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Trustees play an important role in the success of any homeowners’ association.
They are entrusted with making informed decisions, providing strategic oversight, protecting the long-term value of the estate, and ensuring that Kingswood continues to be a secure, well-managed, and thriving place to call home. While many residents see the outcomes of their work, they may not always have the opportunity to get to know the people behind these important responsibilities.
To introduce your new trustees, Estate Living invited each of them to share a little more about themselves, what inspired them to stand for election, the experience and skills they bring to the role, their vision for the future of Kingswood, and the commitment they have made to serving the community.
We hope these conversations provide residents with a greater understanding of both the responsibilities of a trustee and the individuals who have volunteered their time and expertise to serve the estate. Strong communities are built on collaboration, open communication, and shared purpose, and we encourage homeowners to engage with their trustees as partners in continuing to make Kingswood Golf Estate one of South Africa’s most exceptional places to live.
Meet your trustee: Janco du Toit
EL: What inspired you to take on the role of trustee, and what positive changes or contributions do you hope to bring to our homeowners association?
JDT: With a new era dawning following the exit of the developer, I felt that this was the ideal time to become involved in the new structures of the HOA and to play a part in shaping the way forward for Kingswood. Kingswood is already a special place to live, and I would like to contribute towards ensuring that it remains an extraordinary and fulfilling living environment for all residents.
I believe this requires a balance between sound financial and governance principles, and the community-based objectives and expectations of residents. As a resident of Phase 4, I also felt it was important for our section of the estate to have representation on the board of trustees, while at the same time contributing constructively to the success of the broader estate and the well-being of all residents.
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EL: Could you tell us a little about yourself, including your background, your family, and how long you have been part of our community?
JDT: I grew up and went to school in the small community of Lichtenburg in the North West. After school, I completed my accounting studies in Pretoria and started my career with PwC in Johannesburg. I qualified as a chartered accountant in 2003.
I met my lovely wife, Amoré, in Pretoria while I was doing my articles at PwC, and we got married in 2002. I am grateful to say that we have been happily married for 24 years. Together, we are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters, Ané, aged 17, and Nhea, aged 13.
During our married life, we have lived in Gauteng, London, and Port Elizabeth. We made the move to George in December 2022, when Ané started high school. It has been a wonderful move for our family, and we felt at home in the Kingswood community from the moment we arrived.
Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of interests, including golf, staying active, outdoor activities, sport, and quality time with friends and family.
EL: What do you see as the key roles and responsibilities of an HOA trustee, and how do you plan to fulfill them?
JDT: The trustees collectively act as the board, and their role is primarily one of governance, leadership, direction, and oversight, rather than day-to-day operational management.
Kingswood has a strong management and operational team appointed by the board. My aim is to apply my experience to ensure that the execution by this team remains aligned with good governance, sound financial principles, and the broader goals of the HOA. These goals include maintaining a safe, well-managed, and vibrant community where the concerns, ideas, and suggestions of residents are properly considered and aligned with the mandate and capabilities of the HOA.
That said, I strongly believe that no HOA can succeed without the active support of and collaboration with its community. It is up to each resident to be neighbourly, constructive, and involved, even in small ways. By working together, we can strengthen relationships, build a positive community spirit, and continue improving Kingswood as a place we are all proud to call home.
EL: What skills, experience, or personal qualities do you believe will help you serve the community effectively in this role?
JDT: I like to believe that I am a fair and balanced person, with the ability to step back from emotions, analyse the facts objectively, and deal with matters in a way that serves the interests of the ultimate beneficiaries – in this case, first and foremost, the residents. Through my career and professional experience, I have developed strong expertise in governance, financial management, team collaboration, and sound decision-making. I believe these are areas where I can make a meaningful contribution. On the social and community side, I am approachable and open to engaging with residents. As both a resident and a family man, I have a strong community-focused agenda and a genuine interest in helping Kingswood remain a safe, welcoming, and well-managed estate.
EL: What message would you like to share with homeowners about your commitment to the community, and how can residents work with you to make our neighbourhood an even better place to live?
JDT: In my view, an HOA cannot be run purely as a business, but it also cannot be run solely on social or community-based objectives. A fine balance must be achieved between community needs, accountability, financial integrity, and the long-term protection of the estate and its residents.
Residents contribute through their levies, and it is important that those contributions are managed responsibly, transparently, and in the best interests of the broader community.
Communities are complex and consist of people with different personalities, views, and experiences. My commitment is to do my best to understand the needs and will of the community, and to help align those needs with the vision, mandate, and capabilities of the HOA.
I would encourage residents to engage constructively, raise concerns in a respectful manner, contribute ideas, and participate positively in the life of the estate. If we approach matters with goodwill and a shared commitment to Kingswood, we can make our neighbourhood an even better place to live.
