Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre

02/11/2026

🌷 GETTING TO KNOW: JEAN VAN DER MERWE

Meet Jean van der Merwe, 53 years young, whose positive outlook on life is a wonderful reminder that our circumstances do not define who we are or what we can achieve. Following a motor vehicle accident in 2008 that left Jean paraplegic, life took an unexpected turn. However, Jean has continued to embrace new opportunities, find purpose and discover meaningful ways to grow. Jean believes in being differently abled rather than defined by disability, focusing on what is possible rather than on limitations.

Jean joined the Huis Andries Olivier (HAO) family in 2024 after successfully completing the application and interview process. Since becoming a resident, Jean has embraced the opportunity to contribute to the Centre and play an active role in our community.

A few years after the accident, Jean discovered crochet as a way to manage anxiety. What began as a therapeutic hobby gradually developed into a small business, turning a personal passion into something both creative and productive. This journey reflects Jean's determination to find positive outlets, develop new skills and make the most of life's opportunities.

At HAO, Jean is currently serving a third term as Secretary and coordinates donations. Jean also helps organise our Market Days and occasionally lends a hand with the monthly Book Sales. Always willing to assist wherever needed, Jean brings a spirit of cooperation and commitment to the many activities that keep our Centre running.

For Jean, being part of HAO is about more than having a place to call home. It is an opportunity to share talents, contribute meaningfully and grow alongside a community of people who support and encourage one another.

Jean's story reminds us that even when life takes an unexpected direction, there is always room for new beginnings, personal growth and finding purpose. We are delighted to have Jean as part of our HAO family! 💙

(8/10)

31/10/2026

🤝 GETTING TO KNOW: SIHLE FELA

Meet Sihle Fela, who is currently serving his third consecutive term as Vice Chairman of Huis Andries Olivier (HAO). After becoming paralysed following a gunshot wound in 2018, Sihle began a new chapter of his life, with HAO becoming an important part of his journey towards independence, personal growth and rebuilding his future.

Over the years, Sihle has become actively involved in the HAO community, taking on a range of responsibilities that help keep the Centre running smoothly. Alongside his role as Vice Chairman, he oversees the Correctional Services portfolio and assists with transport coordination and property security. He also contributes to fundraising efforts and community activities, helping support the Centre and its residents.

Sihle's interests extend beyond HAO, particularly in the world of business and entrepreneurship. He previously ran his own Uber business and gained valuable professional experience through an internship with Alexander Forbes via QASA. These experiences reflect his willingness to explore new opportunities, develop his skills and continue working towards greater independence.

For Sihle, being part of HAO means more than simply having a place to live. It is an opportunity to contribute, take responsibility and work alongside others towards a shared goal. Through his involvement and leadership, he continues to play a valuable role in the life of the Centre.

We are proud to have Sihle as part of our HAO family and look forward to seeing him continue to grow, achieve his goals and make a positive difference in the community! 💙

(7/10)

29/10/2026

💻 GETTING TO KNOW: PIETER VAN GREUNEN

Meet Pieter van Greunen, 38, originally from Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape, who has spent around 24 years living in Cape Town. Beyond being a dedicated member of the Huis Andries Olivier (HAO) family, Pieter is also a proud father to his nine-year-old son.

Before his injury, Pieter worked in the building and construction industry and ran his own business. Adjusting to life after his injury brought a period of uncertainty as he explored different opportunities and considered what his future might look like. Eventually, he discovered a new passion that would give him a renewed sense of purpose: web development and creating digital solutions for businesses.

Today, Pieter specialises in building customised websites and developing practical digital tools that help businesses save time, reduce costs and work more efficiently. Having found something he genuinely enjoys, he is excited to continue growing his skills and pursuing this passion into the future.

Pieter joined HAO three years ago after an interview and completing the Centre's application and probation process. Since becoming a resident, he has taken on several important responsibilities, including overseeing staff matters, maintaining the HAO website, assisting with social media and managing the guest rooms.

Pieter's story shows that even when life takes an unexpected direction, new opportunities can emerge and new passions can be discovered. Through his technical skills and practical contributions, he continues to make a meaningful difference at HAO while building a future around work he loves.

We are delighted to have Pieter as part of our HAO family and look forward to seeing his talents continue to flourish! 💙

(6/10)

28/10/2026

⛳ PROUD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 💙

At Approach Profit Managers, we believe that business is about more than just numbers. It’s about people, community and making a meaningful difference.

We are incredibly proud to have supported The HAO Golf Classic 2026, in aid of the Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre.

It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful initiative and contribute towards a cause that makes a real difference in people's lives.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this event a success! 👏

Together, we can make a difference. 💙

Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre

🌐 www.approachpm.co.za

27/10/2026

27/10/2026

🌟 GETTING TO KNOW: FREDDIE VAN DER WALT

Meet Freddie van der Walt, whose journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the belief that life's challenges do not have to define our future. At just 17, a spinal cord injury left Freddie a C3–C4 tetraplegic. Although his life took an unexpected turn, he continued pursuing his education and career, earning a Diploma in Tourism Management and building valuable professional experience along the way.

Freddie spent 12 years working in Quality Assurance before moving into community management in 2023. Between 2024 and 2026, he also worked as a Client Liaison at a film and photography studio, where he built relationships with clients and helped coordinate their needs. These experiences strengthened his passion for communication, organisation and connecting with people.

