The Val de Vie Foundation, the community-outreach arm of Val de Vie Estate, is marking 10 years of meaningful contributions to the wider Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. To date, the foundation has donated R50,1 million to various initiatives that support and empower the local community.
Over the past decade more than 47 000 individuals have benefited from funding received by organisations through the Val de Vie Foundation.
“The commitment to uplift and invest in surrounding communities has been part of the Val de Vie developer’s vision since the very beginning,” said Ryk Neethling, trustee of the Val de Vie Foundation. “With the formal establishment of the Val de Vie Foundation in July 2015 our residents have been given a meaningful way to carry that vision forward.”
Through a unique funding model 1% of all property sales is donated by the Val de Vie developer. In addition, 2,5% of monthly levies is allocated toward community upliftment projects.
By choosing to live on Val de Vie Estate homeowners become part of a purpose-driven lifestyle that supports real, lasting change beyond the estate’s borders.
The Val de Vie Foundation’s beneficiaries include the Elevation Programme, which equips young people with training, mentorship and career guidance, often leading to employment placements in the area. It has helped over 1 200 unemployed people to date.
Hope Through Action, which uses sport and education to develop young people’s physical and life skills through programmes run from community centres in Mbekweni, Franschhoek and Malmesbury.
The Khula Development Group, which reintegrates school learners from disadvantaged communities who are at risk of dropping out of the school system. It is active in 22 schools in five areas in and around Paarl and Stellenbosch.
Mosaic Community Development provides care for orphaned or vulnerable children, offering the physical and emotional support needed.
“Hope Through Action is focused on improving the lives of the disadvantaged youth in the Berg River Valley and beyond,” said Philip Green, Founder of Hope Through Action.
“The Val de Vie Foundation has been one of our most important supporters for many of the 20+ years since our founding, for which we’re very grateful. I believe we are two organisations with very similar values.”
Daleen Labuschagne, founder and Relationship Manager of Khula Development Group, shared: “We are deeply thankful for the Val de Vie Foundation, faithful partners since the beginning. There’s nothing more encouraging than knowing there are people who love what we are doing and inspire us to keep going in what we believe God has called us to do.”
Val de Vie Estate is home to a community that believes in giving back. Many residents actively contribute to the Val de Vie Foundation by volunteering their time and participating in initiatives such as food and blanket drives, as well as fundraising events like the annual Pink Polo.
Neethling contextualised the Val de Vie Foundation’s efforts further: “Val de Vie Estate has injected approximately R34,6 billion into the local Drakenstein economy between 2004 and 2023, while generating 51 000 indirect and 18 900 permanent jobs.
“But beyond the economic impact of the estate, the Val de Vie Foundation allows us to uplift communities in a more personal and direct way. As we enter the next decade our commitment to supporting those who need it most remains at the heart of everything we do.”