Meet your trustee: Gerrit Nieuwoudt aka Fielies
I am honoured to have been re-elected as a trustee of the Kingswood Golf Estate Homeowners Association and welcome this opportunity to introduce myself. We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful and pristine golf estates in the country. While none of us can change the outcome of world events such as the conflict in Ukraine or the war in the Middle East, I firmly believe that if we apply our minds, skills, expertise, and time to the matters within our control, Kingswood will continue to flourish and reach new heights.
My previous experience includes 11 years as a town councillor and 12 years as director of the Heritage Estate where we used to live.
I am committed to bringing this experience into the service of the Kingswood Estate and community. I thank the homeowners for their continued trust in my fellow trustees and me – we promise to dedicate our collective time and efforts to support the CEO and staff in making Kingswood the preferred family golf estate on the Garden Route.
I see the core responsibilities of the board of trustees as including financial oversight, general rules, maintenance, golf club and golf operations, legal compliance, and homeowner communication. I do not believe trustees should interfere in the day-to-day management, as our very competent CEO and staff have proven highly effective, and thus rather deserve the board’s oversight, guidance, and support.
On a personal note: my wife, Lidwinia, is a mathematics specialist who tutors from our home and is a co-author of the government-approved Mind Action Series Mathematics textbooks. We have two sons: our eldest, Philip, teaches English at St John’s International School in Brussels, Belgium, while our youngest, Bernard, is a chartered financial analyst working at Mastercard in Johannesburg.
I am personally involved in Kingswood’s security upgrades, which have in the last few years been a significant undertaking in both cost and expertise. We are well on our way to having the entire perimeter fence fitted with cameras, fibre, and electricity, and I look forward to seeing this important project through to completion in the near future.
Living in a gated estate brings its own responsibilities, and some compromises are necessary for us to coexist peacefully. My wish for Kingswood is simple: that we continue working together as a close-knit community – supporting and looking out for one another, today and in the years ahead.
I am honoured and grateful to have been elected as a trustee of our homeowners association. Having already had the privilege of serving as the Ladies’ Captain, I’ve come to appreciate what makes our estate such a special place to live, play and build friendships. I look forward to serving the community in this new role.
What inspired me to become a trustee?
I believe that a great community is built by people who are willing to contribute their time and energy for the benefit of others. Being actively involved in our estate has given me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, and becoming a trustee felt like a natural next step. I hope to bring a positive, approachable, and collaborative perspective to the board, helping to ensure that our estate continues to be a place we are all proud to call home. I’m a social person, I like to be involved, and I enjoy being part of a community.
Meet your trustee: Marilyn Franklin
I am honoured and grateful to have been elected as a trustee of our homeowners association. Having already had the privilege of serving as the Ladies’ Captain, I’ve come to appreciate what makes our estate such a special place to live, play, and build friendships. I look forward to serving the community in this new role.
What inspired me to become a trustee?
I believe that a great community is built by people who are willing to contribute their time and energy for the benefit of others. Being actively involved in our estate has given me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, and becoming a trustee felt like a natural next step. I hope to bring a positive, approachable, and collaborative perspective to the board, helping to ensure that our estate continues to be a place we are all proud to call home. I’m a social person, I like to be involved, and I enjoy being part of a community.
A little about me
My husband Edmund and I moved to Kingswood from Cape Town in 2022. We both enjoy golf and cycling, which allows us to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful environment we are fortunate to live in. We have two children – our daughter, Catherine, is married to Doogi and they live on Jeju Island in South Korea.
Catherine manages the academic program for five schools in Seoul, and Doogi owns and runs a European brunch-style restaurant. Our son, James, is a business consultant with Accenture in London, working in the financial services industry.
I consider myself a people person and value the relationships that make our community unique.
I have a keen interest in understanding every aspect of how our estate operates, whether it’s learning more about the work of our greenskeepers, appreciating the dedication of our maintenance teams, or understanding the important role our office staff play behind the scenes.
I believe every person contributes to the success of our estate and deserves recognition and respect.
The role of a trustee
To me, being a trustee is about listening, representing homeowners fairly, and making balanced decisions that are in the best interests of the entire community. It requires transparency, integrity, and a willingness to work as part of a team. I am committed to being accessible, keeping an open mind, and taking the time to understand different viewpoints before making decisions.
What I bring to the role
I believe my greatest strengths are my ability to connect with people, communicate openly, and work collaboratively. I enjoy learning, asking questions, and understanding how things work, which I believe helps in making informed decisions. I try to be approachable, am absolutely committed, and very enthusiastic about serving our community.
I am looking forward to meeting even more residents and hearing your ideas, concerns and suggestions. Our estate is successful because of the people who live and work here, and I believe we all have a role to play in maintaining and improving it. I look forward to contributing positively to the future of our lovely estate.
Meet your trustee: Les Penfold
EL: What inspired you to take on the role of trustee, and what positive changes or contributions do you hope to bring to our homeowners association?
LP: We have only been living on the estate for six months, but in this short time, we have fallen in love with the lifestyle it brings. From what we have seen and experienced, the estate is very well run, so at first, I will need to understand the full operations sitting behind each of the portfolios making up the complete estate administration.
