moving here, Chris has played an active role in the Val de Vie Estate community and hopes that Monya and Danelle, their two daughters, will, in time, also relocate to Val de Vie Estate with their families to enjoy this wonderful lifestyle.

• ESTATE •

JAN BOTHA

Introducing our HomeownerElected Trustees

CHRIS VORSTER

Dr Jonathan Bloom holds a PhD in Corporate Finance from Stellenbosch University and, until 2013, was a Professor of Corporate Finance specialising in Real Estate Investment and Financing at the same institution. He published various national and international articles in fields such as Business, Economics and Strategy, Corporate Financial Management and Business Assessment, Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Mining for business and finance.

He has been involved in the private sector for 22 years. He has consulted as a business advisor to various JSElisted companies and for multiple clients and real estate developers in Southern Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific. In conjunction with National Treasury, he assists various district and local municipalities with establishing public-private partnerships and preparing real estate development and spatial planning strategies.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) used his services in Namibia for development projects. Jonathan has undertaken various implementation assignments in diverse sectors and industries such as Transport, Infrastructure, Tourism and Hospitality, Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail and Entertainment. Jonathan is also a non-executive director of companies.

He is leading the due diligence process, a critical part of the amalgamation of Val de Vie I and II HOAs. Jonathan and his wife, Marinda, moved to Val de Vie Estate in 2018, and he has served as a homeowner-elected trustee ever since.

Stephen is a qualified architect and retired from one of the largest commercial practices in South Africa, where he had been a director after twenty-four years of service. He continues to act as a consultant to the practice and manages other ongoing property and development responsibilities in his personal capacity. He is registered with SACAP, a member of SAIA and CiFA and a previous winner of an Institute of Architects merit award for design work and an Institute of Timber Construction award for residential work.

In addition to a stint lecturing design at university level, he served as the Building and Development advisor to the Newlands Residents Association in Cape Town for over twenty years, liaising and negotiating with applicants, residents and the local authority in this role.

Stephen’s involvement with Val de Vie Estate stretches back to original land use applications and infrastructure development, and he has been involved in the built infrastructure of the Estate over an extended period.

Stephen was first elected as a homeowner-elected trustee in August 2020, and he serves on the Super Estate sub-committee and various other committees. Stephen has been married to his wife, Beverley, for over 30 years, and they have two adult children.

Rudi started as a Detective in the South African Police in 1979. He completed a degree in Economics and began his business journey. In 2000 Rudi co-founded International Slab Sales, the largest distributor of quartz and natural stone surfaces for the construction industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He has been Managing Director since, continuing to lead the surface industry with product innovation and successful business development.

With over 15 years of experience as a Trustee on various HOAs in Johannesburg and Durban, Rudi is experienced in community management and living.

Rudi and Lynn built their home and have lived in Val de Vie Estate since 2017, and they have three adult children.

We thank our homeowner-elected trustees for serving the Val de Vie Estate community and investing their time and effort into creating a better Estate for all.

• ESTATE •

JONATHAN BLOOM STEPHEN WHITEHEAD RUDI EGGERS

The blesmol, also known as a mole rat, is a burrowing rodent responsible for the mounds in your garden.

The golden mole vs. the mole rat

The golden mole is an insectivore, which means it feeds on insects, worms and other invertebrates, whereas the mole rat is a herbivore, so it feeds on plants.

The golden mole is blind and relies on hearing and smell to capture its prey.

The mole rat is responsible for the mounds in your garden. They eat roots and bulbs, which stimulates growth and spreads bulbs and rhizomes by storing them in underground chambers.

The mole rat is part of the Gliridae (rodent) family, and the golden mole is part of the Talpidae (mole) family.

Surface moles are often used to describe the golden mole as they live in runs just beneath the surface, while the mole rat lives in tunnels up to six metres underground.

The mole rat is the only animal with teeth outside its mouth and uses its large incisors to dig, which helps to avoid getting soil in its mouth.

A Mole is Not Always a Mole

We are all familiar with the mounds in our gardens or on the Estate caused by moles and mole rats; however, it’s essential to know that these mounds aren’t necessarily bad. The subsoil, which the moles push up through the surface to create the mounds, is much more fertile than the topsoil we buy, plus it’s free of charge. The action of burrowing also aerates the soil and improves drainage. So next time you see a mound, remember how your garden can benefit from these small mammals – and don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.

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The golden mole called a 'kruipmol' in Afrikaans (Chrysochloris asiatica), and the mole rat, 'blesmol' (Georychus capensis) live in tunnels underneath our Estate and are perfectly adapted to subterranean living. The golden mole species include the Hottentot golden mole and Fynbos golden mole, while the Cape dune mole rat and common mole rat belong to the mole rat family. Have your pesticide free flowers delivered to you, whatever your budget! SCAN THE QR CODE or visit cosmafolia.co.za or WhatsApp 074 725 8630