As Morgan Harper Nichols, creator of The Storyteller Co., beautifully puts it: “Some years are for growing, but this one, this one is for blooming.” Here at Val de Vie Estate, 2025 is the year for blooming. There’s a fresh energy and excitement everywhere you look – and we love it. Have you seen the thousands of beautiful dahlias in bloom at Adene’s Farm Flowers, located behind the ViLLAGE deli? They are a sight to behold, symbolising pride, inner strength, beauty and creativity. It’s a gentle reminder from nature that we’re capable of all that and more. Environmental Officer Simon Allen
In Full Bloom
explores the fascinating “language of flowers” and he explains how flowers communicate with pollinators through colour, shape and nectar – showing us the importance of connecting with the world around us. Just like flowers need water, sunlight and care to bloom, we must also care for our minds and bodies. It’s a great time to join the gym, hit the running trails around the Estate or treat yourself to something nourishing from the Wellness Farm. Or pop in at one of the restaurants on the Estate, like the Polo Pavilion by Back’s or Sela Vie, for a healthy meal. And, of course, just like flowers rely on
bees and the ecosystem to thrive, we need the support of our community to help us prosper. So, take a moment to reach out to a neighbour or attend one of the events on the Estate. Building meaningful relationships makes life so much richer. Flowers bloom because they have a role to play in the natural world. What about you? What’s your purpose this year? From personal goals and creative projects to embracing gratitude and joy, living with intention will help you flourish. Let’s make this season the most beautiful one yet. Let’s bloom.
Tips for Gorgeous Summer Gardens
It’s understandable to be concerned about your garden during Paarl’s summer heat, especially in February and March. However, your outdoor space can remain lush and vibrant with attentive care. Here are a few simple tips to help your garden flourish throughout the next few months
Keep It Local and Low-Maintenance Plant indigenous plants like the Cape honeysuckle, Plumbago and Leucospermums (or any fynbos you love) in your garden. They’re water-savvy, easy to care for and add vibrant pops of colour to your garden while complementing the natural landscape of the Estate.
Mulch is King Adding a layer of organic mulch – like bark chips or compost – to your garden is a simple, eco-friendly way to ensure your garden stays lush during the hot, dry months. It keeps the soil cool, locks in moisture and ensures your plants stay healthy and nourished.
Water Smarter Your irrigation system is a game-changer if you use it right. If you’re not using drip irrigation yet, give it a try – it delivers water straight to the roots of the plants, so none goes to waste. Adjust it to suit the season – more water during summer, less during rainy months. Watering early in the morning or later in the evening reduces evaporation.
Thoughtful Enhancements Additions such as shaded areas or structural elements can enhance your garden while making it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors. Just keep the Estate’s guidelines in mind when planning so your upgrades adhere with the aesthetic rules and regulations.
A Shared Vision of Harmony Gardens form part of what makes the Val de Vie Estate community so special and the HOA guidelines are designed to maintain the Estate’s beauty and community spirit. For more information about architectural and landscaping practices, visit valdevie.co.za and look under the HOA section. Let’s keep Val de Vie Estate blooming.
