The following persons have taken on the role as initial Trustees of the Trust:
Themis Commercial Legal Advisors (Pty) Ltd, represented by Suma de Bruyn
Suma de Bruyn is a commercial attorney by training and one of the founding shareholders and directors of Themis Commercial Legal Advisors (Pty) Ltd and Hayes Incorporated. Suma has lived in Vredehoek for the past 20 years and is passionate about nature, the outdoors, and especially Table Mountain. She believes that we need to take responsibility for our own resources and teach our children to care for their natural environment and parks. Themis Commercial Legal Advisors (Pty) Ltd is the founder of the Trust, and has attended to the registration of the Trust with the Master’s Office and SARS and has donated the time of its attorneys and consultants in respect of the Project.
Simone Esch
A chartered accountant and tax specialist who has lived in Vredehoek with her husband and two daughters for 11 years. Simone and her family are passionate about nature and animals, particularly our nature reserves and parks. She loves running the many trails on Table Mountain and the neighbourhood’s public parks with her dogs. Simone brings expertise to the Trust with her vast experience in the field of tax. She is assisting with the administration of the Trust and the applications for PBO and NPO status.
Renzo Schincariol
An avid mountain biker and an engineer by qualification. He grew up in Vredehoek and is an active member of the Vredehoek community. He is a successful business owner and has already invested a significant amount of time and money in the Park. Together with some friends, he built the mountain bike pump track in the Park, which was used and enjoyed by the children in the area before the Park became too unsafe to use. Renzo was Chairman of the Parents’ Association at St Cyprians when he became involved as Trustee.
Gary Anstey
The Association of Persons known as the Friends of Van Riebeeck Park has nominated Gary Anstey as its representative trustee. Gary is a local resident who is deeply concerned with the condition of our green areas, particularly Deer Park and Van Riebeeck Park. Together with several other volunteers, and as chairperson of the Friends of Van Riebeeck Park, he has tried to address the degradation of the Park. He regularly mountain bikes and hikes on Table Mountain and passionately believes that the area must become a community resource for its environmental, heritage, and recreational significance. Gary has had successful careers in HR and business.
Gavin Matisonn
A Chartered Accountant who has been living in Vredehoek since his return to Cape Town with his wife and son in 2015, after 16 years living in the UK. Gavin is a daily user of Deer Park, Van Riebeeck Park and Table Mountain thanks to a Westie who insists on (at least) daily walks. Gavin is passionate about ensuring our green spaces are safe, clean and accessible. He has enjoyed volunteering at several community charities in the past and supports the Trust with its financial administration requirements.