8 September 2024; Deon Winterbach, Founder of Devco Group, was proud to share the Kolbe family’s dream with Cheslin and his wife, Layla during the official launch event of the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation hosted last night at the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel Ballroom, Cape Town. The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of Siya Kolisi, who joined Cheslin Kolbe and Matt Pearce in a lively discussion about the power of sport and the positive change it can bring to communities across South Africa.
October 2023, the Springboks secured another historic Rugby World Cup title, uniting South Africans once again in celebration. The subsequent trophy tour across the country was a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to bring people together, as fans from all walks of life rallied in support of the team.
The vision for the foundation was eloquently expressed by Cheslin Kolbe, who reflected on its humble beginnings during a recent visit to his hometown of Cape Town.
”We had stopped in front of the house, and I saw a young boy, barefoot, playing with an old rugby ball, using sand as a kicking tee and the gate of the driveway as rugby poles. I said to Layla, ‘That was exactly what I used to do as a kid’. I was literally having a flashback, seeing myself in that moment. It planted the seed for one day launching a foundation where we could give back to our communities and provide resources like boots and rugby balls to young, aspiring sports stars.”
Cheslin continued, “It’s so important for us to use our platform and the resources around us to give back and make a difference in other people’s lives. We were in a very different position once upon a time, and now it’s up to us to seize the opportunity we have to inspire, uplift, and create positive change in our communities.”
The Kolbe family’s commitment to giving back has never been stronger. With this passion in mind, they are proud to officially launch the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation—a cause close to their hearts and one they hope will continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of all South Africans.
Last night’s launch event saw items such as a Lionel Smit original painting auctioned for more than R600,000 with attendees purchasing items and donations flowing into the foundation of close to R2m, showcasing the incredible spirit of generosity and collaboration that defines South Africa. Communities from all backgrounds came together in pursuit of a shared goal: to make a positive difference.
As Cheslin Kolbe concluded, “Let’s demonstrate to the world that South Africa is known for our spirit of collaboration and resilience!”
We are excited to celebrate this extraordinary moment with you and all those involved in supporting this meaningful cause.
#StrongerTogether
#ProudlySouthAfrican