Exquisite Seven-Bedroom Home
This extraordinary seven-bedroom home is one of the first ones built on Val de Vie Estate. It is carefully designed with family living and entertaining in mind. The home features spacious areas, a private northfacing garden and a sparkling pool. The wraparound patio offers expansive views of sunrises, sunsets and mountain vistas. The elegant lounge and dining area are standout features, spacious enough to host grand gatherings. A built-in braai, cosy fireplace and adjacent wine cellar elevate the space. The kitchen is stylish and functional, with a large scullery and laundry tucked away for convenience. A charming central courtyard connects to two en-suite flatlets, complete with a shared kitchenette – ideal for accommodating guests or extended family. There are two generously sized bedrooms with full en-suite bathrooms on the ground floor. A solid staircase leads to the first floor, where a comfortable family room with a fireplace awaits, along with a large, well-appointed home office. This floor has three en-suite bedrooms, including a luxurious king-sized main bedroom. The main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe, dressing room and a lavish bathroom. The balcony is accessible from the bedrooms and provides beautiful views overlooking Valentia farm, with horses grazing in the paddocks. PRICE: R42 500 000
Perfect Family Living
This beautiful family home on Val de Vie Estate offers 460m² of open-plan space on a 1 145m² stand, providing plenty of room for a growing family. It features four en-suite bedrooms and a separate fifth en-suite bedroom, which is ideal as a private flatlet. Enjoy a swimming pool, landscaped gardens with fruit trees, a wine cellar, underfloor bathroom heating and solar panels with a 5kVA inverter. The property also includes three garages and ample off-street parking. It is the perfect home for family living. PRICE: R100 000/MONTH
A BEAUTIFUL STORY IN THE Valley of Life
A Farmer’s community in a small town, Delareyville, North-West Province, with warm, exceptionally creative and interesting people, from medical practitioners to artists.
This is where Marisa van Niekerk (Psychologist) and Lee-Anne Diab (Sports Scientist) met in a grade 1 classroom almost 26 years ago. At the time, Lee-Anne was a bright grade 1 learner and Marisa was her teacher.
Forward 26 years and a chance encounter with Kayla Diab (Lee-Anne’s sister working for Val de Vie Properties) led to a happy reunion between the teacher and the student, now friends and fellow business owners. Their paths crossed again in Val de Vie Estate - “The Valley of Life”.
At the time, Marisa was establishing her psychology practice in Val de Vie Estate, where she has been practising since the middle of 2022. Marisa works as a psychologist with a special interest in trauma, seeing clients from ages 2 to 95 years old. Both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees focused on trauma therapy, which include common traumatic events like death, suicide (and prevention), divorce, anxiety, depression and dealing with life-altering diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Marisa also provides the following services at her practice, psychometric assessments (from three years Up to determine intelligence and personality), school readiness assessments as well as dealing with learning, behavioural and emotional problems. Her life motto is “The impossible is possible, it just takes a little longer” (Art Berg).
Neuro-Degenerative Diseases
Baseline Testing
Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP)
Cognitive Training
Pre- and Post Concussion Treatment Protocols
Biotechnology – Gene-Testing
Lee-Anne Diab, a former Blue Bulls sports scientist, founded Fierce Pro Recovery, a leading sports medicine, brain health and sports science practice in 2018. Fierce Pro Recovery has developed a strong, professional and significant footprint both in South Africa and globally and has recently been signed as the Wellness Partner for Val de Vie Polo. This partnership marks a milestone between Fierce Pro Recovery and Val de Vie Polo. It is a first-of-its-kind Polo Player Wellness programme focused on enhancing performance and care for polo players throughout the season.
Polo can take its toll on your body (mentally and physically). Fortunately, Val de Vie Polo has partnered with Fierce Pro Recovery to keep polo players performing at their peak during the season. Service offerings are available to residents of all ages wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle.
• Post-Surgery Wound Healing Cryotherapy
Cryo-Contrast-Therapy
Compression-Therapy
• Float-Therapy
• Sleep-Therapy
Infrared Sauna
• Oxygen-Therapy
Hydrogen-Therapy
Cold Water Immersion
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
• Laser-Therapy
• Shockwave-Therapy
Marisa and Lee-Anne share a common vision in that they are both committed to support their clients in dealing with trauma, whether it stems from physical or psychological events. They both work very closely, from a holistic point of view, which imply a client’s physical, emotional, mental, social wellbeing and health.
Should you want to meet two professionals in their field of expertise who will walk the extra mile with you, kindly reach out for further assistance.
