THE Trustees, from left to right:
Mr J Viviers; Mr J. Lackay; Mr B. Pool; Me D Gabriels; Dr C van der Merwe; Mrs S February; Mr P Retief; Mrs S. Frank
(Absent: Mnr M Cyster)

Dr Carel van der Merwe (Executive Chairperson)
Carel studied at Stellenbosch University (B.Com and PhD), the University of Cape Town (GDA), and Middlesex University (MA). He qualified as a Chartered Accountant and later obtained a PhD in History from Stellenbosch University. During his career he has held several executive director positions in the investment banking and information technology sectors. He was also a co-founder of African Merchant Bank. Carel is the author of six fiction and non-fiction books, which have been awarded numerous literary awards. He has served as Chairperson of the Stellenbosch Heritage Trust since 2012.

Mr Matty Cyster
Matty studied at the University of the Western Cape, where he qualified as a teacher and obtained a B.Sc. (Hons), B.Ed, and U.O.D. He was the principal of Lückhoff High School in Stellenbosch, where he served for twenty-five years. He was also chairperson of the Pniël Cultural Trust, which established the Pniël Museum. Later, he founded the Pniël Writing School and Pniël Art School, both of which strive to bring the history of the village to life. He is co-author of the book Pniël en sy mense and was the driving force in the research of Pniël’s slave history.

Mrs Sherrill February
Sherrill studied at the University of South Africa and obtained a Diploma in Human Resource Management. She was employed by Stellenbosch University for thirty-two years as a human resources practitioner and also held a secondary appointment as Residence Head of a women’s residence at the University. Sherrill currently plays a leading role in her church and serves as chairperson of various committees. She is also actively involved with senior citizens in the community where she lives.

Ms Debbie Gabriels
Debbie has been the Head of the Stellenbosch Museum since 1998. She holds a National Diploma in Secretarial and Office Administration, a Diploma in Financial Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Mr Jeff Lackay
Jeff studied at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He has academic training and experience in architecture and urban design and is registered with SACAP (South African Council for the Architectural Profession) as a Professional Senior Architectural Technologist. Jeff is chairperson of the maintenance committee of the Stellenbosch Heritage Trust.

Mr Brian Pool
Brian studied at the University of Cape Town, where he obtained a BSc, BEd, and a Senior Education Diploma (SED). Brian was the principal of Lückhoff High School in Stellenbosch and subsequently served in the Inspectorate of the Department of Education until his retirement.

Mr Pietman Retief
Pietman studied at Stellenbosch University and held various marketing positions in the Rembrandt Group and the wine industry for thirty-five years. He is a founding member of Stellenbosch Tourism and has served in various positions at the Stellenbosch Museum over many years. He is an honorary life member of Stellenbosch Tourism, the South African Vine and Wine Association, Wine Cellars South Africa, and the Huguenot Society.

Mr Jan Viviers
Jan studied law at Stellenbosch University, is an admitted attorney, and currently a director of ENSafrica (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs), where he specialises in corporate law. Jan has regularly appeared in the Best Lawyers list and was named 'Lawyer of the Year' by Best Lawyers in 2018 (Corporate Law) and 2026 (Mergers and Acquisitions). Jan plays an active role in the Stellenbosch and Kayamandi communities and is a founding member of several community initiatives in Kayamandi, including the Amazink restaurant. He is also a trustee of the Greater Stellenbosch Trust.

Ms Sonja Frank (Secretary)
Sonja is an admitted attorney and tax practitioner and has been a director of Exceed Trust (Pty) Ltd since 2008. Sonja provides tax and fiduciary services to Exceed’s clients, including the Stellenbosch Heritage Trust. Sonja is the contact person for any enquiries relating to the Stellenbosch Heritage Trust.