Today, as a resident of Huis Andries Olivier (HAO) in Durbanville, Freddie plays an active role in the Centre's daily operations. He manages the in-house bookkeeping, supports fundraising initiatives and oversees the HAO page, helping share the Centre's activities, celebrate its achievements and connect with the wider community.

With a positive outlook on life, a good sense of humour and a genuine interest in people, Freddie believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, regardless of their circumstances.

Through his work at HAO, Freddie continues to put those beliefs into practice, contributing his skills and experience to a community that values independence, teamwork and mutual support. He is proud to be part of the HAO family and looks forward to helping the Centre continue to grow and thrive. 💙

(5/10)

25/10/2026

😊 GETTING TO KNOW: TERENCE MOORE

Meet Terence Moore, a proud member of the Huis Andries Olivier (HAO) family whose connection with the Centre stretches back almost two decades. Born in Ceres on 4 May 1973, Terence attended school locally before continuing his studies in Electrical Engineering at the College of Cape Town. In 1993, at the age of 20, a motor vehicle accident left him a C4–C5 quadriplegic, beginning a very different chapter in his life.

After spending eight months at Conradie Hospital, Terence returned home to live with his parents for nearly 28 years. During that time, he continued contributing where he could, helped with his father's business and enjoyed the opportunity to travel to several countries across Europe and Africa.

Terence first discovered HAO in 2006, when he needed accommodation while his parents were away. What began as a short stay soon developed into a lasting connection. Over the years, he returned for visits, weekends and sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In November 2020, he moved into the Centre permanently, and HAO has been home ever since.

Terence is someone who believes in getting involved and helping wherever he can. He has served as Chairman and Treasurer, managed responsibilities and petty cash, and continues to assist with the books, maintenance and garden. His willingness to contribute to the daily running of the Centre reflects the shared responsibility that makes HAO such a special place.

From his early visits to becoming an integral part of the HAO community, Terence's story is one of belonging, contribution and finding a place to call home. We are fortunate to have him as part of our family! 💙

(4/10)

23/10/2026

💙 GETTING TO KNOW: ANDREW GROBLER

Meet Andrew Grobler, our dedicated Chairman at Huis Andries Olivier (HAO), currently serving his third term in this leadership role. Born and raised in Cape Town, Andrew's life changed in 2016, when he was just 20 years old, following a diving accident that left him a C5–C6 quadriplegic. He joined the HAO family in August 2020 and has since continued to build his independence while becoming actively involved in the day-to-day running of the Centre.

Andrew wears several important hats at HAO. Alongside his role as Chairman, he serves as the Centre's administrator and liaises with the Department of Social Development, overseeing compliance, reporting and communication. Despite having very limited hand function, he embraces technology, including voice-to-text and AI tools, to help him manage his responsibilities efficiently.

As an optimist who believes in teamwork, Andrew works closely with fellow residents and board members to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and that the Centre continues to move forward. He understands that HAO's success depends on the collective efforts of its residents, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Andrew lives by the motto, **"House first, always"** — a simple but powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to maintain HAO as a welcoming, friendly and fair home where residents can live as independently as possible.

We are grateful for Andrew's leadership, commitment and determination to help make HAO a place where everyone belongs. Here's to continuing to build a stronger home together! 🙌

(3//10)

21/10/2026

🌷 GETTING TO KNOW: ROSABELLE RIESE

Meet Rosabelle Riese, who proudly describes 1955 as a very good year — the year she arrived in this world! Having contracted polio as a toddler, Rosabelle learnt early in life that every day is precious and that opportunities should be embraced. Her journey has been filled with remarkable achievements, meaningful friendships and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

For the past 11 years, Huis Andries Olivier (HAO) has been much more than a place to live. It has become home, a community and a family. Rosabelle has played an extraordinary role in shaping the Centre, serving as Chairperson for several years and contributing to everything from fundraising, administration and finance to markets, volunteers, maintenance and the golf day. She has also helped drive important projects, including fencing, solar energy and the tea garden.

Beyond HAO, Rosabelle has an impressive 40-year sporting history on the world stage. She is also a proud mother to her daughter, Marnina, and son-in-law, Kalvin. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with fellow residents, believes in speaking up and getting involved, and appreciates the importance of professionalism, progress and a good sense of humour!

Rosabelle is passionate about encouraging others, building relationships and ensuring that the Centre continues to thrive. She is also hoping to complete her autobiography one day, because she certainly has a lifetime of stories worth sharing!

Above all, Rosabelle is grateful for her God-given life, the people who have enriched her journey and the beauty of nature. Her dedication, wisdom and lively spirit are a valued part of our HAO family, and we look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for her. 💙

(2/10)

19/10/2026

🎉🌭 UPDATE: Sponsor secured! A huge thank you to License to Grill Durbanville for generously donating the boerewors and hot dog rolls for our golf day on 22 October! ❤️⛳ Your support is truly appreciated! 🙏

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580145285184

🚨🌭 URGENT: BOEREWORS DONATION NEEDED! ⛳❤️

We urgently need 70 pieces of boerewors by Wednesday, 21 October, for our upcoming HAO Golf Classic Fundraiser at Durbanville Golf Club on Thursday 22 October.

We’re appealing to any butcher, business or individual who can donate or sponsor the boerewors to help make this event a success.

Every donation makes a difference! All proceeds support Huis Andries Olivier (HAO), a self-help residential centre for people living with spinal cord injuries. ❤️

🙏 Can you help us meet this urgent need? Please send us a private message if you can assist.

📢 Please share this post to help us find a sponsor in time!

👨‍👩‍👧 A place for families & friends