Dr Marisa Van Niekerk
+27740410081
ANTARCTICA
Lee-Anne Diab
+27760469493
1232 Greenwich Oval, Polo Village II Office La Vue, Val de Vie Estate Val de Vie Estate www.fierceprorecovery.com
Luxurious Home on Val de Vie Estate
This five-bedroom home in the La Vue neighbourhood of Val de Vie Estate, is designed for modern living with its open-plan layout. Three spacious en-suite bedrooms are located on the first floor. The main bedroom features a lavish en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, double vanities and a separate shower. Unique touches like the Japanese maple ceiling and a cosy fireplace add to the room’s charm. An en-suite guest bedroom on the ground floor is ideal for hosting family or friends. The gourmet kitchen, with its premium appliances and central island, flows seamlessly into the dining and
lounge spaces. Large sliding doors open to the outdoor entertainment area, where a pool, jacuzzi and two outdoor showers create a wonderful setting for relaxation. One of the best features of this home is a private sauna, perfect for unwinding after a long day or enhancing your wellness routine. Additional highligths include a flatlet with a private entrance, a fully integrated sound system and a remote-controlled irrigation system that keeps the beautifully landscaped garden, designed by Meagan Kyle, lush and inviting.
PRICE: R25 000 000
Experience a life of luxury in this single-storey home,
New Polo (and social) Hub Open
The brand new Val de Vie Polo Clubhouse officially opened its doors on Saturday 18 January 2025 and it’s everything polo club members have been waiting for. The grand opening was celebrated with a polo party, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Val de Vie polo scene. The first league tournament kicked off on 8 January 2025 and the polo season will be in full swing until 10 April 2025. With the Clubhouse open from 08:00 – 20:00, Tuesday to Sunday, there’s plenty of time to grab a drink, meet new people, hang out with old friends or watch the matches. This Clubhouse features a stylish bar, comfy lounges and unbeatable views of the polo fields. Members get amazing perks, including two tickets to the annual Pink Polo event, two tickets to international polo events, a complimentary Val de Vie Polo Club playing shirt and cap, discounts on merchandise and a bottle of MCC on the member’s birthday. Become part of one of Africa’s most vibrant and active polo communities. Ready to become a Val de Vie Polo Club member? Email operations@valdeviepolo. co.za for more information on membership packages and how to sign up..
You don’t need to play polo to join – social memberships are also available. Members and a guest enjoy full access six days a week to our luxurious clubhouse, including inviting lounge areas and VIP hospitality during matches.
Clinton van Breda, Managing Director and Founder of Universal Kitchens, standing beside the newly installed bar at the Val de Vie Polo Clubhouse
Raising the Bar
Universal Kitchens has shaped luxury homes across South Africa, designing kitchens as beautiful as they are functional. But great design never stands still – it evolves, takes on new challenges and finds fresh ways to make an impact. That’s precisely what they’ve done with their latest venture in hospitality design.
Their recent show-stopping bar for the Val de Vie Polo Clubhouse brings an air of oldschool cigar club sophistication. Unlike their residential projects, this commercial endeavour required a new approach that balanced aesthetics with the complex demands of a fully operational bar. It was an exciting challenge, pushing the team to think beyond design and into the realities of service flow, equipment efficiency and user experience.
To achieve a classic yet modern feel, they selected rich veneer and duco finishes, paired with high-quality Blum hardware that ensures every drawer and cabinet opens effortlessly –even in the fast-paced rhythm of a working bar. The result? A space that is as timeless as it is functional.
Farm Fresh Produce
Experience the joy of eating fresh, seasonal produce hand-picked straight from the Wellness Farm. Choose your crate size (starting from R20) and select from various items on the blackboard. To place your order, send a WhatsApp message to farm custodian Leman at 078 878 0008. Customers will receive a notification when their fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs are ready for collection. For added convenience, the Wellness Farm accepts card payments.
The Wellness Farm is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 – 17:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 – 13:00.
Need a handy bag for your haul? Grab a ‘Wellness Farm’ shopper bag for just R40. It’s the perfect way to take your farm-fresh treasures home.
