V - business
“…an investment in a
H
aving gained entrepreneurial skills at a young age
management team is made up of visionaries; people who
by assisting in his father’s grocery shop, which
are passionate about the future of the estate and its
was frequented by village residents and miners, by the
surrounding communities. Martin Venter’s vision, as the
time he embarked on his own road to success Motsepe
founder of Val de Vie, became a reality through diligent
was no stranger to business matters or to the mining
work, determination and wise investment – cornerstones
in them and by investing
industry. His journey has since involved becoming the
that ARC shares,” says Motsepe. “The company’s
in local businesses, we
first black partner at one of the leading South African law
commitment to all our people is likewise exemplary.”
firms, Bowmans; founding a company named Future
Val de Vie indeed places much emphasis on giving
Mining; purchasing gold mines; establishing African
back to its surrounding communities to contribute
Rainbow Minerals (ARM); joining The Giving Pledge
towards the growth and eventual prosperity of the entire
and confidence in, the
which was started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett;
Paarl Franschhoek Valley. Known for his charitable
taking ownership of football club, Mamelodi Sundowns
leanings, Motsepe can certainly relate to Val de Vie’s
country’s growth.”
and, most recently, initiating African Rainbow Capital
dream for the area. In fact, the driving force behind
(ARC) – a subsidiary of Sanlam’s anchor shareholder and
Motsepe and his family’s Motsepe Foundation – an
empowerment partner, Ubuntu Botho Investments.
organisation that supports various educational, rural
company and its people indicates your confidence
express our commitment to,
Through this company – jointly headed by Johan van
FROM LEFT At the Gala Dinner of the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup held at Val de Vie in 2015. Philip Green CBE, Prince Harry, Lady Cristiana Sorrell, Martin Venter, Sir Martin Sorrell, Patrice Motsepe, Lizelle Venter and Nacho Figueras.
24
val de vie
upliftment,
environmental
and
local
community
der Merwe, former CEO of Sanlam Investments, and
upliftment projects – is similarly “to give hope and to
Johan van Zyl, former CEO of Sanlam – Motsepe and
build a brighter future for all our people”.
his team bring to life their belief that “if we continue
“There is an incredible synergy existing between our
doing the right things in Africa, we can create a very
current outreach programmes and Patrice’s philanthropic
exciting and competitive global market here”. He explains
interests,” says Martin Venter, Val de Vie’s Founder and
that “an investment in a company and its people indicates
CEO. “We are pleased to join forces with a team that has
your confidence in them and by investing in local
a corresponding desire to see businesses, employees,
businesses, we express our commitment to and
families and communities thrive. Because of what we’re
confidence in the country’s growth.”
able to achieve through this undertaking, from expanding
This very sentiment was echoed in ARC’s decision to
the estate to supporting and uplifting surrounding
make its first investment in the South African residential
communities, I would pinpoint this investment as one of
property market in June 2016, when it acquired a 20%
the most impactful deals to occur in Val de Vie’s history.”
stake in Val de Vie Investments. “I had the pleasure of
While the agreement was a significant one for Val de
visiting Val de Vie Estate for the first time in November
Vie, it was likewise a remarkable step for ARC. “We had
2015 when I attended the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo
made investments within the finance sector, but we had
Cup in which Prince Harry participated,” recounts
not done so in the residential property industry prior to
Motsepe. “I was extremely impressed by what the estate
this,” expresses Motsepe. “Val de Vie has been named the
had accomplished in terms of its housing developments
country’s top residential estate for a number of reasons
and the world-class facilities it has on offer.”
and those are very evident to us. We are therefore
But it wasn’t only that which tangibly surrounded
confident that this deal will yield an excellent return on
Motsepe at Val de Vie that appealed to him. “Val de Vie’s
investment. If you ask me – we’ve struck profitable gold.”