Sabine Plattner African Charities
Fancourt’s owners, Hasso and Sabine Plattner, along with their daughters Tina and Steffi, have always committed themselves to the upliftment and advancement of disadvantaged communities in George and the Southern Cape, and to this effect, established the Fancourt Foundation in 1999.
The Foundation activities were redirected to Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) in 2008, in order to broaden the focus and reach of the charitable initiatives.
SPAC continues to work closely with the George Child and Family Welfare. Mrs. Plattner first became involved with the organisation nine years ago when, due to financial constraints, it was almost forced to close down. With her support and dedication the organisation has since become a lifeline to hundreds of children and families. George Child Welfare now has a Trauma Centre for victims of child abuse and severe neglect, a 24-hour support service, a new premises with counseling rooms, recreational areas for youths, the Sikelela Skills Development Centre (which provides arts and crafts training to unemployment members of the community so that they may earn a living), as well as an on-site coffee shop and gift store. In January 2008, the organisation opened a Safe House in the community of Blanco, in order to provide emergency short-term placement for children who have been abused, and who are in need of a loving home. To date many children have benefitted from this wonderful facility.
SPAC continues its scholar support programme at York High School, where financial and educational support is provided for several learners. Despite having been educated at Primary School in their mother tongue, Xhosa, and having a relatively little understanding of English, past learners in the programme have managed to matriculate and have gone on to find employment.
Another initiative to benefit from SPAC’s involvement is The Darling Trust, which assists the community of Darling by empowering individuals through education, health and skills development. A multi-purpose Centre is underway, which will consist of a swimming pool facility, a multi-purpose activities centre and an early-childhood development centre. Pieter-Dirk Uys is the patron of The Darling Trust and the Darling Health and Sport Centre, as is Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
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