Enjoy the fresh flavours of farmto-table cooking with this dish from South African culinary expert Christine Capendale
160g vermicelli rice noodles (soaked in boiling water for about 10 minutes, drained)
METHOD
PRODUCE AVAILABLE AT THE WELLNESS FARM DURING FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2025 (CLIMATE PERMITTING)
VEGETABLES
• TO MAKE THE PICKLED SHALLOTS/ONIONS: Combine all the ingredients and add to the sliced shallots or onions. Mix well and leave to pickle until ready to use.
• TO MAKE THE DRESSING: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and season to taste.
• TO COOK THE BEEF: Brush the steak with a little oil and cook on a very hot griddle pan to your preference. Cover for 10 minutes, then season with salt.
• TO ASSEMBLE: Toss the salad ingredients together and add a little dressing. Spoon the mixture on to plates. Add the rice noodles.
• Slice the steak thinly and arrange on top of the salad.
• Drizzle with more dressing and garnish with fried shallots, extra chilli and herbs.
PAARL HEARING CENTRE
Elevating Your Fitness Experience
Val de Vie Estate keeps stepping up its game regarding fitness, ensuring residents have everything they need to stay on track with their health goals. With some exciting new additions, working out is about to get even better.
At The Yard Gym, a new Technogym linear leg press will soon be available, perfect for building lower-body strength. Along with that, a complete set of brand-new dumbbells is being added, giving everyone plenty of options for strength training.
Over at the Val de Vie Sports & Leisure Centre, the new ercolina rehab cable machine is set to offer a range of exercises focusing on muscle-building, helping residents to achieve more functional strength.
These upgrades show the HOA’s commitment to maintaining high quality gym environments at the Estate. Plus, they’re also moving to full maintenance leases for all Technogym electrical cardio equipment, meaning better performance and less downtime for repairs.
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy, boost energy and mental health and improve strength and flexibility. With these upgraded facilities, there are even more ways for residents to mix up their routines, set new goals and enjoy fitness on their terms.
Bloom-filled
Just behind the ViLLAGE deli, a tunnel bursts with thousands of colourful dahlias. The season is at its peak at Adene’s Farm Flowers, inviting residents to slow down, be a part of the beauty and take a little of it home. Residents are urged not to wait too long before they visit – the dahlias will only be in bloom until April.
The “pick-your-own” experience is open from 07:30 to 11:00 daily and for R250, visitors can wander between the rows and handpick 20 of the most exquisite dahlia stems – a wonderful way to start the morning.
For those on the go, buy a 10-stem bouquet at the ViLLAGE deli for R140. Pair it with a cup of coffee from SOMM, also at the deli, for the perfect start (or end) to the visit. If picking flowers isn’t the plan but the beauty of the blooms still call, take a peaceful stroll through the farm for just R50 per person
Happy Hour
Fridays on the Estate are packed with exciting activities and events. Wrap up the workweek at the Polo Pavilion by Back’s with its exclusive Happy Hour every Friday from 16:00 to 18:00. Choose between a variety of drink specials while taking in the stunning views of the polo fields. Pair the drinks with tasty appetisers for a light snack – or, if hunger strikes, stay for dinner, served from 17:00. Polo Pavilion by Back’s is ideal for a relaxed after-work catch-up.
Friday Fun
This February and March, L’Huguenot Vineyards invites residents to unwind and kick off their weekend in the best possible way. Every Friday from 17:00 - 21:00, residents can experience an evening of live music and delicious food, with themes and dishes varying weekly. Indulge in mouth-watering spitbraais, crispy ribs and chips, Mozambiquan-style peri-peri chicken and flavourful paellas.
And, with a kid-friendly atmosphere, parents can enjoy their time while the little ones have fun in the play area. Bring the whole family to wind down after the busy week - UNwine’d Fridays are always a highlight on the Estate.
