Val de Vie Foundation 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
A partner in purpose. A pillar of hope. A friend to the community.
On Tuesday 28 October, more than 120 Val de Vie Estate residents and friends of the Val de Vie Foundation gathered at the Polo Pavilion Ballroom to celebrate 10 years of shared purpose and community upliftment. Guests had the opportunity to meet the Foundation’s beneficiaries, explore an exhibition highlighting the past decade and listen to stories of lives changed through resident involvement. The evening served as a reminder to everyone that collective effort can have a profound impact.
Ten years ago, Martin Venter, Founder and CEO of the Val de Vie Group, imagined that a residential estate could offer more than an exceptional way of living. His vision was that it could also be a catalyst for positive change. That idea remains central to the Val de Vie Foundation’s mission to create A Better Life for All in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley through education, entrepreneurship and community development.
In his speech, Val de Vie Estate HOA Chairman Fred Swanepoel said, “Ten years ago, a vision took shape, one that was bold, generous and humane. Martin’s belief was simple, the impact profound. We don’t celebrate an organisation, rather the idea that hope can be built and dignity restored.”
The Val de Vie Foundation’s model has demonstrated that lasting social change starts with intentional design. By investing 1% of developer sales and 2.5% of residents’ monthly levies directly to the Val de Vie Foundation, Val de Vie Estate has established a pioneering approach to community investment, one that ensures giving back is a core part of how the Estate develops.
Through this sustainable framework, every home sold and every levy paid contributes to initiatives that uplift the vulnerable in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, with over R50 million invested over the past 10 years.
Together with implementation partner Nation Builder, the Foundation focuses on capacity building and accountability to ensure that every contribution reaches those who need it most.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came from Klapmuts Sevens Rugby Tournament Coach André du Toit, a project supported by the Foundation since 2017. In his role as Klapmuts Sevens Tournament Director and Klapmuts Primary rugby coach, he shared that the Val de Vie Foundation had become more than a sponsor, growing into a partner in purpose, a pillar of hope, and a friend to the community.
The event would not have been possible without the combined efforts and support of everyone involved. From the residents of the Val de Vie Estate to the Val de Vie Marketing Team, the Val de Vie Foundation trustees and the support of the Val de Vie HOA, the Val de Vie Foundation demonstrated the impact of all working together for the benefit of the Estate and the community.
Special thanks were extended to Team10, a passionate group of residents who worked with the Val de Vie Marketing Team to bring the evening to life. With the support of Gary Hoffman from Supasign, Eugene Knoetse from PSS7, florist Anli Whal, Driven Events and AV, and NConcepts and Design, much of the event was made possible through generosity, collaboration and shared pride.
As the Val de Vie Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to its purpose of building A Better Life For All.
