Serious about community development

Improving the lives of everyone involved within our sphere of influence is a principle Van Loveren has held dear for many years.

Van Loveren's Kenna Club, aptly named after the flowers that line the road to the farm, has been going strong for over 20 years - an accomplishment we believe has played a crucial role to the upliftment and well-being among the greater Van Loveren family. 

The women's organisation is run by the Retief wives in conjunction with most of the female workers on the farm and entails monthly meetings.

Initiated by Penny and Shan Retief, the club provides a catalyst for social, cultural, educational and recreational gatherings where members have the opportunity to learn skills from decoupage and flower arranging to the craft of budgeting.  Specialists - in fields such as law, health and social welfare - are often invited as guest speakers.

In addition to this important upliftment role, the Kenna Club also brings the women closer together, encouraging friendship and camaraderie.

Van Loveren's commitment to its farming community also involves education.  For many years, free transport to a local creche has been provided to ensure all pre-school children of farm eployees receive a solid foundation for their future education.  Also, for every Five's Reserve product sold, part of the profit goes back to the Van Loveren farming community, which in turn uses this added income for among others, bursaries for older children.

Staff - young and old - are also encouraged and empowered to make their own decisions regarding the future.  This philosophy is most evident through our empowerment initiative on De Goree farm, which was bought by the Retief family in association with a winery worker's trust in 2006.