THE LINE-UP FOR THE REST OF FEBRUARY 2025:
21 FEBRUARY: Mozambiquan-style peri-peri chicken from Bennie’s Bistro
28 FEBRUARY: Spitbraai
MARCH 2025 LINE-UP:
7 MARCH: Harvest picnic basket and Crusted Pizza
14 MARCH: Closed for a private function
20 March: Thirsty Thursday
21 MARCH: Closed for a public holiday
28 MARCH: To Be Confirmed
*Subject to change
Where Community Gathers
Platõ Coffee, now open at the Val de Vie Sports & Leisure Centre, is quickly becoming a favourite meeting spot for residents on the Estate. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts across the tennis courts, mingling with the relaxed buzz of conversation. The doors to Platõ Coffee open Monday to Saturday from 06:00 to 18:00 – perfect for the early birds. Parents can swing by before the school run, fitness fanatics can refuel after a workout and friends can settle in for a mid-morning break to chat over perfectly poured flat whites. On Sundays, the pace slows slightly, with doors opening at 07:00, but still welcoming guests until 18:00. Platõ Coffee offers more than just a daily caffeine fix. It provides a place where communities can gather.
Price per bottle: R85
Price per case: R510
Buzzing with Sweetness
Try Sela Vie’s refreshing granola bowl when visiting for breakfast. It’s a delicious mix of creamy natural yoghurt, seasonal fruit and a drizzle of honey that will sweeten anyone’s day. And speaking of honey, visitors may have noticed that Sela Vie also stocks Berg River Honey.
This honey is as special as the place it comes from. It’s the work of busy bees gathering nectar from the fynbos and wildflowers that bloom along the Berg River. These blooms – right here on the Estate – give the honey its remarkable flavour.
Next time you’re at Sela Vie, enjoy a granola bowl (with a generous swirl of Berg River Honey, of course) and buy a jar of this liquid gold to take home. It’s a sweet, local reminder of the beauty in bloom all around.
WINE OF THE MONTH
POLO CLUB CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR 2024
The Polo Club Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2024 delivers a wellrounded experience with a smooth, textured aftertaste that lingers pleasantly. The Chardonnay grapes originate from Durbanville, while the Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from the scenic Elgin region. On the nose, expect prominent aromas of red fruit, raspberry and frangipane complemented by soft notes of yellow fruit such as apple and warm citrus. The combination of these flavours creates a refreshing wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Enjoy it with chicken, duck, fish, Mediterranean cuisine and soft cheeses such as brie, camembert and mozzarella.
The Language of Flowers
Businesses communicate with their prospective clients through advertising, often using bright visuals to target a specific market. Would it surprise you to know that nature perfected this technique first?
Plants face a unique challenge – they cannot move from one location to another. However, they have developed ingenious ways to interact with potential mates to overcome this challenge. Flowering plants, or angiosperms, have taken this to a fascinating level by employing many strategies to transfer pollen – the male gamete – to female receptors. The simplest methods involve using wind or water to disperse pollen.
However, this approach can be inefficient, relying on vast amounts of pollen without guaranteeing success. Other plants have evolved a far more sophisticated method: they ‘advertise’ and ‘pay’ other organisms to assist with pollen transfer. In many ways, nature functions like a business. The structures we commonly call flower petals are modified leaves. Their colour and form reveal the ecological strategy of the plant. A flower’s colour is designed to attract specific types of pollinators. For instance, red flowers, such as aloes, often have long flower tubes and stiff stems, ideally suited to attract birds. Birds, unlike humans, can see deeper into the infrared spectrum. These long flower tubes are often shaped to discourage all but a few species from accessing the nectar.
