Philanthropy

Building a Sustainable Community in Welgemoed, Cape, SA

At the heart of our philanthropy is a deeply personal commitment to people, place, and possibility. Caroline Olds has established a 6.8-hectare community farm in Welgemoed, South Africa, with the vision of creating a safe, supportive environment for friends and long-serving staff members of the Olds and Matthee families.

This project responds directly to real challenges in the region: poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and environmental vulnerability. Rather than offering short-term aid, it is rooted in sustainable development — empowering individuals to build independence, resilience, and security for themselves and their families.

The Welgemoed project is about dignity. It is about creating opportunity through meaningful work, safe housing, and community connection. It is a living legacy that will continue to grow long into the future.

A Vision for Sustainable Living

The Welgemoed property is being developed as a fully functioning, self-sustaining farm and residential community. The land will be cultivated by local families, who will manage and operate the project themselves.

By the end of 2025, two families moved into temporary cottages on the property, where they are now safely housed while construction continues. They will remain there until the final family compound is completed. This shared space will include a spacious kitchen with two ovens, two fridges, two sinks, and two washing machines, supporting communal living and daily operations.

The primary farmhouse will feature five bedrooms, a large dining hall, a living area, and a 100-square-metre covered veranda designed for gathering, shared meals, and community life.

The entire property will run on solar energy, ensuring environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.

This project is not only about shelter—it is about creating a place where families can thrive, work with pride, and build a future rooted in stability and opportunity.

A Legacy of Love and Responsibility

This project is deeply connected to the legacy of Caroline’s late sister, Mary Parissien. In her estate, Mary left a meaningful gift to her trusted team members, Patrick and Zola, asking Caroline to oversee the purchase of homes and support them in building independent livelihoods.

What began as a search for suitable houses evolved into something far greater. When the available homes proved unsuitable, Caroline discovered the Welgemoed property and saw the opportunity to build not just homes, but a community.

Patrick and Zola now live on the property in newly installed one-bedroom container homes, each equipped with a kitchen, shower, living area, and bedroom. They play a central role in supervising, securing, and nurturing the land while the farm develops.

This initiative reflects a deeply personal approach to philanthropy—one where funds go directly to families, free from the heavy administrative structures of large organisations.

Building for Independence and Growth

The farm is designed to become financially self-sufficient. Ten rental units are planned as part of a compound, providing safe, much-needed housing in the Atlantis area while generating income to sustain the project.

A farmhouse and agricultural operations will form the backbone of daily life on the land. Patrick and Zola, both experienced gardeners, will farm crops to sell at local markets and support their families. A large chicken coop—donated by Mrs. Ana Grosso—will house up to 100 chickens, further strengthening food security and income generation.

The property already has two well points for irrigation, and municipal water is being installed to ensure access to clean drinking water. A permanent sewage system is also planned as the next phase of development.

True empowerment comes from the ability to sustain oneself—and this project is designed to do exactly that.