EL: Could you tell us a little about yourself, including your family?
LP: I retired six years ago from a corporate career in banking, structured finance, and governance. I am married to Benita, and we have a 24-year-old special needs daughter. I am an avid wildlife photographer, love spending time in the bush, and enjoy travelling with Benita. And, of course, I enjoy my golf.
EL: What do you see as the key roles and responsibilities of an HOA trustee, and how do you plan to fulfill them?
LP: A trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and all homeowners, hence the key roles and responsibilities include governance and oversight, financial stewardship, strategic planning, risk and compliance, maintenance and asset protection, appointment and supervision of management, dispute resolution, rule enforcement, and, importantly, community representation. As one of the estate’s custodians of governance, finances, and community wellbeing, I will ensure that all of the key roles and responsibilities are adequately shared among trustees according to individual skill sets and experience.
EL: What skills, experience, or personal qualities do you believe will help you serve the community effectively in this role?
LP: My background and experience in finance, attention to detail, and being a stickler for correct governance, together with my experience as having served as a director of the HOA of a private game reserve, will definitely serve me well in this role as trustee.
EL: What message would you like to share with homeowners about your commitment to the community, and how can residents work with you to make our neighbourhood an even better place to live?
LP: We have all made a long-term investment in the estate, and I always work hard to grow my assets to ensure a good return on my investments, which, in this case, will benefit all homeowners
Meet your trustee: Pietman van Heerden
For Pietman van Heerden, serving as a trustee at Kingswood Estate is about giving back to the community he has proudly called home for the past 13 years. His motivation is simple, yet deeply meaningful – to preserve the exceptional lifestyle that residents enjoy while continually looking for opportunities to enhance it.
‘As a resident, I only want the best for Kingswood,’ says Pietman. ‘My inspiration comes from maintaining our standards and improving wherever we can.’
Pietman brings with him a lifetime of leadership, practical experience, and a strong sense of community. After a distinguished 42-year career in farming, he and his wife, Ronelle, to whom he has been happily married for 51 years, chose Kingswood as the place to enjoy the next chapter of their lives. Together, they have three children, all of whom cherish spending time with their family at the estate. Over the years, Pietman has served on a number of committees and has been actively involved in golf – experiences that have strengthened his appreciation for effective governance, collaboration, and maintaining high standards.
His background in agriculture, together with extensive involvement in wildlife and game farming, has also given him a deep understanding of environmental stewardship, long-term planning, and responsible decision-making.
Pietman believes that one of the most important responsibilities of an HOA trustee is to uphold the estate’s rules with integrity, ensuring that they are applied fairly and consistently for the benefit of every homeowner. By doing so, he believes Kingswood will continue to protect the quality of life and investment that residents value so highly.
Looking ahead, Pietman’s vision is centred on unity and shared responsibility.
‘I would love to see us working together as a community to make Kingswood even greater,’ he says.
With his wealth of experience, commitment to service, and genuine passion for Kingswood, Pietman looks forward to working alongside his fellow trustees and residents to preserve the estate’s unique character while helping to shape an even brighter future for the community.
Meet your trustee: Ben Vermeulen
‘Strong communities are built on collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement – principles that new Kingswood Golf Estate trustee Ben Vermeulen believes are essential to creating an exceptional lifestyle for every resident.
Bringing a strong financial background to the board of trustees, Ben is looking forward to contributing his expertise while helping strengthen the relationship between residents, management, and the estate’s world-class facilities.
‘I see the role of the trustees as supporting management in the execution of their duties while ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents are effectively communicated,’ says Ben.
With experience in finance, Ben believes he can make a meaningful contribution to the estate’s governance and decision-making processes. He is particularly passionate about improving communication between the trustees and Kingswood’s golf operations, ensuring that the needs and expectations of golf club members are well represented.
‘As someone with a financial background, I hope to add value through sound decision-making and responsible governance,’ he explains. ‘I would also like to strengthen communication between golf operations and the trustees, particularly on matters affecting our golf members.’
For Ben, one of Kingswood Estate’s greatest strengths is the exceptional lifestyle it offers. From its world-class golf course to its beautiful natural surroundings and vibrant community spirit, he believes these amenities are central to residents’ enjoyment and well-being.
‘I believe that happiness for residents lies in making the most of the incredible facilities our estate offers,’ he says.
Ben encourages homeowners to play an active role in the community by engaging openly with both the trustees and the management team.
‘If residents have concerns, ideas or suggestions, I encourage them to share these with the trustees and management. By working together and communicating openly, we can continue to improve where needed and ensure that Kingswood remains one of South Africa’s premier lifestyle estates.’
With a collaborative approach, practical financial insight, and a commitment to listening to residents, Ben Vermeulen looks forward to helping preserve and enhance the exceptional lifestyle that makes Kingswood Estate such a remarkable place to call home.