Bees, on the other hand, see more in the ultraviolet range. Blue and purple flowers tend to have shorter tubes and weaker stems, with one lower petal larger than the others. This petal acts as a unique landing platform for bees, often opening the flower tube to grant access to nectar. Other species that are too heavy or too light are naturally excluded. Yellow flowers often have open structures, ideal for butterflies, whose delicate wings are less likely to get damaged. White flowers, which reflect all wavelengths of light, adopt a more generalist strategy. Some white-flowered plants, however, are specialists, opening only at night to attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and fruit bats.
As with any business transaction, a reward should be involved if one wants someone to do a job effectively. Flowers produce nectar, high in sugar, as a reward to pollinators. A closer inspection of some petals reveals markings known as “nectar guides,” which direct pollinators to the nectar. Interestingly, some plant species will change their anther’s position to place the pollen on different parts of a pollinator’s body because they flower simultaneously. For example, a sunbird visiting a boerbean flower will collect pollen on its forehead. In contrast, visiting a leafless cadaba flower will leave pollen on its throat.
What a wonderful language flowers speak.
Dynamite Comes in Small Packages
The four-striped grass mouse, with its soft goldenbrown fur and distinctive black-and-gold stripes, is not just a tiny resident here in the Cape Winelands. It is a key player in the ecosystem, spreading seeds and supporting plant life. This mouse is primarily active during the day and can often be seen scurrying between bushes or darting into tall grass in search of its next meal. It follows an omnivorous diet and feasts on seeds, fruit, grains and occasionally insects. Living in colonies, it works with other mice to build intricate nests from grass and twigs, creating safe spaces for its big family. A female can have up to six litters per year, each with several offspring. This striped little creature may be small, but its role in nature is anything but insignificant. It acts as a silent ecosystem gardener, helping keep plant life thriving – proof that even the tiniest animals play a vital part in the natural world.
5 Fun Facts
The four-striped grass mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) is native to Africa.
The four bold stripes running along its back serve as camouflage, helping it blend into its surroundings and providing protection from predators like owls and snakes.
Unlike many rodents, this species is diurnal, meaning it is most active during the day.
It can be found in diverse environments, from moist grasslands to arid deserts, the Karoo, mountain regions, fynbos-covered slopes, urban gardens and forest edges.
The four-striped grass mouse lives a short yet active life. Its average lifespan is about 18 months.
Meet the Beneficiary Bringing Hope Through Action
The Val de Vie Foundation, through our implementation partner Nation Builder and directly through our Residents’ Hearts programme, contributes over R2 million to 10 beneficiaries in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley annually.
One of these beneficiaries is the Western Cape-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Hope Through Action. This organisation is changing lives and bringing hope through sport and education to the children of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley and Malmesbury. The Val de Vie Foundation has been a proud supporter of Hope Through Action, as well as its implementation partner, SCORE, since the Foundation’s formation 10 years ago.
The non-profit company was established in 2008 by United Kingdom residents and former Val de Vie Estate homeowners Judy and Phillip Green. The extreme poverty, lack of investment in education and a profound sense of hopelessness among many young people struck Judy and Phillip, ultimately leading them to form Hope Through Action, which became the vehicle for their township work. They set out to build three state-of-the-art community centres in Mbekweni (located between Paarl and Wellington), Groendal (in Franschhoek) and Malmesbury.
Today, the organisation has a United Kingdom-based board and a very active South African Board with Fred Laker as Chairman. On Wednesday 13 November 2024 both boards hosted an Awareness Event at the Franschhoek Valley Community Centre. Much to the delight of all attendees, the organisation’s partner, SCORE, highlighted the best Hope Through Action offers.
Pictured left from Left to Right: Fred Laker (South African trustee), UK trustees Phil Bland, Steve Wilkinson and Stuart Crawford and Konrad Laker (South African trustee)
Pictured below left: Mont Rochelle’s Emma Booth discusses the company’s involvement with Hope Through Action and SCORE.
