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Grootbos Foundation
From its very inception, The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve based in the Overberg was always going to be more than a luxury travel destination.
The Grootbos Foundation was set up in 2003 as a non-profit organisation that would work to conserve the critically endangered fynbos, while also focusing on the training and skills development of the surrounding communities.
Our Projects
- Grootbos owners the Lutzeyer family established The Grootbos Foundation in 2003.
- Beyond our programmes, we conduct research into ecological, educational and social issues – and then craft impactful solutions.
- Your stay at Grootbos leaves a positive impact behind you when you leave.
We’re an organisation dedicated to empowering others through ecotourism, enterprise development, sports development and education.
All of our projects are replicable and scalable, with many generating their own income or becoming partially self-sustaining. From beekeeping to animal husbandry, recycling candles to coaching soccer, computer training to clearing alien vegetation, each programme has been carefully considered to build a brighter future for the people who live here, as well as the environment.
Siyakhula
Siyakhula means Growing the Future and this project combines a variety of initiatives to support local communities.
Green Futures
The Green Futures Adult Education and Training College offers courses in indigenous horticulture, hospitality and guiding.
Football Foundation
The Football Foundation runs daily training sessions in soccer, netball, hockey and athletics for about 7000 youth each year.
Volunteer Programme
Our volunteer and intern programme provides much needed assistance, capacity and skills to the sport programmes.
Staff
Zokhanyo Bekani
Community Farm Supervisor & Facilitator
Ziyanda Metsho
Spaza Shop Assistant
Zimasa Gobingca
Spaza Assistant
Viola Siyotywa
Green Futures Lecturer
Susanna Lochner
Early Learning Centre Project Manager
Siyabonga Mankayi
Community Farm Asistant
Simone Davel
Project Manager
Shereen Van Der Merwe
Hockey Coach
Sharlene De Villiers
Nursery & Landscaping Manager
Sean Privett
Conservation Director
Ruth Crichton
Pr & Communications Manager
Rebecca Dames
Environmental Officer
Power Nonkwekwe
Assistant Beekeeper
Pontsho Chiloane
Community Farm Manager
Natasha Bredekam
Football Foundation Project Manager
Mziyanda Matiwane
Soccer Coach
Lindsay Hanekom
Operations Manager
Lily Upton
Community Farm Project Manager
Karin Blumer
Fundraising Manager
Julie Cheetham
Managing Director
Johan Strydom
Growing The Future Farm Manager
Danver August
Coach (Rugby/Cricket)
Corrie Avenant
Coach (Athletics/Rugby/Cricket)
Celina Danisa
Nursery Support
Bulelani Bashe
Nursery Support
Anchelle Damon
Ecd Facilitator & Netball Coach Zokhanyo Bekani
Community Farm Supervisor & Facilitator Ziyanda Metsho
Spaza Shop Assistant Zimasa Gobingca
Spaza Assistant Viola Siyotywa
Green Futures Lecturer Susanna Lochner
Early Learning Centre Project Manager Siyabonga Mankayi
Community Farm Asistant Simone Davel
Project Manager Shereen Van Der Merwe
Hockey Coach Sharlene De Villiers
Nursery & Landscaping Manager Sean Privett
Conservation Director Ruth Crichton
Pr & Communications Manager Rebecca Dames
Environmental Officer Power Nonkwekwe
Assistant Beekeeper Pontsho Chiloane
Community Farm Manager Natasha Bredekam
Football Foundation Project Manager Mziyanda Matiwane
Soccer Coach Lindsay Hanekom
Operations Manager Lily Upton
Community Farm Project Manager Karin Blumer
Fundraising Manager Julie Cheetham
Managing Director Johan Strydom
Growing The Future Farm Manager Danver August
Coach (Rugby/Cricket) Corrie Avenant
Coach (Athletics/Rugby/Cricket) Celina Danisa
Nursery Support Bulelani Bashe
Nursery Support Anchelle Damon
Ecd Facilitator & Netball Coach
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Awards & Mentions
Get Involved
“Every action we take is designed to have a positive impact on the local community and environment”.
Keen to know more? We recommend going on our Living the Future tour, to see and experience our projects first hand. You’ll be inspired and develop a deeper understanding of what makes Grootbos so special.
The Grootbos Foundation is a registered NPO, is audited annually and all funds generated go towards programme delivery. Please email us at info@grootbosfoundation.org for more information if you wish to make a donation.
Grootbos Foundation and global recognition
Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades possible, making us one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.
Join us at Grootbos with the Secret Season Special - Exclusive to South Africans
Secret Season Special: R3950 pp/pn (up to 55% discount on normal rate, 50% off Spa treatments and a complimentary bottle of our exclusive Last Syrah wine)