Pictured below right: Melissa and Simon Crosbie (new owners of Rickety Bridge) and Athie Ndamane (Centre Manager)
foundation@valdevie.co.za
Real Impact Through Real ActionTestimonials
Hope Through Action brings real change through its wide range of sports programmes, which act as a vehicle for developing young people and their sporting talent. For instance, Busisiswa Zulu, who graduated in 2023 as YeBoneer1 in the YearBeyond @HomeLearning Programme2, now works for SCORE as its senior netball coach in the Malmesbury Community Centre. None of her teams have ever lost a game and her current team has now been crowned the netball champions of the West Coast District. The West Coast Federation has recognised them for their outstanding achievements.
Sikho Skeyi is proof of another success story. As a young boy, he became a member of the Hope Through Action Mbekweni Community Centre in 2010, where he learned life skills and how to grow into a responsible adult. After being picked for a youth leadership camp organised by Paarl Rotary and pursuing his sports management studies following matric, he became a football coach for the centre. Only six months after becoming the football coach, his under-15 team won the tournament organised by the Stellenbosch Local Football Association. Sikho’s talented goalkeeper also represented the Western Cape under-15 team at the SAFA National Championships in Gauteng towards the end of 2024.
Together with the Val de Vie Foundation, Hope Through Action and SCORE are the lead partners for the award-winning @HomeLearning Programme with the Western Cape Education Department. Sisonke Piti graduated in 2024 as YeBoneer in the YearBeyond @HomeLearning Programme. He shared his story about his lack of ambition and life goals until he joined the programme. He then became very motivated working with his Referred Learners (learners referred by participating schools for extra support) and prepared for his next step in life by training on how to get employment. His wildest dreams were realised when his mock interview turned out to be a real interview. Now, he is employed by Rickety Bridge, helping to run its new padel courts.
The @HomeLearning Programme has grown since 2020 in size and scale, with 4 362 referred learners from 62 schools in five Western Cape Education Department Districts. In a year-end survey of 57 educators, there was a unanimous vote to retain the programme.
SURVEY RESULTS
Very/Noticeably supportive of improvement of learner attitudes
Very/Noticeably supportive of helping at-risk learners
Improve Parents/Primary Caregiver contact/ engagement with learners
Prominent/Noticeable improvement in PCG engagement in own child education
Would you like the programme to continue at your school
Hope Through Action also improves the employment opportunities for young people from townships by providing safe access to technology and the internet in the learning centres and equipping over 400 @HomeLearning YeBoneers to become more employable every year. Emma Booth of Mont Rochelle recounted its win-win partnership with Hope Through Action. It provides the centre with their lightly used linen, which the community upcycles using sewing machines at Hope Through Action. This eliminates waste and generates income for the local community. They also participate in the YeBoneer mock job interviews every year, giving valuable feedback to assist them getting jobs. Last year, they asked SCORE to conduct a teambuilding session for them.
A local Community entrepreneur recounted how using the facilities and printing at the Learning Centre helped her start and maintain a thriving business.
The Val de Vie Foundation also recently learnt about a matriculant who quietly sat at his computer for three years and then casually made it known that he got an online diploma.
Real Impact through Real Action is the motto of the Val de Vie Foundation.
The Val de Vie Foundation is proud to be on this journey with Hope Through Action and the real difference we make in thousands of young lives.
1 YeBoneers are recent school graduates employed as Community Education Activator Interns in the @HomeLearning Programme.
2 The @HomeLearning Programme is a community-based initiative that strengthens support for learners from low- and no-fee public primary schools. The programme promotes a culture of learning and provides targeted support to prevent at-risk learners from dropping out of school.
The Impact of Volunteering
In the heart of Franschhoek, just behind the busy main street full of visitors, a group of dedicated volunteers quietly works to make a difference. Every Wednesday and Thursday, Val de Vie Estate resident Jane Anderson and her team help to shape the future of young learners through a programme called Jolly Phonics. This initiative isn’t just about improving reading skills; it is also about building a sense of community and shared responsibility. Jolly Phonics is an engaging, child-centred programme designed to teach young children the basics of reading and writing through phonics. Using songs, actions and stories it makes literacy fun and accessible. This method has proven to be highly effective, helping children develop essential skills for academic success and learning.
Why Literacy Matters
Literacy is the gateway to education, employment and personal empowerment. In South Africa, many children face challenges that stem from socioeconomic barriers, limiting their educational opportunities. Improving literacy
levels in disadvantaged communities is not just about teaching children to read; it’s about breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in life. Each week, when the volunteers step into the Reading Room, they are greeted by the children’s warm smiles and giddy excitement. They eagerly run over, ready to learn their next sound or swap their book. For some children, it’s also a quiet moment to talk about their day and feel heard – something they may not experience anywhere else. When they leave, they do so with a star of recognition, walking just a little bit taller.
The Role of Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of the Jolly Phonics programme at the Franschhoek Foundation School, located at Franschhoek High School, which is turning 75 this year. From all walks of life, these generous individuals dedicate their time and energy to creating a nurturing learning environment where children can thrive. The volunteers don’t just teach – they become mentors,
Book with:
role models and sources of inspiration. Their presence motivates the children to embrace learning and strive for excellence. The commitment of the volunteers is invaluable and their ability to work one-on-one or in small groups ensures that each child’s needs are met. This personal attention fosters a love of reading that will stay with them forever. The team’s positive, ‘can-do’ attitude has helped overcome many challenges. Without this vital support, the programme wouldn’t have lasted four years.
While the enthusiasm of the volunteers is invaluable, financial support is equally essential to sustain and grow the programme. Resources such as books and teaching materials are always in demand. Without funding, it would be difficult to continue offering the children the support they deserve.
The Ripple Effect of Improved Literacy
The impact of improved literacy extends beyond the classroom. Children who learn to read and write effectively are more likely to excel academically, pursue higher education and contribute positively to their communities. They become empowered individuals, able to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves and contribute to society. However, there are concerns about ensuring that all children receive the support they need, especially those with additional learning requirements. Many parents and teachers ask, “How can we support children with extra needs, such as psychological assessments and ongoing assistance?” This is an area that deserves further attention.
Additionally, there is a strong desire to incorporate more creative subjects like Art into the curriculum. Art is essential for developing motor skills and unleashing creativity. Yet, the children currently only have art lessons once a quarter. The team offers to bring supplies and teach the children. Still, more resources are needed to provide regular and meaningful art education.
Volunteering in literacy programmes such as Jolly Phonics in Franschhoek is a powerful investment in the children’s futures. By fostering a love of reading and providing essential skills, volunteers are not just helping students; they are contributing to a brighter future for the entire community.
Behind the scenes with some of the team members in action.
Val de Vie Estate is home to many play parks where little ones can laugh, play and explore. Now we need your help to name our play parks. Share your ideas and be part of creating something special for our community.
Email your suggestions to marketing@valdevie.co.za by 15 March 2025. The new play park names will be announced in the April/May edition of the Grapevine. We look forward to hearing from you.
THE GRAPEVINE IS PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF VAL DE VIE MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD
A big thank you to our beautiful cover star, Reza van der Berg, for bringing elegance and charm to this edition. And a heartfelt thank you to Adene Nieuwoudt from Adene’s Farm Flowers for providing 100 stunning dahlias for the cover – together they really brought the cover to life.
Peace of Mind Complete Retire with
Homes Designed with a New Standard of Excellence
Val de Vie Evergreen Silver Leaf sets a new standard of excellence with stylish two- and three-bedroom homes featuring spacious open-plan living areas and modern finishes that simplify relaxed living. These homes are designed to perfectly integrate with the natural beauty of Val de Vie Estate and are ideally situated next to one of the Estate’s green belts. Val de Vie Evergreen Silver Leaf is a peaceful, low-maintenance village perfect for embracing a fulfilling retirement, with complete peace of mind.
